The Circle: A Wellness Day Program
The Impact of The Circle: A Wellness Day Program
“You keep pushing yourself. I’ve got to do this. I’ve got to do that. I’ve got to be everywhere,” says Linda Young about the non-stop work of being the primary caregiver for her mother.
Frances lives with declining health from a series of major illnesses that led Linda to retire early and move from Edmonton to the Sunshine Coast.
“I’ve seen my mom lose the ability to walk or talk for three months. She was frightened and crying all the time. There are so many things she and I can’t do anymore because she’s losing so much every day.”
Adjusting to Frances’s condition and the new responsibilities has been difficult for Linda, especially finding a place to receive support for both the dying loved one and the caregiver.
“And then I brought her to The Circle, where people understood that my mom is unwell and I’m stressed.”
Linda is one of the 250+ caregivers and clients who have benefitted from Coast Hospice’s free programs and services, like The Circle, over the past year.
Held at Hospice House, the Circle offers organized small group activities, a light lunch, and good conversation for two hours twice a week–all free of charge. A professional facilitator and trained volunteers support clients like Frances, giving caregivers invaluable time for emotional and mental respite.
For Linda, The Circle is a dependable community where she can have stress-free time and build her own inner strength–as an adult child now caring for their parent.
“It’s how it should be, with your family and friends all together and healthy. When I’m at Hospice House, I can walk around the forest, take a breath and feel so grateful that my mom is in a circle of compassionate friends, safe and content.”