National Caregivers Week

A week to listen to the spouses, fathers, daughters and friends who donate their time and energy without hesitation. A week to better understand the diversity of their backgrounds and needs. A week to encourage family discussions about our wishes and those being cared for. A week to sit down, evaluate ourselves and make sure we respect our limits as caregivers. A week to talk about the services and support available to caregivers. A week to share our appreciation, our presence and our love. A week to remember that they are always there the other 51 weeks of the year. A week to bear witness to both the beauty and the risks associated with caregiving. A week to commit to doing more and better for them. —Guillaume Joseph, Executive Director

National Caregivers Week celebrates the vital commitment of caregivers, who support loved ones through illness, disability or old age. Whether they are parents, friends or spouses, young or old, employed or retired, these caregivers come from a variety of backgrounds and wear many different hats. We want to recognize and value them, because their support, both human and emotional, is invaluable. With its committed counselors, l’Appui’s Caregiver Support Helpline listens, informs and comforts them, providing invaluable support in overcoming everyday challenges. A well-deserved recognition for all these pillars of caregiving. —Diane Dubé, Caregiver Support Team Leader

National Caregivers Week is a key opportunity for regional organizations, who often take advantage of the occasion to organize some great events. For them, it’s also an opportunity to strengthen collaborations, adapt their services and ensure that caregivers no longer feel alone in their caregiving role. By pooling their efforts, they can better highlight the often invisible role of caregivers, and make a strong statement about their commitment to supporting them in their role. —Chantale Tremblay, Regional Development Advisor

Each story of caregiving is unique, but they all share the same desire to be there for the other person. L’Appui has chosen to highlight them through a web documentary Des histoires qui résonnent and a magazine (in French). These inspiring and moving stories depict the daily lives of thousands of Quebecers in words and pictures.