Respite Night: Hospice Care Ottawa’s Caregiver Evening Out

By Nick Walling, Digital Marketing Officer, CHPCA

The act of caregiving is selfless, loving, and compassionate. It can also be stressful, isolating, and emotionally draining. With so much focus on ensuring their loved one is safe and comfortable, caregivers often don’t have the energy to take care of themselves. That’s why the incredible team at Hospice Care Ottawa (HCO) developed the Caregiver Evening Out program, a monthly event designed to give caregivers the opportunity to meet fellow caregivers, relax among peers in a safe environment, and talk to each other about their feelings and experiences.

Facilitated by a Community Coordinator and volunteers, Caregiver Evening Out events include a mocktail hour, and a round of introductions and updates before caregivers settle in for dinner.

“This is an opportunity for caregivers to receive some ‘caring’ of their own,” says Janet Bowes, Coordinator at HCO. “We greet them as guests and offer them refreshments prepared by our staff and volunteers when they arrive – we want them to feel special and appreciated.”

HCO staff often work with caregivers to remove barriers that may prevent them from attending. For example, families who access other HCO services may be able to have a volunteer stay with their loved one and occasionally transportation is provided.

“Caregivers have so many responsibilities,” says Janet. “This evening allows caregivers to prioritize themselves and meet others dealing with similar challenges.”

This thoughtful, compassionate approach to caring for caregivers, and the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers at HCO, does not go unnoticed by their guests.

“It was marvelous to be pampered and served the way we were,” said one participant. “To share our feelings amongst others living very similar lives was so therapeutic,” said another. One caregiver even described the evenings as “a refuge of compassion”.

A program evaluation is currently underway, and the bevy of glowing reviews from caregivers demonstrates that the Caregiver Evening Out program is absolutely invaluable. By providing a safe space for caregivers to unwind and connect with one another, Hospice Care Ottawa is giving back to those who give so much of themselves every day.

For more information about Caregiver Evening Out connect with:

Janet Bowes
[email protected]