The Burnaby Support Society’s Caregiver Expo provided a fount of information.  Here are some agencies that are available to us, and some companies that offer services we may choose to use:

1. NIDUS: is an organization established in 1995 to provide both information and assistance with Representation Agreements.  Nidus now serves as a registry for all the documents that outline your instructions for care should you become no longer capable, due to accident or illness. Materials and information are available on the website:  www.nidus.ca 
2. CAREGIVER EDUCATIONAL SERIES: Available in Burnaby, this is a six week course presented twice a year on how to alleviate, manage and improve the quality of life for the caregiver and the care-recipient.
3. PARKINSON SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA: Provides free counselling for those who have Parkinson’s as well as their loved ones.  Other services include a network of over 50 support groups province wide.  Contact them at www.parkinsonbc.ca

4. BONE BROTH: Made from simmering bones for up to 36 hours (in water) is said to reduce joint pain and inflammation, promote strong bones and heal and seal your gut, promoting healthy digestion.  To find out more, or place an order call 604-432-9961.
5. ALLIES IN AGING:  Family Caregivers of British Columbia (FCBC) provide many supports, one of which is a magazine called The  Caregivers’  Connection.  To sign up for this publication, follow this link:  www.familycaregiversbc.ca

6. FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS FOR SENIORS: Available in New Westminster, Surrey, Burnaby, North Vancouver, and Vancouver.  To find out more about this resource, call 604-336-5653.  Or learn more at www.SeniorsFirstBC.ca

7. RESPITE STAYS: Joel Grigg of AgeCare Harmony Court Estate advised me that care-recipients can come to stay at their retirement home for $90 a night.  This includes meals, overseeing their medications, access to facilities and support staff availability.  For the lower mainland, this is a bargain, as well as granting peace of mind to the caregiver during a much-needed break.  For more information go to: www.agecare.ca.
8. SAIL: Stands for Seniors Abuse & Information Line. 1-866-437-1940 available weekdays 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with interpretation available on request from 9 a.m. to 4 pm weekdays.  Holidays excepted. All calls are confidential.
9. LEGAL DOCUMENTS: I learned that Wills cover everything after death, Power of Attorney covers legal and financial matters while you are alive, and The Representation Agreement appoints someone to make health and personal care decisions as you have instructed, on your behalf.
10. CAREGIVER SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE:  Caregiver Support is available in BC, often through the organizations that provide information and support for the care-recipient’s illness, such as the Alzheimer’s society, the Parkinsons’ society, and the cancer society.  There are also community and hospice caregiver support groups.  The best way to find support?  Call your local hospice society offices.

The Caregiver Expo happens every year in Burnaby and the exhibitors offer valuable information from the price of retirement housing to government, private and volunteer  agencies that are in place to assist in the process of caregiving.  Caregiving is demanding and as often frustrating as it is rewarding.  To give and get the most from this journey, it’s important to care for yourself and your loved ones.  These resources will help you to do just that.