Caregivers are lifelines for the elderly and those living with chronic diseases or disabilities. They are often a spouse or relative or may even be a trusted friend or neighbor. As multi-taskers, they balance various everyday jobs for their loved ones, including taking them to doctor visits, picking up medications, managing finances, and being valuable emotional supporters. Caregiving is not an easy task and often impacts health and well-being. 

It is normal to put aside personal needs to support others. But caregivers must learn first to take care of themselves to become effective care providers. That is where Gaia Cares can help through the new Caregiver Education and Resource Centre.

A vital part of self-care is ongoing learning about what you need. Practical, supportive, and expert advice and assistance are available from various resources throughout the Greater Vancouver area. 

Through the Caregiver Education and Resource Centre, Gaia Cares’ offers a variety of in-house services, and can assist you in finding additional resources to meet your situation. We have a warm, welcoming, and confidential space to meet with you to discuss your caregiving needs. You may be looking for services related to a particular disease (such as Alzheimer’s) or advice on the latest drugs, treatments, and alternative therapies. You may need to acquire a new skill to improve care tasks such as lifting, transferring, bathing, and feeding. Finances are often issues to consider and support is available on government subsidies and drug benefits. Most important is learning ways to care for your physical and emotional well-being through respite care, counselling, and stress reduction techniques.