Caregiver Support in Toronto
Those who are caring for an elderly relative know the kind of emotional and physical toll it can take. That’s why support groups for caregivers have sprouted up all over the Toronto area.
Support groups in Toronto fall into two basic categories. The first are moderated support groups, which feature various experts who come in to share information with members of the group. The second group are self-moderated groups, which are more traditional support groups that focus on caregivers supporting one another by sharing problems they have and solutions they have found.
Alzheimer Society of Toronto Support Groups
Here’s a list of a few of the support groups for caregivers in Toronto, offered by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto:
Early Onset Alzheimer’s – Family Support Group: Contact Xochil Amaya, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560. Pre-registration is required for this group.
Frontotemporal Dementia Family Support Group: Contact Nora McKellin, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560. Pre-registration is required for this group.
Lewy Body Family Support Group: Contact Desiree Jones, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560.
Vascular Dementia Family Support Group: Contact Caitlin Agla, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560.
Workshops for Caregivers at Family Service Toronto
In addition to support groups, such as those listed above, Family Service Toronto offers ongoing workshops to help caregivers learn how to help their elderly relatives or friends. These workshops are all free, but pre-registration is required. You can register by calling 416-595-9618. Here is a list of their upcoming workshops:
“Long Distance Caregiving”: Monday, October 19, 6pm – 8pm.
“Advocating for Your Relative”: Wednesday, November 18, 12pm – 2pm.
“Finding the Joy in Caregiving”: Thursday, December 3, 12pm – 2pm.
In addition to these workshops, Family Services also offers a Caregiver Discussion Group. The group meets on Monday per month from 6pm – 8pm. Again, the Discussion Group is free, but pre-registration is required.
Caregiver stress can interfere with your ability to offer care to your elderly loved one. Support groups and workshops like those listed above are great ways to reduce that stress, learn new coping strategies, and make connections with others in the same situation as yourself.
Tags: aging trends, Alzheimer's Care Toronto, Alzheimers's care, Caregiver Support Toronto, caregiving, caregiving strategies, Elder Care, elder care Toronto, long term care Toronto
