Caring for the Caregiver

Family caregivers are often the invisible frontline workers in our health care system and act as vital members of the health care team.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many family caregivers were faced with significant challenges as supports within the community dwindled due visitor restrictions in place and other safety measures during the outbreak.

Recognizing the need for additional resources due to a changing health care landscape, St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) recently co-partnered with the COVID-19 Community South West Region Pandemic Planning Table (CSWRPP) to develop a new online support tool for family caregivers in Southwestern Ontario.

A subgroup of the CSWRPP, called the Caregiver Support Project Team, was established and made of members of organizations that provide caregiver support across the South West Local Health Integration Network, including The South West Frail Senior Strategy (SWFSS) regional team, which is led by St. Joseph’s.

“We were thrilled to participate an offer our expertise to provide valuable resources to not only an older adult population, but for all caregivers and their families in the Southwestern Ontario region,” says Lyndsey Butler, Regional System Coordination Facilitator at St. Joseph's.

The site was designed to be easy to use and navigate, particularly for older caregivers who may not always find using a computer convenient.

Caregiver input also became a valuable aspect of the project as feedback was gathered through caregiver council members across organizations and the SWFSS Regional Patient and Family Caregiver Advisory Group.

Project member - and family caregiver herself - Linda Crossley, helped to ensure the online resources helped those caring for loved ones better manage the health care system and cope during the pandemic.

“It can be very stressful and I know what it’s like,” says Linda who cares for her husband with Alzheimer's. “Especially during the pandemic, when you are feeling more isolated that you normally would.”

The website, which officially launched in May, connects family caregivers with local service providers offering additional information and guidance if needed. The one stop shop includes vital resources and information on finances, mental health, abuse, and social distancing for caregivers.

“The resources are very much aligned to what caregivers are worried about right now,” adds Linda. There are tips sheets, numbers to call and information to remind them that they are not alone.”

St. Joseph’s was also instrumental in providing lived-experiences from members of the St. Joseph’s SWFSS Regional Patient and Family Caregiver Advisory Group, who further highlighted the additional stress and expectations placed on my caregivers during this time.

“Caregivers should be focused on providing the basics to their loved ones,” says Jeanne Bank, Caregiver and Co-chair of SWFSS Regional Patient and Family Caregiver Advisory Group. “I think caregivers need to understand that during this time they cannot expect to be the perfect caregiver; don't feel guilty and make sure you are safe and healthy.”

Lyndsey says the team plans to keep the resources updated and ongoing for as long as needed as the pandemic unfolds.

“It’s a tough time for everyone,” says Lyndsey “but especially for caregivers who many have already been feeling burnt out prior to the pandemic. These resources – and the incredible collaboration that went into making them - will hopefully go a long way to help those who sacrifice so much to care for their loves ones.”

Related:

The South West Frail Senior Strategy’s purpose is to improve outcomes and experiences of the health care system for older adults with frailty and their caregivers. Together with health care and community partners, older adults and family caregivers, the Strategy will work to create locally integrated systems of care that shift the way services are offered for this underserved population. Backbone support for the South West Frail Senior Strategy is provided by St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

The Caregiver Support project is a sub project of the Community South West Region Pandemic Planning Table (CSWRPP) and has been initiated to define consistent ways of supporting and engaging caregivers during these unprecedented times.