Dale Brain Injury Services has developed workshops and Caregiver Groups both onsite at our Centre for New Tomorrows in London but also in partnership with Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA). The groups provide caregivers with tools and support as well as a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of being a caregiver with other caregivers.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GENERAL INFORMATION
The consequences of brain injury impact not only the person who has the injury but also their caregivers who are parents, children, siblings, partners, husbands, wives and friends.
Caregiving can impact nearly every aspect of a caregiver’s life. As a result of the cognitive, emotional and/or physical changes and challenges resulting from a brain injury, stroke or significant chronic illness, family roles, responsibilities and routines change. The focus often becomes the ‘disability’ or the illness, and the losses the ‘client’ is facing. Caregivers may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, sad, guilty, angry and frightened in response to the disruption to the life they had and what the future now looks like with their family member/friend
We are in the process of designing some new supports and refreshing our existing services for caregivers through surveys and focus groups. Please see link to our new Family/Caregiver Support Services brochure at the bottom of this page.
Below are some ways we are currently supporting caregivers:
- We provide 1-1 emotional supports for caregivers who meet regularly with members of our Clinical Team either on a short-term or longer-term basis
- We developed a series of 8-week groups. Caregivers could attend all three groups or only the group that were of interest (see listing below for current groups)
- Respite services are also available at DBIS so caregivers can get away for a few hours, a day, weekend, or a week or two for a holiday
- Some respite services can be delivered in-home, while others include the client coming for a stay at one of our residential locations or our Group Services Program in London
In order to respond to caregiver needs, Dale Brain Injury Services (DBIS) has designed a Family & Caregiver Handbook as a resource to Caregivers and to offer reassurance and guidance as they embark on their journey.
CAREGIVER EDUCATION AND WORKSHOPS
Dale Brain Injury Services has developed workshops and Caregiver Groups both onsite at our Centre for New Tomorrows in London but also in partnership with Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA). The groups provide caregivers with tools and support as well as a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of being a caregiver with other caregivers.
"I was thankful for the outlet of pain and sadness that I could not share before. Grateful for the insight into other’s situations and problem-solving” - Caregiver
“I found this group was a real emotional support” - Caregiver
“The sensitive caring group approach lead to a better understanding of my situation and renewed strength and confidence to be able to manage what lies ahead.” - Caregiver
OTHER CAREGIVER RESOURCES:
Community Support Services - Caregiver Support During The Covid-19 Pandemic
The Ontario Caregiver Organization
Ontario Caregiver Helpline (24/7 Support): 1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
Dale Brain Injury Services Caregiver Workshops
Ontario Brain Injury Association Caregiver Education Program
