Tri-Cities Caregivers Connections is hosting a caregiver education and support program starting next month that will provide an opportunity for education and group support to improve the quality of life for caregivers.
As defined by the program, a caregiver is a spouse, adult child, family or a friend who is providing unpaid care and support to a person 50 and older. This TCCC program provides caregivers in the Tri-Cities the tools to support their loved one and, as importantly, the tools to remain healthy and well themselves.
This program aims to give caregivers the encouragement and motivation to care for themselves, gain new-found energy and bring back enjoyment and laughter. It will focus on the issues caregivers face, such as feelings of guilt and feeling overwhelmed. It teaches new ways of communication and thinking as well as tips to reduce stress.
Wendy Thompson - gerontologist, caregiver educator, author, coach and former Olympian - leads this five-week series, which will run on Wednesdays from April 18 to May 16 at Wilson Centre, 2150 Wilson Ave. in Port Coquitlam. Each session starts with lunch from 12:30 to 1 p.m., followed by the program from 1 to 3:45 p.m. As space is limited, early registration is recommended. To sign up, call Wilson Centre at 604-927-7970.
For more information, call Linda Western of Tri-Cities Caregivers Connections, at 604-927-7917.
The program is co-sponsored by the cities of Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam, and funded by United Way.
