Surrey – SurreyCares Community Foundation has provided a $32,112 Emergency Community Support Fund grant to Seniors Come Share Society to support their ‘Caring for the Caregiver’ program, which is supporting caregivers and their families. The program enhances the health and wellness of caregivers and the loved ones whom they care for. Additionally, this program supports a healthier community by keeping people safe and well in their homes.
“Since the pandemic, the number of calls from caregivers in distress has tripled. They are no longer getting respite from their caregiving role. Taking care of their loved ones 24/7 is taking a toll. Caregiver burnout on a mass scale would have a huge impact on the health care system,” explained Deena Safi, Director of Community Engagement for Seniors Come Share Society. “The main objective of ‘Caring for the Caregiver’ is to address the emotional and physical needs of caregivers and their families. By supporting them, we enhance their health and wellness. This program also helps create a healthier community, while also supporting the health authority by keeping people safe and well in their homes. This helps free up acute-care beds for critically ill patients during the pandemic. This is an area in real need, and we sincerely appreciate the financial support.”
Supports included in the ‘Caring for the Caregiver’ program (which are being financially aided through the Emergency Community Support Fund):
• A care plan developed with the caregiver that has goals and action plans.
• Meeting the caregiver in the hospital to help with the Discharge/Care Plan process of their loved one.
• Providing certified counsellors for the one-on-one sessions with caregivers.
• Online video call peer support groups run by staff & volunteers who were once caregivers.
• Referral service to connect the caregiver to community support services.
• In-home respite provided through a combination of Seniors Come Share Society staff and accredited service providers (such as Comfort Keepers).
This grant is made possible through the Government of Canada’s $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund, which saw over $900,000 allocated to SurreyCares in its first round and now, over $575,000 in the second round.
“Access to a range of supports is key to preventing burnout amongst family caregivers. SurreyCares understands the need to make sure that those caring for their family feel supported by their community and connected to other caregivers facing similar challenges. Therefore, we are thankful to be able to assist the Seniors Come Share Society in providing this vital support service to caregivers and their families during the pandemic,” said Christine Buttkus, Executive Director of SurreyCares Community Foundation.
The Emergency Community Support Fund is being delivered through a national partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
“We’re appreciative to the Government of Canada for this much-needed boost benefitting local charities,” said John Lawson, Chair of SurreyCares Community Foundation. “Charities and non-profit organizations have been leading the charge to assist those who need it most in the fight against COVID-19. We know the need for funding is still significant and we’re continuing to advocate for additional funding.”
Individuals and businesses who wish to support Surrey charities are asked to give to the Surrey Community Relief Fund. In partnership with the Surrey Now-Leader, Surrey Board of Trade and The Saheli Foundation, the goal is to raise $500,000 to support the most vulnerable populations in Surrey.
