Care for the Caregiver
Caregiver - noun [ C ] mainly US
someone who takes care of a person who is young, old, ill, or disabled (= having an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for them to do some things that other people do), either as a family member or friend, or as a job.
Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society's "Care for the Caregiver" program
is a new initiative focused on anticipatory grief and emotional care for caregivers supporting loved ones with life-limiting illnesses.
Our purpose is to support caregivers - especially seniors - in the community through anticipatory grief care, emotional support, and community connection.
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, especially when you’re facing the reality of loss. That’s why we provide these services at no cost to our community -
because you deserve care, too.
Upcoming seminars:
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Signs you may be in survival mode
Changes in focus, memory, energy, emotions or eating habits can be signals that your system is under strain.
Noticing them is an important first step.
Supporting your nervous system as a caregiver:
Release, don't suppress.
Talk, write, cry, or move your body - emotions and feelings need an outlet.
Create brief recovery moments:
Press your feet into the floor and notice the support beneath you - soften your jaw, unclench your hands, stretch your shoulders. By relaxing your body physically, these small signals of pause and safety can help your body rest and recover.
Strategies
Talk & Connect with others:
Speaking with someone you can trust or joining a support group can offer relief, validation, and a safe place to share your experiences.
Use a Self-Care Plan Worksheet
Download this worksheet as a guide to plan small, meaningful acts of care for yourself across your day and week.
for support
BC Health Authority General Inquiries:
Fraser Health: 1-855-412-2121
Interior Health: 1-250-980-1400
BC Seniors Guide
Note: PDF guide is available in English, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Punjabi and Farsi.
Find Support BC - Connecting families of persons with disabilities with resources available to them:
Family Caregivers of BC
Family Caregivers of BC -
Caregivers Out Loud Podcast - Listen here
Resources
Anticipatory grief support
Anticipatory grief support offers comfort and understanding to those who are preparing for the loss of someone they love. You may be caring for a family member or friend with a life‑limiting illness, and during this time, emotional support can make a meaningful difference. At AHGSS, we provide anticipatory grief support services free-of-charge, offering one‑to‑one support from volunteers or a staff member who will walk alongside you with compassion and care.
Our support services are designed to gently strengthen your emotional well-being, helping you cope with and navigate an incredibly difficult time.
If you feel you may benefit from support, please reach out - our team is here for you.
You can contact us by email at info@abbotsfordhospice.org
or give us a call at 604-852-2456 whenever you’re ready.
Connect with us!
Interested in learning more about anticipatory grief support and/or more of our upcoming workshops?
Email our Care for the Caregiver Training & Palliative Director, Susanne Fehr, directly at: SFehr@abbotsfordhospice.org
or call 604-852-2456.
We look forward to connecting with you.
Susanne Fehr,
Palliative & Training Director
