August 21 Meeting
We had a disappointing turnout for a great speaker this week.
Jamie Pallet advised that the U of A Rotaract Club is hosting a fundraiser “Rotaraction for Change” again this year. This year the proceeds will go to the Dogs with Wings organisation. It will be at the McKay Avenue School on the evening of March 28. Our Club sponsors the U of A rotaract Club and we should do our best to get enough members out to fill a table.
Our own Jamie Pallett is a pickle ball instructor at the Meadows Rec Center. He offered to organise a pickle ball event for the membership.
Elizabeth Bonkink advised that the Edmonton Community Foundation is hosting a donor appreciation event at the Alberta Museum. She will forward invitations to us. These are always great events. I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend.
Our speaker was Jonathon Robb from Caregivers Alberta. http://www.caregiversalberta.ca/. Caregivers Alberta is a support organisation for caregivers in Alberta.
Jonathon talked about the number and demographics of persons who are caregivers in Alberta and the pressures and workloads they face. He advised us that;
1.Most caregivers do not even realise that they are caregivers until they are in trouble;
2.On average they send 12 to 20 hours a week providing care for their loved one;
3.They come in all ages and both genders (almost 20% of caregivers are under 20 and close to 50% are men)
4.Some of the consequences that caregivers have to deal with as a result of taking on the job of caring for their loved ones include;
a.Survivor guilt
b.Feelings of guilt about not being able to provide the time they need for other relationships;
c.Depression;
d.Loss of income;
e.Physical challenges;
f.Isolation;
g.Negotiating with the health care professionals
Although Jonathon did say that donations to the organisation are needed and would be appreciated his call for help included;
1.More understanding of the caregiver role;
2.Referrals to the organisation to caregivers we know who could use their support
3.Political advocacy
