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.
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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.
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Our purpose is to support caregivers - especially seniors - in the community through anticipatory grief care, emotional support, and community connection.
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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.
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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.​​
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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.
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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.
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Find Support BC - Connecting families of persons with disabilities with resources available to them:​​
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Family Caregivers of BC ​​
Family Caregivers of BC -
Caregivers Out Loud Podcast - Listen here
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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.
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Our support services are designed to gently strengthen your emotional well-being, helping you cope with and navigate an incredibly difficult time.
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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!
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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.
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We look forward to connecting with you.
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Susanne Fehr,
Palliative & Training Director
