Giving Tuesday
PRESS RELEASE
Saint-Chrysostome, December 2nd, 2024 – As part of the National Caregivers Week, which took place from November 3th to the 9th, the organization, Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent, thanks to the funding of the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, has offered a self-care treatment to more than 86 caregivers from the Haut-Saint-Laurent territory.
The objective behind this action is to recognize the daily involvement of caregivers by allowing them to take time for themselves and to take a well-deserved break.
Since October, selected caregivers were able to take advantage of a self-care treatment session of their choice: massage (60 minutes), acupuncture, osteopathy or a facial, at one of the following 3 facilities (Spa Franklin, Centre Jai Ma or Spa-santé Le Relais Campagnard).
For over 27 years, Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent has been dedicated to preventing caregiver burnout. Based in Saint-Chrysostome, this non-profit organization supports hundreds of caregivers each year, whether they are caring for seniors, individuals with disabilities under 64, or those in post-caregiving or grieving situations. It offers individual and group psychosocial support, reflective workshops, and respite programs. Through these efforts, the organization works to improve the quality of life for caregivers.
For more information about the organization, please visit their website at: www.aidantshsl.org
Source: Julie Paquette
General Director, Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent
450-826-1243
direction@aidantshsl.org
“Lavender Yoga” Fundraiser 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Saint-Chrysostome, May 3th, 2024 – Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent is launching is Annually fundraising campaign “Lavender Yoga”.
The objective of the fundraising campaign is to raise over $2,000.00 to support caregivers in their journey.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 in the charming location of our partner Le Lavandou., in Franklin.
Soft Yoga sessions will be offered on Saturday, June 29th at a cost of $20.00 per participant. (In case of rain, it will be postponed to Sunday, June 30th). In addition, participants will be invited to visit the site and use the installations for a picnic. They will also be able to buy lavender products ($) and visit an art gallery.
We will have an information booth throughout the day. You are welcome to come and meet us.
Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent has been specializing in the prevention of caregiver exhaustion for over 27 years. Located in Saint-Chrysostome, the non-profit organization supports hundreds of caregivers each year from the beginning of the loss of autonomy of their loved one until the bereavement period, in addition to offering training, support groups and a respite service. Through this work, the organization helps caregivers having a better quality of life.
To purchase tickets, you can visit:
https://www.zeffy.com/fr-CA/ticketing/e9589390-ee3f-49bc-a073-3b7a075b2af4
Support for Post-Caregiving
PRESS RELEASE
Saint-Chrysostome, March 26th, 2024 – The organization “Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent” is launching a new innovative project: Support for Post-Caregiving.
What is post-caregiving? It is the support provided to individuals who have experienced the journey of caregiving and the person they cared for has passed away or is on the way to recovery.
The organization supports caregivers throughout the process, from the beginning of their loved one’s loss of autonomy, through end-of-life care, and even during the grieving process. But what happens when the caregiver feels their role has come to an end? After being the primary caregiver for months or even years, what is their new role after the loved one’s passing? Or, how can they let go of the person they cared for, especially if they’re in remission? In such circumstances, caregivers sometimes feel helpless, isolated, and left to fend for themselves.
Often, caregivers who have benefited from the organization’s services express a desire to continue their journey beyond caregiving. They have given so much to their loved one that they no longer know how to find themselves; they no longer know who they are. So, many are asking for services to continue for them, that the bonds created with the organization remain. Therefore, this project aims to offer support, through the expertise of a counsellor, allowing caregivers to regain control of their lives and find their new identity after caregiving.
To start with, individual psychosocial support in the form of meetings, phone calls, or video conferences is available, as well as group support (discussion groups and monthly dinners “The Journey”) are available starting this spring 2024.
Also, group reflective workshops will be available starting in 2024, this fall. These will provide tools and support to individuals who have been caregivers. Participants, will among other things, the opportunity to better recognize themselves beyond the role they have played, to break isolation, to better understand the emotions experienced during this period, and to share their experience with others who have experienced similar situations.
