Caregivers Out Loud

At some point in our lives, we'll all be faced with a tough decision we didn't see coming. In most caregiving situations, people enter the caregiving role with love and passion. Then pretty soon, they begin to see some of the bigger implications, such as how finances are a big factor in the choices that affect the care recipient OR the caregiver themself. In today's episode, we chat with Shannon Lee Simmons, a Certified Financial Planner and the author of a new book "No Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult Times", to tackle some of the anxiety and emotional stress for caregivers that come with making important financial decisions. And answer the question, how do we make good decisions during difficult times? Resources: Shannon Lee Simmon's new book: "No-Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult Times" - https://bookshop.org/p/books/no-regret-decisions-making-difficult-decisions-in-difficult-times-shannon-lee-simmons/15788581?ean=9781443463454 Connect with Shannon - https://shannonleesimmons.com/ FCBC Overview of Financial General Resources, Tax Benefits and Credits for Caregivers - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Guide-to-Financial-Assistance-for-Caregivers.pdf Involuntary Separation Article - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Involuntary-Separation.pdf Government of Canada Benefits Finder - https://srv138.services.gc.ca/daf/q?id=37d7bcd6-f3f3-492b-ac3e-b869d7fb005c&goctemplateculture=en-ca Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm PT) Canada Revenue Agency General Enquiries Line: 1-800-959-8281 (Mon-Fri 8 am- 8pm and Saturday 9am-5pm) Connect With Us! To read a full transcript of each episode, visit the Family Caregivers of BC website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast Visit us at our office: #6 – 3318 Oak Street, Victoria, BC V8X 1R1 Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am and 4:00 pm Telephone: (250) 384-0408 Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter https://twitter.com/caringbc Thank you! BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients Organized Sound Productions - https://www.organizedsound.ca/

The experience of living and caring for someone with dementia is not always a universal experience and there can be different situations and patterns. However, there are some similar challenges caregivers face when trying to communicate with care recipients who are living with dementia. In this episode, Bill Israel speaks with Amelia Gillies, a Support and Education Coordinator with the Alzheimer's Society of BC about caring for someone living with dementia. Amelia shares stories she's heard on the support line, and also her own personal experience caregiving for people with dementia. Listen in as she provides education and suggestions for you to try when you're caregiving. Resources: We'd love to share the First Link® Dementia Helpline as our primary resource: English: 1-800-936-6033 Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm Alzheimer's Society of BC https://alzheimer.ca/bc/ Creativity as a Form of Self Care episode https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast/episode-14-creativity-as-a-form-of-self-care Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line at 1-877-520-3267 Connect With Us! Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/ Visit us at our office: #6 – 3318 Oak Street, Victoria, BC V8X 1R1 Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am and 4:00 pm Telephone: (250) 384-0408 Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter https://twitter.com/caringbc Thank you! BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Engaging with creativity is a form of self-care that can benefit both a caregiver and a care recipient in many ways. In 2015, psychologist and art therapist Dr. Cathy Malchiodi cited multiple studies confirming that being creative can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive symptoms, reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and even improve immune system functioning. A 2016 study in The Journal of Positive Psychology supported these earlier findings, concluding that spending time on creative goals during a day is associated with higher activated positive affect (PA) on that day. Positive affect is the extent to which people experience positive moods, such as joy, happiness, and optimism. Higher positive effects lower stress and expand our perspective so that we notice more possibilities in our lives. In today's episode, Bill chats with Faye Melling, a caregiver for her adult daughter. Faye talks about how being creative has helped her deal with some of the ups and downs in her caregiving journey. She also shares how her daughter is using artistic expression as a way to deal with some of the challenges she's experiencing due to her condition. Resources: Article on outcomes of art therapy and colouring for caregivers of cancer patients: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462388919301152 Article on how creativity is an advantage for self-care: https://nyctherapy.com/therapists-nyc-blog/creativity-is-your-secret-advantage-for-mental-health-and-well-being/ Study on benefits of creative arts leisure program to caregivers: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2055102915581563 Study on the connection between heart, healing, and public health with links to psychologist and art therapist Dr. Cathy Malchiodi https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/ "Caregiver Well-Being" in the Resource Center at https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/read-resources Connect With Us! Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/ Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter https://twitter.com/caringbc Thank you! BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Once the decision has been made that placement in a care community is necessary, caregivers are often faced with the "what next" question. Because there are different levels of care and each community has a different 'personality', it's very important to be as prepared as possible for the transition. In this episode, we chat with Kathy Ajas, who for the last 17-years has worked in the retirement industry, including independent living, assisted living, and short and long-term care. Together, we explore questions caregivers have when considering moving to a new level of care with their care recipient. Resources: COVID-19 Survey Highlights- the Impact of COVID-19 on Caregivers https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/virtual-caregiver-resource/covid-19-survey-highlights/ Moving from Home to Facility Flipbook FCBC Resource https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Moving-from-Home-to-Facility-Podcast-Resource-1.pdf For Long Term Care, to arrange LTC through the Health Authority, call the local Home and Community Care Office. (The BC Health Authority General Enquiry Lines that we have listed in the back of our Quarterly Newsletter). https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/how-to-arrange-for-care If you are interested in receiving assisted living services or know of someone who might be in need of these services, you can contact the home and community care office of your health authority or you can have a health care professional make a referral on your behalf. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/assisted-living Finding an Assisted Living Residence https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/assisted-living-in-bc/finding-an-assisted-living-residence Don't Judge a Book by its Cover- What to Look for in a Care Facility https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Facility-Selection-Checklist.pdf How to Check Care Facility Records https://www.healthspace.ca/clients/viha/viha_website.nsf/CCFL-Main?OpenView Who Pays for Care? https://www.healthspace.ca/clients/viha/viha_website.nsf/CCFL-Main?OpenView Online Tools and Apps: Route 65 https://route65.ca/ Route 65 was developed by EngAge BC, a non-profit operating arm of the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA), in response to a visible gap in quality information about seniors' living and wellness options in the province. On Route 65, seekers can find more information on independent living, assisted living, long-term care and home health care options. Route 65 also helps users navigate the seniors living and wellness continuum through their Glossary, Frequently Asked Questions and Resource pages, along with Walter, their 24-7 virtual concierge chatbot, who helps triage seekers to the most appropriate options. Contact 1-877-955-6565. Connect With Us! Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/ Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter https://twitter.com/caringbc Thank you! BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

