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Welcome to Cowichan Family
Caregivers Support Society,
dedicated to improving the quality of life and
rights of family caregivers
Background
A family caregiver is anyone who gives care and
support to an adult family member or friend.
A caregiving family includes the caregiver and
the person receiving care.
Family caregivers are a generally silent but
large group of people (for instance, one in sixteen
people in British Columbia, Canada are caregivers)
who give service to their family and community.
Often relinquishing their own activities and even
jobs to give care to their loved one, many are
thrown into a life of poverty. Without them, our
healthcare costs would spiral out of control.
Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society
incorporated in 2000. However, its caregiver
support groups have operated in the Cowichan Valley
for 12 years prior as a program of the Cowichan
Seniors Advisory Society.
Why Support Family Caregivers?
Family caregivers look after our most
vulnerable, including our elders. According to the
previous Central Vancouver Island Regional Health
Board RHB data, the population of elderly people is
increasing. Health care cannot keep up with demand
for service as services exist today:
"We believe that the dramatic growth in
seniors is the major factor contributing to the
pressures our resources are experiencing
today."
(Central Vancouver Island RHB
Draft Three Year Plan 1999-2002)
Since 80% of eldercare is provided by
family/friends, supporting family caregivers takes
on even greater significance. With support they can
continue to relieve our stretched healthcare
system. Without it they can become seriously ill.
It makes good economic sense to support family
caregivers
Family caregivers give service often at
significant cost to themselves. They deserve
recognition, appreciation and support.
The Program Philosophy
- All people have inherent worth and have the
right to be treated with respect and
dignity.
- Everyone has gifts which benefit themselves
and others.
- All people have the right to determine the
course of their lives and make informed
decisions.
- Interdependence is characteristic of a
healthy community.
- Any form of assistance must enhance
self-esteem, honour individuals and their right
to make choices and support the development of
relationships that foster the sharing of people's
gifts and that enable a community to look after
its own members.
Our Mission
- To acknowledge and support people in their
caregiving role
- To alleviate stress
- To improve their quality of life
- To enhance the rights of family
caregivers
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