Since its inception in 1987, AIDS Niagara has supported families, friends and caregivers of people living with HIV and AIDS.
How caregivers, whether professional or personal, care for someone living with HIV/AIDS depends on various factors such as:
- training
- relationship with the individual
- coping skills
- knowledge of the disease
- the way in which HIV was transmitted
- previous experiences with grief
- existing support system
- opportunity to "debrief" in a safe, confidential setting
Caregivers often require specialized support in order to maintain their emotional well-being. Professional caregivers are at risk for secondary trauma, a condition that evolves slowly over time if grief and loss are not processed. Personal caregivers are at risk of physical and emotional exhaustion.
AIDS Niagara has responded to the needs of caregivers by developing its Caregiver Support Program. In operation since 1997, this program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.Our program is designed to:
- provide easily accessible and confidential counselling to professional and personal caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS
- reduce risk of secondary trauma
- reduce risk of exhaustion
- enhance the caregiver's ability to manage many of the stresses related to complex long-term caregiving
- enhance the caregiver's ability to provide ongoing, effective long-term care
For more information
Call Jane Bradley at 905-684-6242.
