We provide free support services to those who are in a caregiving role for a loved one living in the Cowichan Valley. We are ‘caregiver led’, meaning that our support services are tailored to each caregiver’s individual needs. Our caregivers report that our services help them find and maintain the energy needed to continue their caregiving role.
Maybe you just need someone to talk to for emotional support, or perhaps you could use assistance as you navigate the medical system. When receiving services from Cowichan Family Caregiver Support Society, you will work with a Caregiver Lead, a friendly professional who can answer any questions you may have. The amount and type of support you receive is always up to you, our support services are tailored to each caregiver’s individual needs.
One to One Support
The most common way we help our clients is through one to one support: meeting in person, through a video call, or talking on the phone. One to one support allows caregivers to speak with one person confidentially, rather than in a group setting. Our Caregiver Leads help caregivers by providing…
- Emotional support
- Help to navigate the health care system
- Additional community resources
- Advocacy support
Support Groups
Caregiver Support Groups are an excellent way for caregivers to meet with other people who understand the unique challenges caregivers face, and the complicated emotions that go along with a caregiving role.
Our Support Groups offer a chance for people to connect and share their experiences, feelings, strategies and helpful resources, with people who share familiar challenges that come with being a caregiver. Often caregivers make meaningful social connections which extend beyond the group setting.
The content of each meeting is determined by the caregivers in the group, with guidance from the Group Facilitator as needed.
Information, Education & Community Resources
There are many resources available to help caregiving families and accessing them can be overwhelming. We help can help answer important questions you may have, such as…
What is a case manager and how do we get one?
Who provides transportation for seniors in our community?
How can a caregiving family access respite or personal care services?
What options are available for day programs or care facilities?
Circles of Support
Circles of Support are a unique way we assist caregivers in our community. We like to borrow from the African proverb “it takes a village” to describe how a Circle of Support works. The goal of a Circle of Support is to grow and strengthen a caregiver’s existing social circle, to leverage the power of community to better support their needs.
To set up a Circle of Support, our Caregiver Leads first take an extensive inventory of the caregiver and care recipient’s family members, friends, neighbours, health care services and other social connections. Based on the needs of the caregiver, the members of the circle agree to carry out certain tasks or actions to assist the caregiver.
For example, one neighbour might agree to provide a pot of soup every week, while another might agree to purchase specific grocery items and deliver them when she does her own weekly shopping.
Caregivers Say…
“Your support makes such a difference!”
“I am so glad I picked up the phone and contacted CFCSS. . . . You have truly been a lifeline for us over this past six months. Thank you!”
“This service and what you offer is a lifesaver.”
You support them, let us support you.
If you are a caregiver providing support to a loved one in the Cowichan Valley, please contact us to access our free support services.