Learning how to care for others without exhausting yourself is one of life’s greater challenges. Whether prompted by old age or illness, caring for a parent, spouse or friend is an inevitable part of many people’s present or future realities, but not necessarily a situation for which one is prepared.
Les Aidants Naturels du HSL (ANHSL) is an organization focused on providing caregivers of the Upper Saint Lawrence with coping strategies and community support. ANHSL is currently offering an eight-week workshop in Saint-Chrysostome, which focuses on how to find the support you need in order to prevent a “burnout”.
Les Aidants Naturels du HSL is a non-profit organization that was initially formed in 1997 to provide special support for family caregivers responsible for elderly persons in loss of autonomy living at home. This extensive support system has since grown to include various services, including Caregiving Without Burnout workshops, a monthly “cozy brunch” where caregivers gather in mutual support, individual counseling and support, respite services, and a specialized grief support group.
Counselor and workshop organizer, Debbie Neumann says, “Our motto is: Caregiving for a loved one starts with caring for oneself. If something happens to the caregiver, then what? Who will care for the loved one?” She explains that it is advisable that caregivers avoid exhaustion in the first place because it can have the adverse effects from always being tired and unable to regain one’s level of energy, to mood swings, irritability and even physical pain. “No matter how busy you are as a caregiver, it is important to do something for yourself!”
ANHSL has provided life-changing support for many residents of the Upper Saint Lawrence, such as Jayne who cares for her husband living with Alzheimer’s. She explains reaching a point of crisis: “I was getting run down and crying almost every day trying to cope with my life when I got the number to call for help. This was my lifeline. I would have never made it without Les Aidants Naturels. They sent me an angel that came to my home and just listened to me. As I poured out my heart and explained what I wanted and needed help with, she gave me pamphlets to read and who to call for help. I also took their 6-week class to learn more about what I am dealing with. This changed my life.”
The public is invited to learn more about the organization and become a member at ANHSL’s annual general assembly, scheduled for Wednesday, May 25th at 1:30 pm. Interested participants in the Caregiving Without Burnout workshop can call and add their name for pre-registration for the next session in Fall 2016. You can email [email protected] to receive their newsletter or Like them on Facebook to keep up with their current activities. Visit http://naturalscaregivershsl.weebly.com/ for all other information.
