St. John Ambulance, in association with the Order of St. Lazarus, is pleased to introduce a nationally available online version of its Home Caregiver Support Program (HCSP). The HCSP was originally introduced as an in-person practical session in 2013. The HCSP is designed to provide much needed information and assistance to non-professional caregivers who are providing care for family members or friends suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses. Caregivers can include other family members, partners, parents, children, and close friends.
The HCSP online course is designed for caregivers to do on their own time in the comfort of their own homes. In keeping with hospice palliative care philosophy, the program addresses the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and practical issues faced by caregivers while looking after their loved ones at home. Topics include home care, symptom management, dealing with emotions and stress management experienced by caregivers. Other modules provide information on supports in the community, advance care planning and how to encourage inner spiritual strength. Each module can be completed in about one hour. Caregivers can do any or all modules as their needs dictate. An additional in-person practical session may be available in selected communities in Ontario. After completing the online course, the practical session offers time for activities, discussion of local resources, peer-mentoring, and the opportunity to ask questions.
The program is based on A Caregiver’s Guide - A Handbook About End-Of-Life Care, published by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and The Order of Saint Lazarus who has provided funding for the development of the online version of the program. Program development and additional content was written by Dr. Robert Boyko, a Family Physician, Assistant Professor with the University of Toronto, and Provincial Medical Advisor for St. John Ambulance Ontario.
The HCSP is free for caregivers and patients and is accepting registration now online in both English http://stlazarus.sjatraining.ca and French http://stlazarusfr.sjatraining.ca .
“Canadian caregivers are the invisible backbone of the healthcare system, providing $25 billion in unpaid care.” - Canadian Cancer Society. With this unique program St. John Ambulance in partnership with the Order of St. Lazarus, extends the training of Canadians to address the important end-of-life needs that are often forgotten.
For 130 years, St. John Ambulance has been training over half a million Canadians annually in first aid and other health care related courses and remains dedicated to improving lives at work, home and play. With nearly 20,000 volunteers contributing over one-million hours of community service a year, St. John Ambulance is an integral part of the community offering such unique and innovative programs as: medical first response, disaster response, health and safety related adult and youth programs and therapy dog services. As a charitable, humanitarian organization, proceeds from St. John Ambulance’s first aid training and first aid product sales directly support these vital community services programs.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c2992bd4-7b80-4b28-8088-21444b021fce