Just Ask: How Can I Access Caregiver Support on the Coast?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
Caring for a loved one—whether a spouse, parent, relative, neighbour, or friend — is an act of love, but it can also take an immense toll. Many people do not self-identify as a Caregiver and miss out on support that is available to them, many of which are free and have reduced costs. On the Sunshine Coast, there are many programs and resources available to help caregivers find support, connection, and relief.
Community Health and Volunteer Programs
Practical support can also be found through a variety of volunteer and healthcare programs. The Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary Loan Cupboard (604.885.2224 Ext. 4204) provides residents with short-term use of hospital equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, bed rails, and bath stools free of charge. Local volunteer service through Vancouver Coastal Health Volunteer Programs (604.885.8517) include Meals on Wheels, Volunteer Drivers, Friendly Visitors, and the Telephone Tree, all of which help seniors and their caregivers manage day-to-day needs. Better At Home is another program that helps Seniors with simple, non-medical home support services, such as friendly visits, grocery delivery and light housekeeping. Gibsons to West Sechelt call 604.885.5881 ext. 249. For Pender Harbour call 604.212.2232.
Programs for Dementia and Mental Wellness
For those caring for someone with dementia or cognitive change, the Memory Café provides a welcoming space for both caregivers and their loved one to participate in brain-stimulating activities, social connection, and gentle exercise. Held Tuesdays at the Sechelt Seniors Centre (604.885.3513). Another option, Bright Spot, offered through Older Adult Mental Health (604.924.8370) is a weekly program for seniors living with mental health or wellness challenges. In addition to activities and social groups, Bright Spot offers peer support and wellness-focused programming that can be helpful for both participants and their families. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers First Link® Dementia Helpline, a toll-free dementia helpline in multiple languages Monday to Friday from 9am-8pm, for English call 1.800.936.6033. They also offer online and in-person workshops that are periodically hosted on the Sunshine Coast.
Online Supports
Support for caregivers also extends beyond local programs. Family Caregivers of BC also operates a toll-free support line (1.877.520.3267) from Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4pm. They provide information, healthcare navigation, emotional support, and connections to educational resources. Another valuable option is Douglas College’s new online Caring for Your Senior course. This program covers healthcare systems, financial and legal concerns, and caregiver support through self-paced modules and weekly Zoom sessions. The next course begins September 15, 2025. Learn more at douglascollege.ca/seniorcare.
Sunshine Coast Hospice
Hospice offers a range of support including advanced care planning, grief support, and one-to-one assistance such as volunteer visits in the home. These visits give caregivers the chance to run errands or simply take a much-needed break. A unique offering is The Circle, a free program for people with life-limiting illnesses such as Parkinson’s, dementia, cancer, or COPD, along with their caregivers. Each gathering begins with coffee, tea, and conversation before moving into an activity—such as music, games, chair yoga, or flower arranging—followed by a light lunch. While some families use the program for respite, many come simply to enjoy a social outing together. To learn more, call 604-740-0475.
Private Respite Options
For families needing additional help, private organizations such as Home Healthcare Network (604.740.1993), Nurse Next Door (604.747.2847) and North Shore Nursing (604.779.1170) provide respite and in-home support services here on the Coast. These services can complement public and volunteer programs by offering more personalized or flexible care – make a call to receive a free consultation.
The Home Healthcare Network is hosting its Second Annual Seniors Fair on Saturday, September 13th from 1pm to 4pm at the Sechelt Seniors Centre (5604 Trail Ave). This event is free and a great place for both Seniors, care partners, and their families to connect with local resources and organizations.
Caregiver Support at the Resource Centre
With so many programs available, navigating the options can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where the Resource Centre can help. We are pleased to welcome Kirsten as our new Caregivers Support Coordinator. This new full-time role at the Resource Centre is designed to connect older adults and their care partners to community programs and services by providing compassionate listening and support navigating and accessing healthcare, housing, income support, transportation, and community resources and information. Our program also runs monthly Caregiver Support Meetings in Gibsons, Sechelt and via Zoom.
You can reach Kirsten at caregiversupport@resourcecentre.ca or by calling 604.741.2470. We also invite you to stop by our new location at 5674 Cowrie Street, Sechelt, open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’d like to receive monthly updates on caregiving & senior resources and upcoming events, contact us to join our Caregivers E-News mailing list.
Being a caregiver doesn’t mean doing it all alone. With the right support in place, both caregivers and their loved ones can experience more balance, connection, and peace of mind.