When someone suffers a brain injury, the entire family is affected. Studies show that caregivers of people who have suffered a brain injury may experience feelings of burden, distress, anxiety, anger, and depression. If you are caring for a partner, spouse, child, relative, or close friend with a brain injury, it is important to recognize how stressful this situation can be and seek support. It is important to look after yourself so you can continue caring for your loved ones and avoid caregiver burnout.

ARBI will be hosting a monthly Caregiver Support Group on the third Thursday of each month. The two-hour group sessions will be held in person at ARBI (3412 Spruce Drive SW, Calgary, AB) from 5:00 pm–7:00 pm, starting September 15, 2022.

The mission of this group is to provide:

• A compassionate, non-judgmental space to discuss the challenges caregivers face
• Emotional support from the group facilitator and participants (other caregivers)
• Information and resources to promote wellbeing, reduce conflict, and build resilience

The Caregiver Support Group provides an opportunity for unpaid caregivers to discuss and review issues and needs pertinent to providing care for a loved one who has survived an acquired brain injury/stroke. Sessions are co-facilitated by a social worker and psychologist, and when applicable, relevant guest speakers will be invited. You will have the opportunity to connect and socialize with other caregivers while focusing on your own health and well-being.

A variety of topics will be discussed such as:

• Emotional / Behavioral / Personality Changes
• Legal & Financial Issues
• Accessibility Home Renovations
• Stress / Anxiety Management
• Self-Care / Respite
• Vacationing with a Survivor
• Transportation Needs
• Community Activities / Programs / Private Therapies
• Navigating the Healthcare System
• Grief & Loss

If you have any specific topics that you would like covered, please feel free to let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them over the course of the group.

If you would like to register for the Caregiver Support Group, email Alyssa@arbi.ca.

Please Note: There is no fee to attend and you can register for as many sessions as you wish. This is a group for caregivers only, please do not bring your loved ones who have experienced a brain injury.