PEP Therapeutic Centre (Provided by morepep.ca)
Caregivers spend so much time looking after someone else that their own needs can quickly slip down the priority list.
PEP Seniors Therapeutic Centre in Perth is trying to change that through its Caregiver Guest Speaker Series, which continues this fall with three sessions aimed at providing practical information, support and a chance to connect.
Acting Executive Director and Program Coordinator Maureen Crook said the next session takes place Sept. 18 with Gabe Thirwall, a health promoter with ConnectWell Health.
The focus will be on helping caregivers recognize the importance of taking care of themselves while supporting somebody else.
Crook said PEP has deliberately reached beyond its own walls to bring expertise from organizations serving people across the community.
The series is supported by the Perth and District Community Foundation.
On Oct. 16, Ontario Health at Home Care Coordinator Courtney Derouin will help caregivers better understand home care, retirement living and long-term care.
Crook said having reliable information before a family reaches a crisis point can make a difficult transition easier.
The series wraps up Nov. 20 with certified forest therapy guide Joanna Kowalczyk and a session called *Rooted in Calm: Nature Therapy for Caregivers*.
The afternoon will combine nature-based stress relief with a hands-on activity, including making a winter wreath to take home.
All three sessions run from 2 to 4 p.m. at PEP, 12 Elliot Street in Perth.
Registration is required and space is limited. People can call PEP at 613-201-7172 or find more information at morepep.ca.
For PEP, the series is about more than sharing information. It is about making sure the people doing the caring know they have a community ready to support them too.
Learn more about the great work Pep does here.
