Just Ask: Who Supports the Caregiver?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
Across Canada, caregiving is more common than many people realize. More than one in four Canadians are currently supporting a family member, friend, or neighbour in an unpaid caregiving role. It’s work that often happens quietly, woven into everyday life between jobs, appointments, and responsibilities at home. Many people don’t identify as caregivers at all. They see themselves as a loving partner, a devoted daughter or son, or simply someone helping out.
But caregiving has a way of growing. What starts as the occasional ride to an appointment or a quick check-in can gradually become coordinating care, managing medications, offering emotional support, and carrying the weight of someone else’s wellbeing. Over time, it can become a significant and ongoing responsibility.
You might be a caregiver if you regularly help someone navigate daily life, health concerns, or major decisions. You might be a caregiver if you feel responsible for someone’s safety or find yourself adjusting your own schedule to meet their needs. You might be a caregiver if you are the one they rely on.
And if that sounds familiar, there’s an important question to ask next: who is supporting you?
Caregiver Appreciation Month is a time to recognize the essential role caregivers play in our community, but also to acknowledge that this role can be demanding. Many caregivers experience stress, fatigue, and isolation, often while putting their own needs aside. In fact, around 74% of caregivers experience burnout. It’s easy to focus all your energy on the person you’re supporting and forget that you need care too. Support isn’t a luxury for caregivers, it’s something that helps make the role sustainable.
On the Sunshine Coast, the Resource Centre offers a Caregiver Support Program designed to walk alongside caregivers at any stage of their journey. Support looks different for everyone, which is why the program offers flexible options. Caregivers can access one-to-one support for emotional connection, problem-solving, and help navigating systems and resources.
For those who want to connect with others, Caregivers on the Coast offers support groups and workshops that create space for open conversation and shared experiences. These gatherings are welcoming and informal, offering a chance to learn about local resources while also connecting with people who understand what caregiving really looks like day to day. Many caregivers find relief in simply knowing they are not alone.
This month, there are several opportunities to step into that support. On Thursday, May 14 from 12 to 1:30pm, caregivers are invited to a free Caregiver Appreciation Lunch. This is a relaxed, drop-in gathering where you can share a meal, connect with others, and even take a lunch home for your loved one. Registration for the lunch is required to accommodate numbers and dietary requirements, please email caregivers@resourcecentre.ca or call or text 604.741.2470 Later in the month, on May 21 from 11am to 1pm, a Community Paramedic will be available for a drop-in Q&A, offering health checks and a chance to ask questions in an approachable setting. The Caregivers on the Coast Support Group will meet again on May 28 from 11:30am to 1pm, continuing to provide a consistent space for connection and conversation. All events take place at the Seniors Gathering Place in Sechelt, located at the Resource Centre office (5674 Cowrie Street).
If you see yourself in any part of this, it may be worth reaching out. You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming to connect with support. Sometimes the most helpful step is simply talking to someone who understands the role you’re in.
Caregiving is an important and meaningful part of our community, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own wellbeing. Remember to take moments for yourself – taking time to access support, connect with others, or even pause for a shared meal can make a difference.
If you’re a caregiver, support is here for you too. And if you know someone who is caregiving, take a moment to check in—it can make a real difference.
To learn more or register for upcoming programs, email caregivers@resourcecentre.ca or call/text 604.741.2470.