The counsellor in charge of this project is Mrs. Maryse Vachon. You can reach her at 450 826-1243 or at mvachon@aidantshsl.org for any questions or requests.
Let us remind you that “Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent” have specialized for over 27 years in preventing caregiver’s burnout for caregivers responsible for seniors and the clientele of the project “Any caregiver” (parents, family members, or friends who are responsible for a person under 65 living with an intellectual or physical disability or an autism spectrum disorder). Located in Saint-Chrysostome, this non-profit organization annually supports hundreds of caregivers in addition to offering trainings, support groups, and respite services (for seniors). Through this work, the organization aims to improve the quality of life for caregivers.
Source: Julie Paquette
General Manager, Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent
450 826-1243
direction@aidantshsl.org
Position for a counselor for English speaking caregivers
JOB OFFER
You are looking for a friendly and welcoming place to work?
Does helping people inspire and motivate you? This job offer is for you.
Position for a counselor for English speaking caregivers
(7 hours a week)
Reporting to the director, your main responsibilities will be to:
- Provide psychosocial support to the caregivers
- Prepare and host the « Caregiving Before Exhaustion » workshops
- Develop a schedule of workshops and services
- Open the files and keep them up to date
- Work closely with the existing team and community partners
To take up this challenge, you must have a college degree in counseling or any other related field; have between 6 months to 1 year experience in a similar role; and have a good understanding of the reality of being a caregiver.
You are bilingual, comfortable with the Microsoft Office suite, you have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, have strong animation and active listening skills. You have good judgment and initiative, and you prioritize confidentiality, are flexible, reliable, autonomous and punctual. You are also known to be a valuable team player.
Salary is based on current policy and your experience.
Send your resume by mail at: direction@aidantshsl.org
Please submit your application before April 19th, 2024to the attention of Julie Paquette,
Expected starting date: As soon as possible.
Only selected candidates will be contacted.
Support for those caring for a loved one with autism spectrum disorder
According to the 2019 Canadian Child and Youth Health Survey (CYHS), one in 50 Canadian children and youth under the age of 17 had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In Quebec, the prevalence of ASD for the same age group was 1.2 per cent to 2.2 percent. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends supporting a child or children living with a temporary or permanent disability are among the 1.5 million caregivers in Quebec.
As part of World Autism Month, it is important to highlight the ongoing involvement of those around a person with an ASD. The caregivers for these people (parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc.) often find it difficult to see themselves as such. They take on the responsibilities, often without realizing all the tasks they take on, and they do so by normalizing their involvement with the person with ASD.
Being a caregiver for a person with an ASD means being involved with greater intensity in a diversity of fields (education, rehabilitation, stimulation, transportation, help with hygiene, feeding, etc.). According to the 2019 CYHS, children with ASD were three times more likely than those without ASD to have another long-term health problem, “including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, anxiety disorders (such as phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or panic disorder), mood disorders (such as depression, bipolar disorder, mania, or dysthymia), and eating disorder (such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia), a learning disability or difficulty, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and any other problem.” All these conditions add considerably to the caregiver’s responsibilities towards the affected person.
In many cases, the caregiver must fulfill this role over a long period of time. As a result, their involvement becomes very demanding and energy consuming. This can lead to exhaustion, isolation, and even deep psychological distress. For these reasons, it is vital that caregivers are supported in their role.
Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent is there to offer services to help caregivers find assistance and comfort.
*This article was published in the Gleaner newspaper on April 3rd, 2024.
Fundraiser – Lavender Soft Yoga
PRESS RELEASE
Saint-Chrysostome, June 2, 2023 – Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent is launching a new fundraiser this year – Yoga Lavender.
The goal of the fundraising campaign is to raise over $2,000.00 to support caregivers in the Haut-Saint-Laurent region on their journey.
The event will take place on Sunday, July 9, at the site of our event partner: Le Lavandou, located in Franklin and part of the “Circuit du paysan”.
