We would like to introduce to you Franca Turco, Psychosocial Counsellor to the Caregivers.
The YWCA Montreal’s Family Caregiver Support Program offers a variety of support services and activities to nearly 150 women that promote healthy relations, as well as their psychological, emotional and physical well-being. The role played by these women with their loved one is essential and to be able to fulfill this role effectively, they have to maintain a psychological and emotional balance.
We have all heard in the media about the insecurity and helplessness experienced by caregivers when visits to seniors’ residences were suspended. Franca’s team had to adapt quickly to physical distancing measures, as the team itself could no longer offer in-person support, which is the key to a successful counselling.
However, they were able to shift and improve the services offered individually to telephone, email and video-conference. Support and meditation group activities will also be offered online to maintain a sense of community.
The adjustments that have been made in recent week to connect the caregivers virtually are perceived as positive in the long term, since these will allow the YWCA Montreal to be available to those who do not have time to travel to our premises but still need to be supported.
Franca’s message of hope: “As humans, we must learn to live with the fact that we do not always have full control over every aspect of our lives. After this difficult period, we will have developed strategies to get through these moments even more strongly than before. By adapting to this new reality, caregivers will be better equipped to navigate their daily lives that are very often filled with this feeling of helplessness.”
In order to maintain these essential services that support women who take on the role of caregiver and which give them a break, we need your donations.
Would you like to show your support to Franca? Please donate to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund.