Caring for loved ones isn’t an easy job, especially during a pandemic.
To help caregivers better handle the emotional roller coaster inherent in their work, Gaia Community Care and Wellness Society (GCCWS), a Richmond not-for-profit, will host two virtual seminars in September for Chinese-speaking caregivers.
Many caregivers feel overwhelmed spending most of their time hunkered down at home while trying to stay current with the latest tips and information about the virus, according to Lorraine Ng, the virtual event organizer and a program coordinator with GCCWS.
“Many caregivers thought hosting virtual meetings would be a brilliant idea. They told me they are longing for an opportunity to talk to others (albeit virtually) and share experiences about spending time at home,” said Ng, who has offered many online meetings since May to help people feel connected in these uncertain times.
Many family caregivers, those who take care of their partners or parents at home, have to minimize their social-bubble to ensure that the ones they care for don’t contract the virus. Some of them worry if they’re doing enough to avoid being infected, said Ng. And when people spend most of their time at home, conflicts can arise among family members.
“We are going to talk about how the pandemic, in general, affects our mental health and the best ways to improve our resiliency so we are more able to handle difficulties and stress. The most important thing is learning how to maintain family harmony during this difficult time,” said Ng.
Ng also noted that in Asian cultures some people might feel hesitant to ask for help, but she encourages everyone to attend the GCCWS meetings and share their thoughts.
While nothing can replace in-person hugs, high-fives and greetings, online meetings can still offer support and cheer people up, added Ng.
The free meeting will be held online on Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. and another online support group will be held on Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. To register, fill out the contact form at gccws.ca/upcoming_events/ or call at 778.223.7236.
