April 01, 2004
By: Dagmar Bonker
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com
Online Stress Relief for Caregivers: Social Service Providers Harness the Power of the Internet
Family Service Association of Toronto is one of three pilot sites in Ontario that are
participating in a Virtual Caregivers Support Group project. Initiated by the Canadian Association for
Community Care, the project teaches families that are caring for seniors to access information and support
on the Internet. The first group of caregivers graduate from the training program in August.
Open to people with all levels of computer experience, the program teaches participants to find information
for caregivers on the Internet, to use e-mail, and to participate in online discussion groups. With the help
of a donation from the CIBC Employee as Ambassador Program, computers were upgraded for
participants who did not have their own equipment.
The great thing about the virtual support program is that it will allow caregivers to access information and
interact with others who understand their situation, even when they can’t leave home, says FSA Toronto’s
Seniors and Caregivers Services Manager, Lisa Manuel.
The Virtual Support Group has earned praise from participants who now use email at any time of the
day or night to ask questions of their counselor and share experiences with other group members. This
success signifies the potential of the Internet for extending support services to individuals who have
difficulty accessing more traditional programs. Because of the high time and energy demands faced by
caregivers, they are frequently unable to attend regular support groups or counseling meetings. Reaching
these individuals through alternative means, such as online support groups, is becoming critical as the number
of Canadian families caring for seniors at home increases.
The Virtual Caregivers Support Group pilot project is a collaborative effort and has benefited from the
help of volunteers and funders. Family Service Association of Toronto is thrilled to have the support of
the community in this exciting new venture, says Peter Crosby, Director of Client Services. We thank
the volunteers who have worked so hard to deliver training, develop the website, and give technical
advice. And we thank the Canadian Association for Community Care for initiating the project, and CIBC
for supporting their employee’s volunteer work with a corporate donation.
About
The Author:
Dagmar Bonker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com.
Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.
