Journalist Elise Stolte in conversation with executive director Sandy Sereda and other guests. Register to join.
Author of the article: Elise Stolte
Publishing date: Apr 20, 2021 • May 3, 2021 • 2 minute read • University of Alberta associate professor Jasneet Parmar in front of Clover Bar Lodge in Sherwood Park. Parmar points to Clover Bar is one facility that works hard to support and include family caregivers despite pandemic restrictions. Photo by Greg Southam, Postmedia Photo by Greg Southam /Postmedia
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Many Alberta seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age; many spouses and children want to help.
But one thing we learned through Groundwork II: Seniors & COVID-19 an Edmonton Journal pilot project in engagement journalism is that Alberta’s system to provide home care is not easy to access and understand.
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Tragedy is defined by small moments and raw emotion.
After three months of interviewing seniors and their families about the pandemic, several of those stand out. One is the anxiety: Don Brown calling his daughter 30 times each afternoon, wondering why she’s not visiting as his brain struggles to understand the masks and tension in his dementia ward.
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Try refreshing your browser, or Elise Stolte: The tragedy lives on. If we value our oldest, we ll put in effort to actually fix continuing care Back to video
Then there’s longing and tenderness: Laurence Babiuk, pre-pandemic, quietly entering his wife’s long-term care room to simply hold her, cuddling on the bed.
FCSS Lloydminster offering free web series for dementia caregivers
SHARE ON: An older couple holding hands. (sabinevanerp, pixabay.com)
Family and Community Support Services Lloydminster is inviting professional and family caregivers supporting those with dementia or memory loss to take advantage of a free web series on care and self-care.
The eight-part series will allow participants to engage with facilitators from Caregivers Alberta and covers topics such as dementia, grief and managing stress throughout the care journey.
Manager of Social Programs and Services Patrick Lancaster says the workshop is open to anyone within the health system and those with family members experiencing dementia. He adds it will help give them more tools and support as they deliver care.