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Vernon workshop examines caregiver burnout

NexusBC event Jan. 17, with Jan. 12 deadline to register
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Feeling irritable, run down and overreacting to minor situations are just a few of the symptoms of caregiver burnout.

Whether you care for an elderly spouse or parent or work in a helping profession, the demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, and this stress can lessen our ability to have empathy and compassion.

Compassion fatigue is an emotional and physical erosion that takes place over time when you are unable to refuel and regenerate.

See also: B.C. 911 call-taker gets rare glimpse of what happened after call

Through a transformational workshop taking place this month, participants can learn how to regain their energy, optimism and hope. This workshop is designed for people who come from a wide range of caregiver relationships and helping professions. It is intended to empower participants with the skills, knowledge, and self-awareness necessary to either prevent or transform the effects of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.

“We are really pleased to offer this workshop,” said Lee Brinkman, Seniors Services Coordinator with NexusBC. “Working in the seniors’ program, I hear from many families and caregivers that are experiencing burnout in dealing with elderly or ill parents or spouses. Often one family member is so busy caring for their loved one that they neglect their own emotional, physical, and spiritual health.”

See also: Helping B.C.’s helpers cope

This one day workshop called Compassion Fatigue will be facilitated by Michael Douglas, a veteran in human service work and a certified trainer in Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma. Douglas combines humour and stories to create learning experiences that will inspire, empower and transform participants to make changes toward a more rewarding, balanced, and less stressful work and home life.

The workshop takes place Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seating is limited. Anyone interested in attending can contact NexusBC at 250-545-0585 or visit www.nexusbc.ca prior to the registration deadline of Jan. 12. There is a $100 fee which includes lunch.


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