Gentle yoga sessions will be offered on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at a cost of $15.00 per participant. (In the event of rain, they will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 15, 2023). In addition, participants will be invited to visit the site and use the picnic facilities. They can also purchase lavender products (at their own expense) and visit an art gallery.
We will have an information booth throughout the day. We are delighted to meet you and explain all the services we offer.
For over 25 years, Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent has specialized in preventing caregiver burnout. Located in Saint-Chrysostome, the charitable organization supports hundreds of caregivers every year, from the onset of their loved one’s loss of autonomy through to bereavement, in addition to offering training, support groups and a respite service. Through this work, the organization aims to help caregivers enjoy a better quality of life.
To buy tickets:
Source : Valérie Desgroseilliers
Interim Director
450-826-1243
direction@aidantshsl.org
Tips for transitioning after the time change.
Tips for transitioning after the time change.
After the time change, you may be experiencing extra feelings of exhaustion. Remember to be easy on yourself during this time. The role of a caregiver is already very demanding.
Here are some ideas to ease the transition during the time change.
- go to sleep an hour earlier.
We can’t stop the time change from happening, but we can try to ease the transition by going to bed earlier. Starting today, begin your bedtime routine an hour earlier. By Sunday, you will be better equipped to transition when the time springs forward.
- Ask your entourage for help.
As caregivers, we sometimes feel an obligation to juggle all our responsibilities ourselves. Asking your loved ones for help can ease the transition during the time change. Some things they can help with could be:
Cooking some freezable meals
Spending time with your loved one so you can rest
Making some phone calls or appointments for you
Simply listening to you
- Be kind to yourself.
You may feel additional feelings of exhaustion during this time. It is normal to have difficulty getting through the day. Remind yourself that the transition is hard and leave the kitchen to be cleaned another day.
- Practice relaxation techniques
Feeling tired can affect our nervous system. We may feel more impatient than usual. Our frustration tolerance may be lowered. Practicing breathing techniques or meditating can help you feel more centered, and better able to tackle your day.
- Call us for support.
We offer a variety of services to help you through your caregiver journey. Speaking to one of our counselors can help relieve your stress and worries about your loved one. Our counselors have a vast amount of knowledge to guide you through difficult times.
Transitioning through difficult times is not easy, but we can ease the transition by using the tools available to us. Preparing in advance, asking for help, and using the proper resources can help you with your caregiving role. Call us today to begin your journey with our qualified team.
(450) 826-1243
Video clip – testimonials from our caregivers
PRESS RELEASE
Saint-Chrysostome, wednesday, June 22, 2022 – To celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary, Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent is launching a new video to raise awareness among caregivers and those around them to seek help and support as soon as possible.
The objective of the video is to normalize family caregiving. The testimonials remind us that you are not alone in this situation. Our team gives you an overview of the benefits that listening, accompaniment and support services can bring. . In addition, it is important to be aware of the importance of taking care of yourself.
The production of the video was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Caisse Desjardins du Haut-Saint-Laurent, Claire IsaBelle, Députée de Huntingdon as well as Claude De Bellefeuille, Députée de Salaberry-Suroît.
Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent has been specializing in the prevention of caregiver burnout for over 25 years. Located in Saint-Chrysostome, the non-profit organization supports hundreds of caregivers each year from the onset of their loved one’s loss of autonomy until the bereavement period, in addition to offering training, support groups and a respite service. Through this work, the organization aims to help caregivers have a better quality of life.
To view the video, you can go to the website: www.aidantshsl.org/ or on Facebook and InstagramLes Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent.
– 30 –
Source : Julie Paquette
General Manager: Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent
450-826-1243
direction@aidantshsl.org
Video Clip – Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent
Video Clip – Jeannette Lazaroff
Video Clip – Jean-Luc-Payant
Video clip – Jeanne
Newslettre 25th anniversary
Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent is very pleased to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. After several months of design work, we are excited to share our new visual identity with you. The organization is officially unveiling its new name and logo to the community. You have the privilege of being the first to read our special edition newsletter which is a review of our journey over the years, our evolution, and our new features.