BC FORUM News - from the Family Caregivers of BC Posted April, 2020 Family Caregivers of British Columbia
April 2020 E-News Sign up here for your free online subscription. Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267
Headlines: Let us help - COVID-19 Safety We are providing information and resources to support and protect our staff, volunteers, clients and community. We greatly appreciate the measures that individuals and communities are taking to remain healthy and safe. FCBC staff are monitoring COVID-19 information and taking guidance on health matters from our federal, provincial and local health authorities. Follow the link for COVID-19 resources here: COVID-19 RESOURCES BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment B.C. Ministry of Health in partnership with Thrive Health has created the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool for you. This tool will determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. Updates will be made as Provincial guidelines evolve to ensure that you are assessed with the most up to date recommendations. COVID-19 SELF-ASSESSMENT Caregiver Connection There has never been a better time to acknowledge family/friend caregivers and the invaluable role they play in the lives of their care recipients. The Spring issue of the Caregiver Connection is all about honouring family caregivers in advance of Family Caregiver Month in May. Visit our website to read online. READ THE CAREGIVER CONNECTION Connection Corner on Facebook Live Join us for the month of April, for our Connection Corner on Facebook Live. Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings we will be live on our Facebook page from 9 am- 9:20 am. On Tuesday’s we will speak to current caregiver topics and Wednesday’s guide you through a simple and accessible mindfulness practice. If you are new to Facebook live, it is a time when we are ‘live’ at a the designated time to be with you, our community, however if you aren’t able to join us at this time it will be saved for you to view anytime on our Facebook page. Please note to join live you can access this from your computer or on the Facebook App on your mobile device (it will not work through the Facebook URL on your mobile device.) FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK bc211 Helpline The BC211 helpline has been expanded to be available to all British Columbians. BC 211 will be working to match seniors in need with volunteers who can assist in helping with tasks such as getting groceries, medication and staying connected. Seniors and their caregivers can go to www.bc211.ca or call the BC 211 helpline to access these services. LEARN MORE HERE INSPIRED Magazine: “Caregivers Voice” - Part 3 in a 3-part series Although caregiving is now a common experience, roles and activities can be very different from one caregiver to the next. Caregiving is dynamic, and it can move in different directions at any given time. Our latest article in Inspired Magazine has a few tips and strategies. READ OUR LATEST COLUMN Caregiver Tips for Isolation In these challenging and unprecedented times, caregivers can feel even more isolated and alone than ever before. You may be feeling overwhelmed trying to navigate your loved one's care while looking after yourself. We have created some tips for caregivers during these times and please remember that our caregiver call line is toll-free if you feel you need to reach out at 1-877-520-3267, Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. You are not alone. READ HERE Power of Attorney: Even a good caregiver can make mistakes Power of Attorney is an important role that comes with many responsibilities. Read our latest article on some mistakes that caregivers can make and how to avoid them. READ HERE FCBC Podcast “Caregivers Out Loud” - Coming April 14th Join us for the launch of our first podcast, Caregivers Out Loud! You won’t want to miss these insightful, authentic and heart-centered conversations with caregivers that highlight the joys, trials, and self-discoveries that come along with this rewarding and taxing position. Subscribe on your favourite streaming channel and explore what it looks like to have support and balance through the stories of inspiring caregivers. LISTEN TO THE TRAILER HERE Are You New to Podcast Listening? If you’re wondering, what exactly is a podcast or how to listen to one, then this article is for you! Our aim is to let you know what it is and how you can access podcasts, so that you can listen to Caregivers Out Loud and many other educational topics! LEARN MORE HERE Caregiver Resources Building Your Personal Resilience Top Tips & Tools for Caregivers Caregiving eLearning: Staying Healthy While Caregiving Family Caregiving: Don't do it alone Caregiver Support Groups COVID-19 Update: Please check with your support group contact for updated information on support group meetings. In our Greater Victoria caregiver support groups, we’re facing the COVID-19 situation together. Based on Federal and Provincial recommendations we will be facilitating our monthly FCBC caregiver support groups remotely (not in-person), starting in April. Greater Victoria Caregivers are invited to join Lycia Rodrigues for a Teleconference Caregiving Support Group on Thursday, April 16th from 2-3:30 PM. To register and join for April, email cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca or call 1-877-520-3267 (Ext 1). For more information on teleconference groups in Greater Victoria please visit here and here. If you are unfamiliar with support groups and considering whether to attend you can read about the value of peer support here. | 
