January 2000 will mark the launch of a Valley support group project called the Family Caregivers Support Circle, which organizers say is the first of its kind in Canada.
Under the patronage of the Cowichan Seniors Advisory Society the two year volunteer project aims to support elderly people and their caregivers, 80 per cent of whom are family members.
By assisting with everyday tasks such as shopping and mowing lawns, volunteers will provide much needed relief to caregivers who sacrifice their own activities when caring for the elderly, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.
Organizers say caregiver support is essential to the health-care system because the number of elderly people in the Cowichan Valley is increasing at a faster rate than the availability of spaces in care homes.
"This is an innovative project because its a return to the old days when there was more of a reliance on community support." project facilitator Fiona Mackey said.
Valley resident and former caregiver Garth Harvey whose wife had Alzheimers has contributed 30 000 towards the pilot project which has garnered nearly $65 000 from grants and donations.
Other contributors include the Vancouver Foundation ($20 000),the Regional Health Board ($10 000) the Duncan Lions Club ($1 000), the Seniors Advisory Society ($1,000) and local municipalities.