Program gives caregivers a break

Excerpt from The Sun Times: (click for entire article)

A new volunteer-run program is being offered in Owen Sound to provide temporary care to people with life-threatening or debilitating illnesses while at the same time giving caregivers short-term relief from the day-to-day task of supporting a loved one.

The Grey Bruce Palliative Care Hospice Association has received $32,000 in seed money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to set up The Dove Loft — a furnished suite on the top floor of Francis' Place — where trained volunteers provide non-medical support and comfort to clients for up to one week.

John Tennant, the association's volunteer executive director, said the primary goal of the loft is to provide respite for people who are caring for a loved one who is ill.

"Caregiver burnout is a big issue," he said Friday.