Volume 14 | August, 2023
Richmond Family & Friend Caregiver Hub
列治文家庭及朋友照顧者資源中心
190 - 7000 Minoru Blvd. Richmond, BC V6Y 3Z5
Phone: 604-279-7099 Email: [email protected]  Website: rcrg.org/caregivers
"Together We Care" 2023.8 Newsletter
Buzzing Hives and Berry Bliss: A Captivating Photo Journey: Visit to Billz Beez & Berryz Farm on Jul 31
Embrace August's Artful Journey: DIY Workshops, Support, and Shopping Fun

We are thrilled to present our August newsletter, brimming with an exciting array of enriching activities and workshops designed to ignite your creativity and foster a sense of community.

In this edition, we invite you to indulge in the art of craftsmanship through our captivating DIY Handmade Bead Corn and mesmerizing DIY Waterfall Card workshops. Explore the world of self-care and wellbeing in our DIY Lotion Making class, while also discovering camaraderie and support in our dedicated Male Caregiver Support Group.

For those seeking artistic flair, our Decoupage on Hot Plates & Coaster workshop promises to be a delight. Lastly, don't miss out on our exclusive shopping field trip to the Designer Outlet Mall, where you can find unique treasures and forge lasting memories with fellow participants.

We look forward to having you join us on this incredible journey of learning, creativity, and connection.
Caregiver Hub Updates
Caregiving can have an impact in many areas – not just the physical side of care. It’s likely that you’ll experience changes in your relationships with spouses/partners siblings, children, and mostly, the person you’re caring for. You can also expect some strong feelings to surface. Mostly, caregivers are surprised by the number of challenges they face or ones they didn’t expect. Despite the challenges, 90% of family caregivers report positive experiences in their caregiving. The challenges are not ignored but rather, they are acknowledged as one part of a caregiver’s experience that can help adapt, grow and gain insight into their strengths and positive aspects of caring.
August/September Activities
Notes and updates:

*Please call 604-279-7099, email [email protected] or fill in an online form.
Activities Highlights
Enchanted Maize: Creating Fairytale-Inspired Bead Corn Decorations -DIY Handmade Bead Corn workshop( Mandarin) on Sep 5 at 3:00pm
Join our whimsical DIY Handmade Bead Corn Workshop and discover the art of crafting delightful bead corn decorations that sprinkle magic into your home decor. Unleash your inner artist and string together enchanting pieces that will leave your space brimming with charm and wonder

Join our essential Fall Prevention seminar and equip yourself with crucial strategies and practical tips to ensure safety for you and your loved ones. Led by experts, this educational event empowers you with preventive measures, creating a secure environment and promoting well-being. Reserve your spot now for a safer future!
Embark on an unforgettable shopping adventure as we explore the renowned Designer Outlet Mall, where high-end fashion meets incredible discounts. Join us for a day of fashion-forward indulgence and discover the latest trends from renowned brands, all at irresistible prices
Caregivers' Sharing
Unveiling the Emotional Rollercoaster: A Caregiver's Tale of Love and Exhaustion

My caregiver journey started with the passing of my father about 10 years ago. My fragile mother became very ill and no longer able to live by herself. I and my sister made arrangements to stay and take care of her. Being a caregiver is both physically and mentally challenging, After a couple months I realized that I have to take early retirement from my job, in order to enable my commitment as my mother’s caregiver. My initial thought that my life will be easier and happier by only doing caregiving.

It turned out that I was terribly wrong about it, being a caregiver is much harder than having a full time job, it’s demanding, challenging, stressful and socially isolated. I missed my friends at work, and all the social activities and functions at my workplace, our after work happy hours, mini vacations, parties, Christmas cookies exchanges.... Being a caregiver to a sick elderly person also your families, you become isolated, losing all interactions in both personal workplace and community, along all the fun things around your life.

Just when I thought I was going to lose my mind, I found out Richmond Caregiver Hub, this programme has many activities, education seminars, DIY arts and craft workshops, cooking class, painting, music, calligraphy, field trips, Giving us caregiver a place to socialize, making friends, sharing knowledge and learning new skills.By participating in all these activities, I recovered all the fun and happiness I lost when I retired from my job.

A big thank you to Richmond Caregiver Hub in the supports to us caregivers, providing us with a lot of helpful resources, engaging and connecting us to our wonderful community, empower us being knowledgeable, capable, happy and better caregiver.

Virginia Chan
Caregiver

Words from Editor: Thank you for sharing your heartfelt and impactful caregiving journey with us. Your blog beautifully illustrates the challenges and resilience that come with caring for a loved one. We commend your decision to join our Richmond Family & Friend Caregiver program and hope it continues to be a source of support and empowerment for you and others in similar situations.🧡
Would you like to share your stories or tips? You cannot imagine how much you could inspire or help another in the community! You are welcome to call us at 604-279-7099, or email [email protected].
Materials of Recent Workshops
by Willie Chan

by Shirley Yang
by Florence Chan

Find more caregiving materials and resources shared on our website.
Community Resources

Self-Management BC, supported by the Province of British Columbia, offers FREE health programs for adults of all ages with one or more ongoing health conditions. Programs are offered in person, virtually, online, by telephone, or mail for adults living in BC.

This monthly e-newsletter is issued for our caregivers as an update of the Hub's services and community resources, as well as to share caregiving experience and insights, all for the purpose of supporting caregivers in their journey of healthy living and caregiving.

See last month's newsletter:
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives | 604-279-7020 | [email protected]
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