NorQuest College and Caregivers Alberta are connecting caregivers to education and community resources through a new partnership announced today (Sept 14).
Caregivers Alberta and NorQuest welcomed Government of Alberta assistant deputy minister of continuing care, Corinne Schalm, as well as Blaise Young, mayor of the Village of Forestburg, to mark the announcement, and share details of what the partnership means for caregivers, their loved ones who receive care, and the sustainability of Alberta's healthcare system.
"Caregivers deserve care, too! Caregivers offer a critical and incredibly valuable service to loved ones across this province," says Jackie Nelson, Vice President, External Relations at NorQuest College. "That's why we're so happy to partner with Caregivers Alberta to deliver resources to lighten the burden and improve the well-being of family caregivers across the province, and especially in rural Alberta, where the need is so great."
One in four Albertans are currently caring for a family member or friend and studies have shown that by 2036, the number of seniors in Canada is expected to reach between 9.9 and 10.9 million people. This partnership has the potential to massively improve health-care outcomes while delivering significant efficiencies and reducing costs overall through delivery of care in the home setting by knowledgeable and caring loved ones.
"Alberta's caregivers are burning out. When they call us they're overwhelmed, having a hard time navigating the system for support and resources, and experiencing issues with finances, legal matters, family relationships, keeping up at work, and anxiety or depression," says Darrel Gregory, executive director of Caregivers Alberta.
"Getting NorQuest's Family Caregiver Wellness Workshops into communities across the province will significantly improve caregivers' confidence and ability to preserve their own well-being. Ultimately, that improves their care recipient's health as well."
Celebrating Caregivers Event
At the Sept. 14 event, caregivers will experience free sessions detailing the supports offered through the partnership, as well as an introduction to the unique programming available to Alberta caregivers through workshops offered in communities across the province. While caregivers participate in the workshops, their care receivers will engage in activities from NorQuest's therapeutic recreation faculty and students.
For more information about the caregiver workshops and how to bring them to a community near you, contact healthprojects@norquest.ca
About NorQuest College
NorQuest College is Edmonton's comprehensive community college serving students throughout the province with full-time, part-time, online, and face-to-face learning options. NorQuest helps learners with diverse educational backgrounds complete or further their studies through foundational programs. Our post-secondary diploma and certificate programs and continuing education options offer rewarding career paths in health, community studies, business, environment, technology, hospitality, and diversity and inclusion training. Our suite of customized and corporate training options ensures organizations and their workforces are prepared for the demands of the future. By collaborating with business, industry, government, and communities, we ensure our learners receive workforce relevant, inclusive, and transformative educational experiences.
About Caregivers Alberta
Caregivers Alberta is a province-wide, not-for-profit organization that provides resources, support and education to people caregiving for family members or friends. We are the only organization in Alberta solely dedicated to supporting family caregivers. Our services are wide-ranging, to meet the highly varied needs of unpaid family caregivers. We also work with government, employers, and health and community-care providers, to inform and support people in decision-making roles who are positioned to positively impact caregivers in Alberta.
