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Taking
Care: Resources for Caregivers
Caregiver to Caregiver Tip #2:
Ask for help
- Accessing support and community resources
Seeking support
is an important part of your self care as a caregiver.
Support from others including the health care
system,
community agencies, government programs and family and
friends can help you maintain a healthy balance.
Where do I go for help?
The MS Society is a valuable source of information about multiple
sclerosis and provide resources and support group contacts
for caregivers like yourself, to help you effectively manage
the ongoing stress of providing care.
Supportive counseling
The MS Society of Canada can help you navigate the challenges
that multiple sclerosis presents through our supportive counselling
services.
Supportive counselling provides people with MS as well as
their families and friends with reliable, up-to-date information
on multiple sclerosis, a compassionate and accepting space
in which to share your questions or thoughts. We can also
help
you identify options or solutions to your unique concerns
and circumstances.
In addition to supportive counseling, the MS Society of
Canada also provides information and referral services,
education,
support, advocacy and funding services.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.
We can talk about what you are going through. Call
your local
MS Society
division office at 1-800-268-7582 or to find the nearest
MS Society office, visit In
Your Community.
The MS Society does not provide therapeutic counselling,
which is a process between a qualified professional
counsellor and
an individual.
Community Resources
Examples of services available through community or government
resources that might make a difference for you include:
- Peer
Support and Self Help Groups
- Income replacement programs
through private insurance and/or government programs
- Relevant deductions and tax credits available through
the income tax system for persons with MS and their
caregivers
- Subsidized and accessible housing (Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca)
- Programs with funding for mobility aids, and other
equipment and aids for independent living for persons
with MS
- Health care services
- Home care services
- Counselling Services
Please note that programs and services will vary from province
to province and even between regional health districts within
the same province. Contact your local chapter or division
for additional information on the specific services and programs
available in your area.
How do I ensure that we receive the services and support we
need?
- Know your rights. Do your research so that you know
what you are entitled to.
- Be persistent and assertive but
not aggressive.
- Keep
records of all of your contacts and correspondence for
future reference.
- Seek help from others if necessary (for example,
MS Society of Canada Client Services representatives or
other caregivers who have
successfully advocated for services).
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