Thoughts on the Care Partner Support Group ~ Lycia Rodrigues, Clinical Counsellor Lead 

This past year, I have connected with our care-partners each month during our support group, and noticed real human connections and meaningful relationships among our participants. So often, learning how to manage the difficulties encountered in caring for our family member is the focus. However, during our support group with the care-partners, we focus on what the quality of life is for us, and how we are reconciling our relationship with all the losses that we have encountered in our lifetime.

We have focused our sessions on common caregiving themes including: self-care, healthcare system navigation, relationship changes and future planning. It is vital to maintain our own health and well-being while caring for another. I am invigorated by the stories of the care partners and their experiences of hope and connection. I am grateful for the deep connections we have made, and I have been humbled and inspired to see care-partners move toward self-compassion and greater well-being.

One of the milestones in the support group with stroke survivors was the opportunity to connect in a space of vulnerability, while encouraging members to share their own needs and creative healing journeys. In these past months, I learned first-hand that the experience of surviving a stroke can be socially isolating. This inspired me to facilitate conversations about our psychosocial needs and emotional support. Emotional support is recognized as an essential element that contributes to psychological vitality and wellbeing.

Facing ongoing losses is an art and can be the toughest work we might ever encounter. Grieving after a stroke brings up a lot from the past. This is normal. Moving through ongoing losses requires energy and focus, and is invaluable. Connecting to others to help reduce feelings of isolation is essential. I was particularly inspired to hear participants feel a greater sense of community thanks to our conversations during this monthly support group. Receiving feedback from members who attended our sessions is particularly rewarding. Many participants have reported an increased sense of belonging and community engagement. This journey of facilitating the support group with stroke survivor members has been incredibly enriching.