For many of us who are caregivers it’s not only the physical and emotional care of those we love, it’s also navigating the medical and legal systems that can be time-consuming and exhausting.

The effort and time it takes to sort through various systems in order to first determine what resources are available, and then the protocol of accessing them, is a huge part of the caregiving process.

Here are some links which may prove to be helpful in finding and using those resources:

• This link provides an overview of advance care planning documents.  PDF’s of (British Columbia) legal documents pertaining to care decisions are available on this website: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/advance-care-planning

• This link is for Fraser Health,  people providing care who live in the area from Hope to Burnaby:  http://www.phsa.ca/health-professionals/professional-resources/telehealth/booking-and-support/locations/fraser-health

• For an overview of substantiated complaints regarding Residential Care Homes in BC as well as the legal definition of what constitutes a care home, go to the BC Public Health Services link:  https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/ResidentialCareFacilities/Documents/Substantiated-Complaints-in-Seniors-Care-Facilities.pdf

• In the lower mainland, Vancouver Coastal Health provides caregiver support as well as other services:  http://www.vch.ca/your-care/home-community-care/care-options/caregiver-support

• Always remember that at your local Hospice Thrift Shops you can usually find brochures outlining the hospice support services listed in your area.  For example, here is an overview of services provided by the Surrey Hospice Society: “We serve the people of Surrey and those who access end-of-life care in Surrey British Columbia. Our Volunteers work in the community, at Laurel Place Residential Hospice and in the Tertiary Palliative care unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital. In addition to the supports and services we offer those facing end-of-life, we also provide respite, support and grief counselling to their friends, family and loved ones. Our support is on-going and far-reaching. We provide companions for the journey.”

• You can find more about the Surrey Hospice Society by accessing this link: https://www.surreyhospice.com/
• This is the link to the Vancouver Hospice Society:  http://www.vancouverhospice.org
• For Chilliwack’s Hospice Society:  http://www.chilliwackhospice.org/
• For Kamloops Hospice: http://www.kamloopshospice.com/what-we-do

I’m sure you get the idea.  For hospice services in your area, just google the name of your town or district and ‘hospice society’.

Resources are out there.  Do take the time to access them.  We are so fortunate now to be able to look things up on the computer to get an idea of the services offered and how they might fit our needs.  Phoning the agency in question before setting out can also be very helpful.

These resources are intended for your use, so don’t hesitate to find those that fit your needs and go for it!

If you have any information regarding additional resources please don’t hesitate to email me at: margaretjean64@gmail.com.