Pictured above are Stefanie Collins, Community Social Worker, and Daniela Accomando, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Social Worker, both of Hospice Orillia.
Hospice Orillia Launches Specialized Support for Caregivers
Hospice Orillia knows all too well how taxing the role of caregiver can be. As an organization that supports those living with life-threatening illnesses, they have witnessed firsthand the need for caregiver support.
They have recently launched two new programs; Caregiver’s Connection and Caregiver’s Corner Support Group, geared towards supporting caregivers of those with a life-threatening illness. While Caregiver’s Connection provides support in a one-on-one setting, the Caregiver’s Corner Support Group provides a group setting.
“Caregivers are such an important part of our healthcare system.” Stefanie Collins, Community Social Worker said. “We started the Caregivers Connection Program and the Caregiver’s Corner Support Group to provide caregivers with much-needed support and fill a gap in the current services offered.”
The Caregiver’s Connection program offers telephone support from trained volunteers who provide a friendly listening ear and a space to express the ups and downs of caregiving. Volunteers will call caregivers weekly where the telephone calls can be short and sweet, or last up to an hour; the choice is yours!
Whereas Caregiver’s Corner Support Group provides a space to connect with others in similar circumstances while focusing on self-care and engaging in creative activities. The arts-based program will run for six-week and is facilitated by a Registered Social Worker who helps individuals process the complex emotions of caring for someone significant in their life.
“Our goal with our new programs is to ensure that caregivers of those who are living with a life-threatening illness have a place to turn where they can connect with others in a similar situation.” Daniela Accomando, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Social Worker noted.
Caregiver’s Corner will be offered periodically throughout the year and Caregiver’s Connection will be offered on an ongoing basis. As with all programs offered by Hospice Orillia, the caregiver programs will be offered free of charge thanks to the generous donations received from our community.
For more information on the Caregiver’s Corner Support please call Daniela (705) 325-0505 ext. 118 and for more information on Caregiver’s Connection please call Stefanie at (705) 325-0505 ext. 211 or visit www.hospiceorillia.ca/caregiver-support.
For information on how you can help support programs like Caregiver’s Corner or Caregiver’s Connection, please contact Amanda Tevelde at (705) 325-0505 ext 107 or email amanda@hospiceorillia.ca.