Who takes care of the caregivers?

I’m posting this on Victoria Day — a statutory holiday here in BC, a day off work to relax and enjoy the spring weather.  Of course, for many Canadians – especially those taking care of a loved one with terminal cancer — there are no days off — holidays just don’t exist because cancer doesn’t take holidays.

Taking care of a dying loved one can be emotionally and financially draining. More needs to be done to help people who take on this important responsibility. And with the aging population, more and more people will find themselves in the position of caring for a loved one dying of cancer or other serious disease.

We are urging the federal government to establish a family caregiver strategy to provide more support to the people who are the invisible backbone of our health care system. Recommendations include:

 Compassionate care benefits: Increasing the period a caregiver can receive financial benefits from 6 weeks to 26 weeks to give people a more reasonable window of time for end-of-life care.

Caregiver tax benefit: A tax benefit that would be non-taxable and paid monthly to help caregivers with costs related to care giving.

Resources that can help caregivers and those diagnosed with advanced cancer with the emotional and social impact of end-of-life care is available on our website or through our support line at 1-888-939-3333.

How can caregivers get the help they need? Share your suggestions and leave a comment.

More information on the 2010 Cancer Statistics and the Special Topic: End-of-Life Care can be found here.

Life is for living — not for cancer. In the Canadian Cancer Society, that’s our mantra, and it’s what we’d like people to remember about this fight we’re in. it’s about celebrating life and making a positive difference in the lives of people with cancer.

May is the beginning of Relay For Life season here in BC. If you haven’t attended this event before — make this the year you join us. You’ll be glad you did. It’s a great way for family and friends to celebrate, be inspired and make life a little better for those living with cancer.

Every step you take at Relay For Life helps us continue to help others in so many ways. Some examples? Providing people with a place to stay during difficult treatments, or a safe environment where kids can play and forget about cancer for a little while.

Your pledges also supports life-changing research and access to a friendly, knowledgeable voice on the other end ot the phone who answers some of the tough questions.

There are more than 50 events happening across BC and the Yukon starting in May and continuing over the summer.

You can find out more here: Relay For Life

And for those of you who have already signed up in 2010 — and those who participate every year — thank you!