You are a
SENIOR'S CAREGIVER
A senior's caregiver is:
A person who supports or cares for a senior citizen aged 65 and over, often experiencing a loss of independence due to age, illness, or physical condition. This role involves many forms of support, such as assistance with daily activities, managing medical care, accompanying the person to appointments, as well as providing emotional and social support.
Being a caregiver for a senior means providing invaluable support while facing specific challenges related to age and health. Our support service for caregivers of seniors is designed to provide you with appropriate tools, practical advice, and a space to connect with others facing similar situations.
Preserve your well-being,
avoid exhaustion
Être proche aidant peut rapidement mener à l’épuisement physique, émotionnel et psychologique si les besoins personnels ne sont pas pris en compte. Il est essentiel de reconnaître les signes d’épuisement avant qu’ils ne deviennent trop lourds à gérer. Nous vous aidons à identifier les stratégies pour gérer le stress, maintenir un équilibre entre vos responsabilités de proche aidant et vos besoins personnels, et profiter de moments de répit pour vous ressourcer. Notre objectif est de vous offrir les outils nécessaires pour prévenir l’épuisement et préserver votre bien-être tout en continuant à apporter un soutien de qualité à votre proche.
Individual support
Because every caregiver experiences a unique reality, we offer personalized support, according to your needs and at your own pace.
Support that adapts to you
Our meetings can take place by phone, Zoom, or in person. You choose the option that suits you best.
We are here to offer you:
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- Une écoute attentive et bienveillante;
- Un accompagnement dans vos démarches;
- Des informations et références vers les;
ressources adaptées à votre situation; - Moral support during more difficult times.
Whether it's to talk, look for solutions or simply be heard, you are not alone.
Cozy Coffee
A space for exchange and support
Each month, we offer a coffee and conversation session focused on a different theme. These gatherings provide a special opportunity to:
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- Partager votre vécu;
- Trouver écoute et réconfort;
- Découvrir des ressources et pistes de réflexion;
- Take some time for yourself in a supportive environment.
Terms and conditions
Frequency: once a month
Format: In person or via Zoom
Schedule: daytime or evening (depending on the group)
Whether over coffee or behind your screen, you are welcome for a warm and rejuvenating moment.
Lunch
Man-Date
Because helping out a loved one can be demanding. And sometimes, it feels good to take a breather and chat with other guys who are going through similar things.
The "Man-Dates" are:
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- Un moment pour rencontrer d’autres hommes proches aidants;
- Partager vos expériences sans gêne, autour d’un bon repas;
- Créer des liens dans un climat simple et relax;
- And above all, take time for yourself, without judgment or pressure.
Terms and conditionsFrequency: once a month
Location: in a restaurant within the territory
Meals: at your own expense
No need for preparation or long speeches, just come as you are. It's simply a moment among guys to chat, laugh a little, understand each other... and leave feeling lighter.
Conference
At the heart of caregiving:
What drives us to care for others
Why do we choose to take care of a loved one?
Helping is normal! Why do we normalize this role which demands so much energy?
This conference aims to explore the deep motivations that drive caregivers.
Through discussions and guided reflections, you will discover:
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- Ce qui nourrit le désir d’aider et de soutenir les autres;
- Les valeurs, émotions et expériences qui façonnent votre rôle;
- And how to better understand your impulses to help each other in order to preserve your own balance.
A moment to recognize oneself, refocus and recharge, in a caring and respectful atmosphere.
Duration: one 2.5-hour sessionCost: FreeLocation: (to be specified according to your organization)
This activity is aimed at all those who support a loved one and who wish to better understand their caregiving journey — and the profound meaning that motivates them.
Conference workshop
Understanding and coming to terms with white grief.
White grief is the grief that one goes through when the loved one is still alive… but the bond, the relationship or the person they once knew has profoundly changed.
This workshop offers you a supportive space for exchange and reflection to:
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- Mieux comprendre ce qu’est le deuil blanc et en reconnaître les manifestations;
- Mettre des mots sur les émotions liées à la perte progressive d’un lien ou d’une relation;
- Se sentir moins seul face à cette réalité souvent méconnue;
- Découvrir des outils pour avancer avec douceur et bienveillance;
- S’enrichir des expériences partagées par d’autres proches aidants.
Whether you are facing a neurodegenerative disease or a loss of autonomy in a loved one, this workshop invites you to take care of yourself, while continuing to provide support.
Workshop
Helping without injury
Helping a loved one with their mobility often requires strength, patience… and good techniques!
This workshop is for caregivers who want to acquire practical knowledge and skills to make journeys safely — both for themselves and for the person being cared for.
