2016 United Way Caregiver Handbook
The United Way of the Lower Mainland has released a fantastic resource for family and friend caregivers of an elderly person. The 2016 Edition of the United Way Caregiver Handbook was written by gerontologist Katherine Willett who has been working with family caregivers for 16 years. This handbook provides an up-to-date guide for caregivers designed to ease caregiver stress and improve quality of life for both caregiver and their care recipient.
A few of the over 100 topics covered include: disease specific info, dementia, employment issues; culturally sensitive and multi-lingual resources; a thorough explanation of health authority home and community care services, case management, adult day programs, caregiver respite, and end of life care. The handbook discusses financial supports for caregivers, counselling resources, health issues associated with aging, the hospital journey and there is also a section of resources for care recipients such as adaptive clothing, the Canadian Red Cross Society Equipment Loan Program, falls prevention, home support services including the United Way program Better At Home, live-in caregivers, tax tips, and aging devices that can make life easier. The guide also describes Supportive Housing, Assisted Living and Residential Care, and it clarifies the difference between government subsidized (public), non-profit society, and for-profit business housing.
Access the 120 page Handbook online at http://www.uwlm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Caregivers-Guide-2016-web.pdf
Or: Drop by the United Way of the Lower Mainland office at 4543 Canada Way, Burnaby. Call ahead for office hours and to reserve the amount of copies you want. 604.294.8929.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & WEB LINKS
- Visitation Line: 604-438-4010 ext. 830
- Canada Pension Plan
- Retirement Pension, Disability Benefits, Death Benefit, Children's Benefits, Survivor's Pension: 1-800-277-9914
- HandyDart (everyday): 604-575-6600
- HealthLink BC (24/7): 811 or www.healthlinkbc.ca
- Seniors Health Care Support: 1-877-952-3181
- Seniors Distress Line (24/7): 604-872-1234 or www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
- Community and Govt. Services (24/7): 211 or www.bc211.ca