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 November 1
The COMPASS for Caregiver program offers a supportive, interactive online workshop series designed to help caregivers prioritize their own well-being.
We’re now taking registrants for November COMPASS!
Saturdays, Nov 1 – Nov 22, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What you’ll learn:
- Nov 1: Being a Caregiver – Understanding caregiving’s impact on your health.
- Nov 8: Managing Your Stress – Preventing and recovering from burnout.
- Nov 15: Balancing Relationships – Improving communication and setting boundaries.
- Nov 22: Navigating the System – Gaining 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.
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.
Fueling the Journey – Nutrition & Community Supports for Caregivers
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online Webinar
Caring for someone else often means putting your own needs last—skipping meals, grabbing whatever’s quick, or running out of energy. But your health matters, and good nutrition is key to staying strong—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Suneet Jaswal, Registered Dietitian and caregiver himself, will share insights on how food affects mental health, immunity, and overall vitality. Learn about “hidden hunger,” risks of malnutrition, and practical strategies to nourish yourself without adding stress.
We’ll also hear from Christine Hentschel of Calgary Meals on Wheels, who will highlight community programs that make nutritious meals more accessible for caregivers.
Whether you care for a loved one, support caregivers professionally, or work in the nonprofit sector, this session offers practical tips, tools, and resources to make healthy eating achievable and sustainable.
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)