On the agenda:
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- Les principes de base d’un déplacement sécuritaire;
- Des gestes simples pour protéger votre dos et vos articulations;
- Des astuces pratiques pour prévenir les chutes et les blessures;
- And demonstrations to put these concepts into practice.
A dynamic and useful workshop, which will allow you to take care of others without hurting yourself, respecting your abilities and those of the person being helped.
Duration: 1 workshop of 3 hoursCost: Free for everyoneLocation: (to be specified according to your organization)
Conference workshop
The guilt
You often blame yourself… but why?
Guilt is a feeling that many caregivers carry in silence. What if we finally took a moment to talk about it together? Through discussions and guided reflections, this workshop invites you to:
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- Mieux comprendre l’origine de la culpabilité;
- Connaître ses impacts dans votre quotidien;
- Explore ways to take a gentler and kinder view of yourself.
Terms and conditionsFormat: a meeting via Zoom or in person
A safe space to reflect, share and move forward, without judgment.
Other workshops and conferences available:
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- Crédits d’impôts pour proche aidant;
- Mandat d’inaptitude avec Notaire et travailleur social;
- Accompagner en milieu d’hébergement: le cœur toujours là. *work in progress
Workshop series
Caregiving Before Exhaustion
Discover practical and compassionate strategies to support your loved one on a daily basis, while also taking care of your own well-being. Our resources will help you maintain your energy, mental health, and balance.
On the agenda:
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- Retrouver votre énergie et votre motivation;
- Gérer la culpabilité et les responsabilités;
- Reconnaître vos besoins et faire valoir vos droits;
- Faire des choix éclairés, en toute confiance;
- Protéger votre santé physique et émotionnelle;
- Composer avec les changements dans votre quotidien;
- Trouver du soutien auprès de la famille et des ressources disponibles;
- Comprendre les enjeux d’un contrat d’aidance ou d’engagement.
Caring for a loved one at the end of life
A space to reflect, understand and offer compassionate support. – Exploring one's own perception of death and recognizing its personal impact.
On the agenda:
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- Mieux comprendre son cheminement face à la fin de vie;
- Offrir une présence respectueuse et bienveillante tout au long du processus d’accompagnement;
- Accueillir la souffrance avec empathie, sans jugement;
- Approfondir la notion de mourir dans la dignité et en saisir le sens humain.
Various workshops with the objective
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- D’acquérir de nouvelles connaissances pour mieux accompagner;
- De réfléchir sur sa relation d’aide et son impact;
- D’accompagner tout en respectant ses limites et ses besoins;
- To prevent physical and emotional exhaustion.
Sharing, generosity, and compassion have always been present.
- Nathalie Crête.
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Excellent interaction between the speaker and the participants; several examples were provided to support the explanations.
- Francine
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I thank the counselor for her attentive listening, empathy, and the care she gives to each participant. It was time for me, surrounded by kind-hearted people. I am an important person, and to fulfill my responsibilities as a caregiver, I need to take time for myself without guilt.
- Hélène R.
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About three years ago, my husband started showing signs of cognitive decline. Previously, he had always had an excellent sense of direction, but now he was getting lost in very familiar places. My family and friends recommended that I call the CLSC (local community health center) and apply to a center to reserve a place for him, given the long waiting list. This option didn't appeal to me.
At the CLSC, I was referred to Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent, an organization I hadn't known existed. The counselor was incredibly empathetic, understanding, and professional; she made me feel very comfortable. She gave me advice and information and assured me I could contact her anytime for guidance or simply for emotional support. This visit was very reassuring and made me feel accompanied and supported as I continued along the somewhat bumpy path we were on.
Every three months, the counselor calls to check on us and see if we need any additional services. Shortly after my meeting with her, I received a call offering my husband the opportunity to spend a full day each week at the Relais-Répit Centre in St-Chrysostome. There, he would participate in stimulating activities with other residents, led by two very energetic activity coordinators. This gave my husband a chance to socialize and keep his mind active. He really enjoyed this day, and it gave me a chance to recharge.
In addition, a caregiver has been assigned to him who comes home two afternoons a week. She keeps him company and plays board games, does crosswords, etc., with him. Due to Covid, the services were interrupted for a short period, but fortunately resumed, although somewhat modified afterwards.
I am deeply grateful for the excellent services, support, and encouragement your organization has provided and continues to provide. I am convinced that this assistance has greatly contributed to slowing the progression of my husband's illness and allowing him to experience moments of joy and happiness in our home, which we prepared together, hoping to live there for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much for this invaluable support. I hope your organization will have a long life, be better known, and receive greater support.
- Jeannette Lussier-Lazaroff
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