Care to imagine: More support needed for caregivers
Markham, ON, November 19, 2007 – Imagine being thrust into the role of caregiver – having to care for an elderly parent or ill spouse, without any preparation, special skills or training. For more than three million Canadians caring for loved ones at home, this is an everyday reality.
Increasingly, informal caregivers are under tremendous strain to provide front-line care, juggle their family responsibilities and earn an income, while coping with the impact of caregiving on their lives.
“This is where our Caregiver Support Program comes in,” says Susanne Williams, chair of the Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation, a charitable not-for-profit foundation dedicated to addressing the critical need for increased resources in the area of informal caregiving. At no extra cost, this unique program supports caregivers on their own terms and on their own territory, providing them with caregiving tools, resources and expertise, as well as much-needed respite.
Since 1997, the Foundation has distributed more than 200,000 free caregiver books nationally to families in need (a value of over $4.6 million), and provided 20,000 hours of relief/respite care completely free-of-charge to overburdened caregivers.
In an effort to make information and education as accessible as possible, the Foundation today launched a new e-learning program for caregivers, known as @YourSide® Caregiver Support. Offered on a charitable basis, at no cost to caregivers, the interactive CD-Rom includes comprehensive caregiving information, tools and tips for taking care of your loved one, your family and yourself.
According to Williams, the outcome is one that’s truly beneficial to all: “Families are empowered with greater confidence and control. They’re able to make the best choices, and provide the most appropriate care for their loved ones. And they feel cared for themselves. To us, that’s care to imagine.”
As Saint Elizabeth Health Care (SEHC) prepares to celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2008, the Foundation is poised to further extend its leadership in this area through high-profile fundraising events such as The Imagination Ball, a black-tie charity gala scheduled for October 4, 2008, at the Royal Ontario Museum. In addition to raising public awareness, proceeds from the evening will benefit the Caregiver Support Program.
“Since our beginnings in 1908, caregivers have been our partners in meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families in their homes and communities,” says Shirlee Sharkey, president and CEO of SEHC. “In our drive to transform how families experience and access care, we are empowering them with the knowledge, confidence and control they need to care for their loved ones at home, while thinking about those providing the care as well.”
Saint Elizabeth Health Care (SEHC) is a Canadian not-for-profit charitable organization that shares its talent and wisdom nationally and internationally through direct care and service, consultation, and education and e-learning to support the transformation of care for families, health organizations and communities.
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Media contact:
Madonna Gallo
905-968-6430
mgallo@saintelizabeth.com
Click here to download the brochure, Support & Resources for Caregivers .
