Being a caregiver in a pandemic

Doctors diagnose, nurses heal, and caregivers make sense of it all. During the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers were relied upon more than ever as loved ones were left with little to no social programming, and caregivers adapted to a new routine.

Donna MacLean Lee is familiar with this feeling, acting as a caregiver to her mother Myrna MacLean who is living with dementia. To keep Myrna’s mind sharp and others going throughout the pandemic, Carefor’s Adult Day Program (ADP) kept running through virtual activities, and in-person one-on-one visits.

“At the beginning of the pandemic they put together a package of activities Mom could work on at home which helped,” Donna explained. Natacha Brisson, the program coordinator then began visiting Myrna, making a world of difference for both Myrna and Donna. “Natacha does a lot of good stuff with her and it gets her mind going.” Donna shared. Natacha takes a personalized approach with the program, engaging Myrna in activities she enjoys like baking, word games, arts, and crafts. 

The team at the North-Stor Support Centre have also been supportive to Donna, offering access to additional programs to make caring for her mom easier, and offering a friendly ear when times got tough.

Like other caregivers, Donna sees and experiences the importance of the ADP program every week. She believes, “The program is important to us because it gives me and my husband a break so we don’t burn out, but it also gives mom a change in her daily routine and I know she’s safe. That’s what matters most.”

Donna along with other caregivers rely on the support of the Adult Day Program in the Eastern Counties to provide friendship and meaningful connections to their loved ones. Support the program today by making a donation.