A Circle of Care – The Hospice Caregivers' Support Group

Caregiving for a loved one at the end of life can be both rewarding and challenging. We hope to provide support to you, as a caregiver, so that you can care for yourself while you continue to care for your loved one.

A Caregiver’s story...
    "I can still hear those dreaded words spoken by my husband three years ago, “The doctor says I have colo-rectal cancer.” Since then, we have endured four surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. I say “we” because cancer doesn’t just affect the patient, it affects their loved ones too. I felt so alone and in the dark about what to do for him. Yes, I could be there in the hospital, and I could help him at home… but often I felt like a fish out of water, not having all the answers … in fact, not even knowing what questions to ask. There were so many times when I felt isolated and alone.
    "Three months ago, I heard about a support group for caregivers at Hospice and found a safe haven… and an extended family. Each member of the group is unique and yet there is a commonality that binds us together. I didn’t think I had time for something like this, but now I know I will always make the time. This group is for anyone caregiving for someone with a terminal condition. As I found out, life can carry on for years after the dreaded diagnosis and sharing the load helps."

Tricia, a former caregiver and Hospice Volunteer...
    “Your loved one has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has been advised to get his/her affairs in order... and your world, as you know it, is changed forever.
    "As a Caregiver, you strive to do the very best for your loved one in the time they have left. You’re on a roller coaster, and the long hours of care and lack of sleep leave no time for a social life. Friends fall away, not knowing what to say or do, reminded of their own mortality. You feel overwhelmed, isolated and abandoned as you struggle with your own fears about what is to come. You are told about supports out there in the community for your loved one, but you wonder – is there any support for the caregiver?
   "Nanaimo Community Hospice understands the challenges of caregiving at the end of life and offers a weekly Caregivers Support Circle that provides you with an opportunity to talk honestly about your feelings and the issues, without fear of judgment, in safe and comfortable surroundings, where the stories that are shared are held confidentially within the group.
    "Knowledge is shared about health care, other existing resources, caring for the caregiver, and lifestyle changes. As the Caregivers share their stories, there are both tears and laughter, but most importantly, they share a common bond and no longer feel alone. To quote one of the participants, “This free service has become more valuable than any fee could pay.
    "As a Caregiver, you might think you shouldn’t be taking time for yourself, or you may be worried about leaving your loved one for too long. Hospice can help by arranging to have a trained volunteer stay in your home with your loved one while you attend the group. At Hospice, we know how important it is to care for the caregiver. We owe it to our loved ones to remain healthy both physically and emotionally.”

For more information, please call 758-8857.