Support Circles

The caregiver support circle embraces a caregiving family in the spirit of neighbourliness

A facilitator works with a caregiving family to match caring people from the community (circle members) with the caregiver and the person receiving care. This is done gradually according to interests, abilities and qualities of the caregiving family. What evolves, overtime, is a circle of support and friendship based on the sharing of people's gifts.

In one circle, a woman looking after her husband with Alzheimer disease was isolated, financially challenged, and coming to the end of her rope. A facilitator saw her gifts of warmth, compassion, and intelligence. She introduced the caregiver to women whose experience and personal qualities were similar. She also connected her with people who had employment or business interests. Friendships of caring and mutual support have developed and the caregiver's financial burden has eased.