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