(Photo Credit: RVH)
An aging population means that more people in the Renfrew area will be relied on to become informal caregivers for their loved ones.
Katie Bromley, a social worker with Renfrew Victoria Hospital, says RVH wants to make sure those caregivers will walk into their new role prepared with a new six-week Caregiver Education program, which she believes will help them during what can be an overwhelming transition.
The program will match new caregivers with a team of experienced professionals in social work and nursing who will walk them through the practical knowledge and emotional support needed to responsibly care for family and friends facing serious illness or end-of-life situations.
Bromley says the goal for the program, which she and other RVH professionals have adapted from a well-regarded virtual program run by the Champlain Hospice program, is to foster a compassionate, informed caregiving community in Renfrew and surrounding areas that trusts the bond between those offering help and those getting it.
Space is available but limited ahead of the program’s winter debut on January 14th, with sessions running each Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Renfrew Victoria Hospital.
To register, call 613-432-4851 ext. 513 or email rvh.caregivereducation@gmail.com.
(written by Kasey Egan)
