Health and Community Services
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
October 7, 2015

Supporting Caregivers in Our Communities

October Provides Opportunity to Highlight Role of Caregivers

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of the Department of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, joined members of the caregivers community at an event today (Wednesday, October 7) to recognize October as Caregivers Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The Provincial Government continues to appreciate the dedication of caregivers in this province as they work hard every day, sharing in the struggles of our most vulnerable and assisting them in living a fulfilling life. As a government, we continue to listen and engage with caregivers - whether they are a family member, friend, or employee - to determine ways which we can work together to have a positive impact on individuals and families in Newfoundland and Labrador."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government is committed to enhancing long-term care and community support services. The Provincial Home Support Program is available to eligible individuals to assist them in remaining in their home and community, and offers support for the individual as well as respite services for family 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 while their needs are being met. Caregiver Month 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

In an effort to provide caregivers themselves with a network of support, the Provincial Government also provides $35,000 annually to the Caregivers Out of Isolation program, operated through the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Caregivers Out of Isolation recognizes the work of caregivers, and helps ensure that they are connected to programs and services that assist them in their role and support their own health and well-being. The Caregiver Guide and Regional Caregiver Networks across the province are among the initiatives that bring supports and resources together to benefit caregivers and their families."
- Mary Manojolvich, Chair, Caregivers Out of Isolation - Newfoundland and Labrador

For more information on the Provincial Home Support Program, visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/home_support_manual.pdf. Further information on the Caregivers Out of Isolation Program can be found at: www.caregiversoutofisolationnl.ca/ .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has proclaimed October as Caregiver Month to acknowledge the valuable role of caregivers in the lives of individuals and families in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Provincial Home Support Program assists clients in remaining in their homes, offering support for the individual as well as respite services for family caregivers. For more information, visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/home_support_manual.pdf.
• 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 program, operated through the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• For more information on the Caregivers Out of Isolation Program, visit: www.caregiversoutofisolationnl.ca/ .

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2015 10 07                              1:40 p.m.