28% of Canadians or 1.8 million people, provided care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition, disability or ageing need in the past year. Three-quarters of this group (6.1 million) were employed at the time, accounting for 35% of ALL employed Canadians. More and more people are becoming caregivers and a lot of these caregivers are balancing employment and caregiving. In today's episode, we hear from Rachel, who not only witnessed at a young age her mother be a caregiver, but then found herself caring for her Mother in her adult life. Rachel is part of the 'sandwich generation', currently raising and nurturing her own child and family, maintaining a full-time job and caregiving for her mother in Ontario. Rachel is an employed caregiver. When we use the term 'employed caregiver' we do not mean someone with a formal job as a paid caregiver, but rather someone that manages paid employment and at the same time is responsible for caregiving for a family or friend. Referenced Report: Vanier Institute of the Family Report, 2017, https://vanierinstitute.ca/download/10536/ Highlights: What it means to be an employed caregiver Being part of the sandwich generation - caring for children and caring for ageing parents Being a caregiver while maintaining a full-time job Challenges of caregiving within the workplace Key things that support work and caregiving Resources: First Link Dementia Helpline https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline Supporting a Family Caregiver (a friend, colleague and/or employee) in the Workplace Webinar https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/video/supporting-a-family-caregiver-a-friendcolleague-and-or-employee-in-the-workplace/ Work and Care Webinar https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/video/work-care-a-balancing-act/ Supporting Employed Caregivers Booklet https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Support-an-Employed-Caregiver.pdf Strategies to Make the Workplace more Caregiver Friendly Tips and Tools for Employees (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Organization) https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Strategies-to-Make-the-Workplace-More-Caregiver-Friendly.pdf Tips and Tools for Employers (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Organization) http://hpcintegration.ca/media/60791/TWF%20TipsTools-CHCA-Employers-FINAL.pdf Work and Caregiving: A Balancing Act (Ontario Caregivers Association) https://ontariocaregiver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OCO-Work-and-Caregiving-Toolkit-FINAL-Interactive-3.pdf Connect With Us! Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/ Telephone: (250) 384-0408 Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter https://twitter.com/caringbc Thank you! BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients Organized Sound Productions http://www.organizedsound.ca/

