MONCTON (CNB) – The provincial government has released a new, 35-page guide to give information to unpaid caregivers helping and supporting seniors.
"This guide will serve as a valuable tool for those who are or anticipate becoming caregivers," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz, minister responsible for seniors, housing and community non-profit organizations. "It provides advice on various aspects of care-giving as well as practical ways for caregivers to adapt their lifestyles and living environments to ensure a better quality of life for themselves and the seniors in their care."
The guide, Caregivers Guide: Practical information for caregivers of older adults, is intended to increase support to families, friends and volunteers to help them care for their seniors. One chapter is devoted entirely to the needs of the caregiver.
"Caregivers can forget to take care of themselves and run the risk of developing health problems and feeling emotionally stressed," Stultz said. "Many could be juggling child care, paid employment or volunteer work along with the responsibility of helping an elderly person. That is why we have also included information on self-care and building and enlisting the help of a support network for the caregiver."
With the rapidly aging population in New Brunswick, care-giving is expected to become an even larger part of family and community life. New Brunswick has the second-largest proportion of seniors in Canada; the number of seniors in New Brunswick is expected to double during the next 20 years.
"In many cases, a little help from family, friends or neighbours may be all that is needed for a senior to continue living independently," Stultz said. "If seniors can stay at home with their families, and in their communities where they want to live, it will be better for their quality of life and the long-term care system."
The guide is the first of its kind to be produced in the province in more than 10 years. It was developed by the Senior and Healthy Aging Secretariat with suggestions from the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick and the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick.
The booklet is available at the Senior and Healthy Aging Secretariat head office in Fredericton and at all regional offices of the Department of Social Development. It is also on the homepage of the secretariat.
To order copies, contact:
The Senior and Healthy Aging Secretariat,
P.O. Box 6000,
Fredericton, N.B.
E3B 5H1
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 506-457-6811
Fax: 506-453-2869
LINK:
● Senior and Healthy Aging Secretariat: www.gnb.ca/seniors
05-10-11
