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Background

A caregiver is anyone who gives care and support to an adult family member or friend.

A caregiving family includes the caregiver and the person receiving care.

Family caregivers are a generally silent but large group of people (for instance, one in sixteen people in British Columbia, Canada are caregivers) who give service to their family and community. Often relinquishing their own activities and even jobs to give care to their lved one, many are thrown into a life of poverty. Without them, our healthcare costs would spiral out of control.

Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society incorporated in 2000. However, its caregiver support groups have operated in the Cowichan Valley for 12 years prior as a program of the Cowichan Seniors Advisory Society.

Why Support Family Caregivers?

Family caregivers look after our most vulnerable, including our elders. According to the previous Central Vancouver Island Regional Health Board RHB data, the population of elderly people is increasing. Health care cannot keep up with demand for service as services exist today: "We believe that the dramatic growth in seniors is the major factor contributing to the pressures our resources are experiencing today." (Central Vancouver Island RHB Draft Three Year Plan 1999-2002)

Since 80% of eldercare is provided by family/friends, supporting family caregivers takes on even greater significance. With support they can continue to relieve our stretched healthcare system. Without it they can become seriously ill. It makes good economic sense to support family caregivers

Family caregivers give service often at significant cost to themselves. They deserve recognition, appreciation and support.

The Program Philosophy

• All people have inherent worth and have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
• Everyone has gifts which benefit themselves and others.
• All people have the right to determine the course of their lives and make informed decisions.
• Interdependence is characteristic of a healthy community.
• Any form of assistance must enhance self-esteem, honour individuals and their right to make choices and support the development of relationships that foster the sharing of people's gifts and that enable a community to look after its own members.

Our Mission

• To acknowledge and support people in their caregiving role
• To alleviate stress
• To improve their quality of life
• To enhance the rights of family caregivers