Have you ever said this to a struggling caregiver - "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help?' The offering has good intent, but many times people say it because they don't know how to help, are uncomfortable, or want to be polite. And although 29 percent of caregivers in BC are in distress, you will still hear caregivers say: 'I don't need any help' or 'It's okay, I'm fine'. Today we hear from Jim and how he supported his friend Art and Art's wife Grace during Grace's diagnoses and disease. Jim shares how in the process of supporting his friends, and at first it wasn't with great success, he learned a lot about himself. We talk about the FCBC Circle of Care model and how it worked for Jim and his support group. Highlights: Watching a friend with caregiving How to support his caregiver friend and his wife who was ill and then dying Circle of Care concept and development with the support of Family Caregivers of British Columbia Strategies and tools to support Vulnerability, growth, and learning from a man's point of view The need to talk with other men and find his voice in communication and understanding Resources: The Embrace of a Caring Circle Article https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/communication-skills/the-embrace-of-a-caring-circle/ Family Dynamics and Caregiving Article https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Family-Dynamics-and-Caregiving.pdf Communication Tips for Caregivers Article https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Communication-Skills-for-Family-Caregivers.pdf Accepting Help is Essential for Caregivers Article https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Accepting-Help-is-Essential.pdf Online Supports for Family Caregivers Article https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/sharing-the-care/online-aids-for-caregivers/ Creating a Gold Medal Support Network Webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNWGURkrO1Y Build Your Support Team (by Ontario Caregiver Organization) https://ontariocaregiver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OCO-starter-kit-April14.pdf Medical Assistance in Dying, MAID Webinar https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/video/medical-assistance-in-dying-maid/ Online Tools and Apps: CaringBridge helps you create a free personal website to quickly share updates about your care recipient's health journey. Share news and updates with everyone at the same time, activate your community and coordinate help, and receive emotional strength and support. https://www.caringbridge.org/ Lotsa Helping Hands features a free Help Calendar where you can post requests for support. Members of your community can quickly find ways to help, and Lotsa will send reminders and help coordinate logistics automatically so nothing falls through the cracks. Share how things are going, update requests, and receive support and feedback. http://lotsahelpinghands.com/ MealTrain is a free interactive online meal calendar with customized calendar dates, times and meal preferences. Invitations can be sent via email and Facebook including reminder emails, online journal updates and an optional donation fund add-on. https://www.mealtrain.com/ Tyze Connecting Care is an online tool that brings people together around someone receiving care.If you're helping to care for someone Tyze is a simple way to keep everyone informed and get organized. Send updates to everyone at once from anywhere, keep track of everything in one place, access appointments, store documents and let family and friends know how to help. There may be a cost involved depending on options selected. http://tyze.com/caring-for-someone/ Ability411, they "answer questions and provide practical information about technologies, tools and equipment that increase independence and well-being for BC seniors, and support their families and care teams." https://www.ability411.ca/ Links Mentioned in Episode: Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Groups https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/family-caregiver-support-groups/ Caregiver Support Line, Toll-Free in BC: 1-877-520-3267. Connect With Us! Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/ Telephone: (250) 384-0408 Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter https://twitter.com/caringbc Thank you! BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients Organized Sound Productions http://www.organizedsound.ca/

Grief is a human experience and it often feels messy or is accompanied by not knowing if you are "doing it right". Grief and loss can feel isolating. And many caregivers share different examples of grief, such as grieving the loss of your old life during caregiving and then also grieving the loss of the person you are caregiving for. Normal does not exist during grief and in today's episode, we chat with Tricia Wallace, a Clinical Counsellor with Parkinson Society BC about the topic of caregiver grief and loss and suggestions on how to work with these emotions. Highlights: Grief and the grief process. Mourning rituals and practices. Grieving during caregiving (loss of 'old life') and also loss of the person you are caregiving for. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Normal does not exist during grief. End of life planning. Resources on Grief and Loss: Grief is a Universal Experience (Caregiver Grief Process and Life after Caregiving) https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/emotions-of-caregiving/life-after-caregiving/ Canadian Virtual Hospice on Grief and Loss - Explore the process of grief and get support from the privacy of your home. https://www.mygrief.ca/ Canadian Virtual Hospice, Grief and Loss Articles https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Topics/Topics/Emotional+Health/Grief+Work.aspx Grief and Loss Webinarwith Thomas Attig https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/video/coach-caregiver-loss-grief/ The Grief Response Article, written by Janet McLean on Thomas Attig Work https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/emotions-of-caregiving/the-grief-response/ BC Bereavement Helpline https://www.bcbh.ca/ - Support Line: 1-877-779-2223 Links Mentioned in Episode: Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Groups https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/family-caregiver-support-groups/ Parkinson Society BC Resources https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/resources-services/resources/ Caregiver Support Line, Toll-Free in BC: 1-877-520-3267. Connect With Us! Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/ Telephone: (250) 384-0408 Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter https://twitter.com/caringbc Thank you! BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients Organized Sound Productions http://www.organizedsound.ca/