Support Groups
Support groups seem to be coming into their own, as medical science has started to realize that there is medical value in group relationships. A support group is a place where you can unburden yourself, admit your fear, anger or guilt, talk to others who are suffering as you are, who will take the time to listen and understand and who will not judge.
There are a number of different types of support groups. I am familiar with two types -- moderated groups that have a guest speaker and those that are self-moderated by a group member. I found the former to be very helpful, as I was able to both listen to the experts in the field and also talk to my peers about problems I was having.
Is a support group for you? That probably depends on your personality, where you are in crisis and most certainly on the time you may or may not have.
I have listed as many support group resources as I can find. Please call those of interest to you in your area to find out more about the group and its goals. You have nothing to lose by trying!
Please contact me at karenh@caregiver.on.ca if there are groups I can add to the list or if you find any errors in this information.
Caregiver Support Organizations
Ontario
Family Caregivers' Support Network (Toronto and surrounding areas) The two main objectives of this resource centre are:
- To provide a co-ordinating body of existing caregiver services that the public can access.
- Using community input, to identify areas in which caregivers are most in need of support and attempt to rectify those gaps.
The network:
- will help individuals/groups start a self-help or professional support group
- maintains a drop-in/resource library
- provides information/referral to health and social services
- maintains a Peer Telephone Support Line 1.888.283.8806.
Hours of operation: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. -- a support line for caregivers of seniors. Call and speak to a dedicated volunteer if you feel isolated. If they are not in, call and leave a message and they will call you back during our hours of operation. Call Randy Fine at 416.487.2045 (fax:416.487.0344) Email: shrc@inforamp.net for more information.
Volunteer Ontario is a great source of information if you are interested in volunteering your time.
Barrie, Ontario
Caregiver Alliance of Simcoe County -- "exists to support informal caregivers and to promote the significance of their role and contribution
to health care, social policy and society as a whole." The alliance
is a unique project in Simcoe County, Ontario and Canada. It does not duplicate
any service or represent any one particular caregiving group. The alliance
is funded by the United Way and District Health Council among others and
addresses issues and effects of caregiving such as stress, isolation, economic
and health consequences.
Services provided:
- information and referral office at Barrie Community Health Centre
- resource library (books, vidoes, pamphlets)
- resource material: brochure, handbook, workplace video, fact sheets (some of this information is available in French and Portuguese)
- workshops/information sessions for caregivers and professionals
- newsletter
- resources to assist communities in the development of support groups and telephone networks
- workplace presentations to management teams to assist them in supporting employed caregivers
80 Bradford St. Unit 541,
Barrie ON L4N 6S7
Tel: 705.734.9690
Fax: 705.734.0939
London, Ontario
McCormick Home & Outreach Services. A long-term care facility which
provides Alzheimer community support service (519.439.9336) and senior
day programs. (519.439.9336 ext.30). 230 Victoria Street, London, ON N6A
2C2. Fax: 519.432.4960. They also offer support groups for the families/friends
and spouses of those suffering from Alzheimer's. See Support Groups.
Caregivers' Association of Ontario
The Caregivers' Association of Ontario was formed in 1995 to "enhance family caregivers' quality of life by linking individuals, groups and communities and by providing information, education, support and advocacy." Their vision is to "develop a province-wide, grassroots structure based on strong regional networks of family caregivers and organizations serving family caregivers." Their goals: sharing information, connecting local networks and learning from each other. For more information, call 416.961.3077. Someone is in the office Wednesdays from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Or leave a message at other times.
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Founded under the auspices of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto in 1978, this is a self-help organization helping families cope with loss. Their mission statement: "Bereaved helping the bereaved learn to live with grief. We can help the healing begin." Call 416.440.0290 for information on groups, workshops and activities.
Oxford County, Ontario
TELECARE. Crisis Intervention and Befriending by Telephone. Available
24 hours. Tel: 519.537.3451. Toll-free: 1.800.387.8183.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
NECAH
Northern Educational Centre for Aging and Health is an organization
that brings together professionals, educators, researchers, students, caregivers and older adults to learn more about the aging process and its relation to health and well-being. NECAH sponsors academic programs, continuing
education, workshops, conferences, teleconferences. For more information:
NECAH Health Sciences North, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder
bay, ON P7B 5E1. Tel: 807.343.2126. Fax: 807.343.2104.
Manitoba
Centre on Aging at The University of Manitoba
A university-wide research centre with a mandate to conduct, encourage, integrate and disseminate research on all aspects of aging. They publish a newsletter three times a year. Information: Centre on Aging news, 338 Isbister Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2. Tel: 204.474.8754. Fax: 204.261.7977. E-mail: coaman@ccm.umanitoba.ca
Internet Resources on Aging and the Aged
British Columbia
Caregivers in BC should visit The Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan, in Vernon, BC. Lots of information and local pointers.
Cancer
Toronto, Ontario
Wellspring
A support centre for people and their families living with cancer, Wellspring offers programs that complement conventional medical treatment. The Core Program consists of eight-week support groups for patients and also for families. Peer support, a lending library, discussion series and additional programs that focus on personal growth and relaxation are available at no charge. Call 416.961.1928 for information.
For a local support group call The Canadian Cancer Society in your area. Ask for either the Living with Cancer Program, Cansurmount or Friendly Visiting Program -- one of those ought to land you some support. For information on cancer you can call the Cancer Information Service at 1.888.939.3333. Cancer Connection will help connect you with someone with whom you can talk over the telephone. 1.800.263.6750.
United States