Supporting Caregivers, Enhancing Lives
At Westend Seniors Activity Centre, we care for our seniors holistically, supporting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. We believe in fostering a community that promotes healthy aging and enhances the quality of life for our members. Our mission to promote healthy aging and enhance quality of life aligns perfectly with Caregivers Alberta’s vision of a society that values and supports caregivers.
We’re proud to share resources from Caregivers Alberta, an organization that aligns with our commitment to supporting the well-being of seniors and their caregivers. Like Caregivers Alberta, we recognize the importance of providing valuable information, support, and connections to those who care for our loved ones. By partnering with organizations like Caregivers Alberta, we aim to empower our members and their families with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
LATEST NEWS FROM CAREGIVERS ALBERTA
Next COMPASS for the Caregiver Cohort starts September 5
The COMPASS for Caregiver program offers a supportive, interactive online workshop series designed to help caregivers prioritize their own well-being.
Join us Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon on September 5, 12, 19, and 26 for four engaging sessions covering:
- Being a Caregiver — Understand your role and assess your strengths and challenges.
- Managing Your Stress — Learn strategies to prevent burnout and find balance.
- Balancing Relationships — Improve communication and reclaim your identity.
- Navigating the System — Gain confidence in accessing services and planning ahead.
Spots are limited, don’t miss out! Hit the button below and join Caregivers Alberta for this energizing and empowering series.
Now Streaming: Behind the Care Episode 1 — Rural Roots, Resilient Care
We’re excited to share that the first episode of our new podcast, Behind the Care, is now available to stream!
In Episode 1, we meet Donna Strongman, a rural caregiver living just outside of Wildwood, Alberta. As the primary caregiver for both her husband and grandson, Donna offers a deeply personal look into how she came into this role, the challenges she’s faced, and the strategies she uses to support her own mental health and well-being. She also shares heartfelt advice for new caregivers navigating similar paths.
Behind the Care shines a light on the over one million family and friend caregivers across Alberta—everyday people who care for loved ones with strength and compassion, often without recognition.
🎙 Each episode features heartfelt stories from caregivers, as well as insights from experts, advocates, and researchers who are working to improve support systems for those who give so much of themselves.
This is more than just a podcast—it’s a space to listen, learn, and honour the voices of caregivers.
🔗 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube
New Pilot Program: Beyond the Shift—Support for Caregivers Whose Work Never Really Ends
Caring for others never really stops—especially if you’re a nurse, social worker, first responder, or human service professional who also supports a loved one after hours. If this sounds familiar, our new 8-week pilot program is designed just for you.
Beyond the Shift gives you the chance to slow down, breathe, and build practical skills to make life a little lighter. Through small, supportive group sessions, participants will:
- Explore ways to create genuine downtime
- Check in on personal well-being
- Learn simple techniques to calm the mind and body
- Develop a self-care plan that fits your life
Program Details:
- When: Every other Tuesday, 6:30–8:00 PM
- Sept 9 & 23 | Oct 7 & 21 | Nov 4 & 18 | Dec 2 & 16
- Where: Online
- Format: Small, closed group for open conversation
Spots are limited—reserve yours early to be part of this supportive pilot!
Social Prescribing: Support Beyond the Clinic
As a family caregiver, you do so much for others — but who’s supporting you?
Social prescribing is a growing approach in healthcare that connects people to non-medical resources in their community to improve overall well-being. That might mean a peer support group, a local art class, help accessing transportation, or even a walking group. It’s about recognizing that health isn’t just about medication — it’s also about connection, community, and emotional support.
For caregivers, social prescribing can:
- Reduce feelings of isolation
- Provide mental health and emotional support
- Connect you to respite and practical help
- Offer new ways to manage stress and find balance
You may already be benefiting from social prescribing without realizing it. Every time someone refers you to a local caregiver group, workshop, or wellness program — that’s social prescribing in action.
How to Access It
Ask your doctor, healthcare provider, or social worker about social prescribing options near you. In some cases, you can even self-refer to programs in your community.
At Caregivers Alberta, we offer several supports that align with social prescribing:
- Caregiver Coaching
- Peer Support Groups
- Workshops and Webinars
If caregiving feels overwhelming, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to go it alone. Social prescribing is just one more way to make sure that you, too, are cared for.
Enhance Your Caregiving Skills with Alberta Caregiver College®
Alberta Caregiver College® is a no-cost educational program designed to support family members and friends caring for loved ones. Through online and virtual courses, caregivers can gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate and effective care.
This fall, Alberta Caregiver College® is offering a free course for informal caregivers of brain injury and stroke survivors. All sessions are held via Zoom from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. MST.
Course Schedule & Topics:
- Module 1: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Physiological Aspects of Brain Injury and Stroke
- Module 2: Thursday, October 16, 2025 –
Part I: Communication Strategies for Caregivers related to Brain Injury and Stroke
Part II: Functional and Mobility Issues after Brain Injury and Stroke - Module 3: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – Cognitive and Emotional Changes related to Brain Injury and Stroke
- Module 4: Thursday, October 23, 2025 – Caring for the Caregiver and Community Resources
Register Today: Scan the QR code, email GRHLearningandDevelopmentCentr
Expand your caregiving knowledge, connect with resources, and support your loved ones with confidence.
CAREGIVERS ALBERTA
Caregivers Alberta provide resources, support and education to help people provide care to family members or friends. Their services are wide-ranging to match the needs of caregivers: from caregiver support line to one-on-one coaching and peer support groups to their award-winning caregiver education program, COMPASS for the Caregiver.
ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
The Caregiver Coach provides one-on-one support. You can connect by:
- Phone: 780-453-5088 | 1-877-453-5088 (toll-free)
- Email: su*****@***************ta.ca
ONLINE SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS IN ALBERTA
Writers’ Circle:
- Participants will receive a journal prompt, write, and then share their thoughts with one another.
- Bi-weekly on Wednesdays,
- 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (online)
Compass for the Caregiver:
- This education course is designed to equip caregivers with more skills and strategies for managing stress within their role.
- Session dates and times vary
Caregivers Book Club
- four weeks, three books, great company and conversation!
- Every 2nd Thursday of the month,
- 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (online)
Men’s Den Caregiver Support Community
- a small group gathering for male caregivers.
- Bi-weekly on Wednesdays,
- 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (online)
