Dear Editor:
I began attending family caregiver classes in Burnaby in June.
My mother, a longtime resident of Burnaby (1954), is in excellent health at 92 years of age, but I was interested in seeing if I could obtain more information to help me deal with a few issues that had come up with other family members, legal matters, etc.
The wealth of advice and help I received was immense. I decided to continue on with the group counselling sessions and had just attended what I hoped would be the first of many when I was informed that the United Way was discontinuing the funding for this worthwhile program.
The facilitator and the other individuals in the class were so welcoming and kind as we all told our diverse, and sometimes similar, stories of where we were at in our lives – sharing our viewpoints and feelings on the issues we faced. We all had a story to tell and the need to have someone to listen.
How many people have benefited in the past from these sessions? Perhaps the United Way could take a closer look at their budget and somehow reconsider the lives they are affecting and realize these courses are a necessity, especially with the aging population and those of us who require guidance.The United Way’s motto is “Better At Home,” therefore people attending the sessions while being a caregiver to a mother, father, wife, husband, loved one, have been able to get the tools they require to uphold that motto.
Keeping people in their homes for as long as possible lessens the burden on hospitals, care facilities, Doctors, nurses, the entire medical system and taxpayers.
Surely that is worth the $50,000 per year for this non-profit organization to continue with their valuable work to help all of us who seek them out.
Perhaps anyone who has benefited in the past, present or will in the future, would consider making a contribution through the website. Some of us have nowhere else to turn.
Visit www.fundaid.ca and type in “SOS for Burnaby Caregivers” in the search window.
Patricia Tochkin, via email
