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
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.
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.
Being a caregiver: Every journey is unique
Embarking on the caregiver’s journey is an experience that can come with unimaginable hardships. The caregiver undergoes many transitions, ranging from the onset of the loved one’s illness, the shock of the diagnosis, understanding the disease, and then taking the necessary steps to care for them. The role of the caregiver is one of exploration that is in constant evolution. Unique on to itself.
As the journey unfolds and responsibilities accumulate, the caregiver finds themselves unprepared for their role. The motivation to care for their loved ones challenges them to push their kindness, patience, and tolerance to the edge. The level of dedication displayed by the caregiver comes at the cost of their values, needs and limits. Faced with the obstacle of overcoming exhaustion, they begin to feel overwhelmed.
The Caregivers Journey : Being a caregiver without realizing it
Why is it so difficult to identify ourselves as family caregivers when it is the intuitive thing to do for a loved one? Compassion, empathy and being of service come naturally to those with a strong sense of family and community. Whether it be a parent, a spouse or a close friend that is declining in health or has a debilitating disease, the busiest one is usually the first to step in. The journey starts here without even a thought of how it will affect us in the long run.
Often, when a loved one becomes ill or declines in health, complete focus is placed on their care and/or recovery. Without even a thought, does the caregiver question their own needs. (That would seem selfish).