Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
October 27, 2014
Supporting Caregivers in Our Communities
Caregivers Week Recognizes Those Who Support and Care for Others
This is Caregivers of Family and Friends Week (October 27-31) in Newfoundland and Labrador, a time to recognize the contributions of those who support and care for relatives and friends in communities throughout the province. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, was in Mount Pearl today (Monday, October 27) for a “Caregiver Day Away” event, hosted by the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group, and took the opportunity to sign a proclamation to officially recognize the work of caregivers.
“Caregivers are often the unsung heroes of our health and community care system, providing assistance to family members and others to enable them to remain in their homes, and in their communities, while their needs are being met. Caregivers support people of all ages who need assistance due to illness, disability, accident, medical condition or aging, and Caregivers of Family and Friends Week is a time to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the valuable services they provide.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
The newly-established Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development was created, in part, to focus more specifically on issues surrounding seniors and others who need support to allow them to stay in their homes and communities wherever possible. In an effort to provide caregivers themselves with a network of support, the Provincial Government provides $35,000 annually to the Caregivers Out of Isolation (COI-NL) program, operated through the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The direction and activities of the COI-NL Program are guided by a provincial advisory committee made up of professionals and caregivers with a focus on information, education and recognition. COI-NL provides information to caregivers and the people they care for; delivers educational presentations, and recognizes the vital role caregivers play in homes and within the health care system.
“Caregivers Out of Isolation recognizes and celebrates the work of caregivers, and helps ensure that they are connected to programs and services that assist them in their role and, most especially, to help support their own health and well-being. It is an intergenerational program which recognizes that people who care for a loved one or friend are of any age – and the person they care for can be of any age. The development of the Caregiver Guide and the creation of Regional Caregiver Networks across the province are among the initiatives that bring supports and resources together to benefit caregivers and their families."
- Kelly Heisz, Executive Director, Seniors Resource Centre
For more information on the Caregivers Out of Isolation program, visit: www.caregiversoutofisolationnl.ca .
QUICK FACTS
- October 27-31 is Caregivers of Family and Friends Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Caregivers support people of all ages who need assistance due to illness, disability, accident, medical condition or aging.
- The Provincial Government provides $35,000 annually to the Caregivers Out of Isolation (COI-NL) program, operated through the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador, to provide information and support to caregivers throughout the province.
- For more information on the Caregivers Out of Isolation program, visit: www.caregiversoutofisolationnl.ca .
- 30 -
Photo:
Media contacts:
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Paula Lancaster Provincial Coordinator for Caregivers Out of Isolation Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-726-2370, 1-888-571-2273 care@seniorsresource.ca |
2014 10 27 11:20 a.m.