April 7 is National Caregiver Day in Canada. It’s a day to celebrate the one in four Canadians who act as family or friend caregivers; making them feel seen, valued and supported.
At CPFF, we walk the talk. Caregivers can find targeted information, compassionate support, tips on navigating the health care system and so much more on our website, our social media platforms and in our support group meetings.
Who is a pulmonary fibrosis (PF) caregiver? “If you care about someone living with PF, you are a PF caregiver,” according to a caregiver support group participant.
Find caregiver resources online
Visit the caregiver section of our website, where you’ll find:
- A caregiver guide
- Links to caregiver support groups
- Links to caregiver resources, including videos and caregiver stories
- E-cards to send to caregivers you’d like to honour
- A place to share your caregiver story.
Join a caregiver support group
Some CPFF community support groups hold virtual, or in-person meetings just for PF caregivers. And PF care partners are usually welcome at patient support group meetings.
CPFF also holds a virtual National PF Caregiver Support Group twice a month on Monday evenings. One session is dedicated to an information presentation, followed by discussion about the topic or any other items of interest. The other meeting each month is an open forum discussion, which often includes recent successes and challenges experienced by the participants.
You need to register for each session. Check our events page for the next national caregivers meeting.
What happens at the National Caregivers Support Group?
The group is led by two professional facilitators Trish Tonelli and John Chan.
PF caregivers should realize just how special they are,” says Trish Tonelli. “This is a rare and challenging disease that impacts the whole family, not just the patient. What we are offering participants is a safe space to share their concerns, find solutions, express feelings and ideas, and support one another. No one understands better what you are going through, than someone living in similar circumstances.”
At the beginning of the meeting:
- You will introduce yourself and where you live (city and/or province)
- How long you’ve been a caregiver, and whatever you’d like to share about your loved one
- How you heard about the CPFF caregiver support group
- Anything specific you’d like to ask others or learn at the meetings.
How you’ll benefit by attending the caregiver support group
- You’ll learn more about the disease and how to help your loved one
- You’ll realize you are not alone; others are dealing with similar issues
- You’ll learn the importance of caring for yourself
- You’ll learn tips and suggestions to make PF caregiving easier
- You’ll receive sympathetic and supportive encouragement.
Follow CPFF on our social media platforms
CPFF is active on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Our private Facebook group is also a great place to interact with others within our pulmonary fibrosis community, with close to 5,000 subscribers.