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
Partnership Spotlight: SASHA (St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association)
Caregivers Alberta is proud to celebrate our long-standing partnership with the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA), an organization dedicated to making life better for caregivers in the St. Albert and Sturgeon region. Together, we’ve delivered COMPASS for the Caregiver workshops to countless family caregivers, equipping them with vital tools, resources, and support.
Volunteer-driven and community-focused since its founding, SASHA supports people impacted by or caring for someone with a life-limiting illness through initiatives such as:
- Hospice spaces at Foyer Lacombe for compassionate end-of-life care.
- The Compassionate Care Volunteer Program offering practical and emotional support.
- Connect Cafés, Grief Walks, and education on advance care planning.
SASHA’s commitment to caregiver support is unwavering. Their delivery of COMPASS for the Caregiver reflects a deep understanding of the challenges families face.
From Loneliness to Connection: Supporting Alberta’s Family Caregivers
Family caregivers in Alberta play a vital role in supporting loved ones, often at the expense of their own social lives and wellbeing. The impact of loneliness on caregivers can be profound, leading to increased stress, burnout, and health challenges that make caregiving even harder. That’s why social prescribing—connecting caregivers to community resources, peer support, and meaningful social activities—is a promising approach to break isolation and build resilience.
At Caregivers Alberta, we recognize that caregiving doesn’t happen in a vacuum. By embedding social prescribing into our programs, we aim to meet caregivers where they are, helping them build supportive relationships that improve their mental health and overall quality of life. As the WHO report underscores, social connection is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for thriving individuals and communities.
If you’re a caregiver feeling the weight of isolation, know that you’re not alone—and support is available. Caregivers Alberta is here to connect you to resources, peer groups, and programs designed to help you reclaim your social connections and care for your own wellbeing.
Reach out today to learn how social prescribing can help you find meaningful support and build the connections that make all the difference. Together, we can strengthen caregivers—and in turn, strengthen all of Alberta’s communities.
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)
