Caregiving can be both meaningful and overwhelming. More than half of family caregivers feel exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed.
“I’ve learned I don’t have to do this all alone. This is a space where I feel understood, supported, and never judged.” – Eloise, caregiver
How we can help
· Individual counselling - tailored support, practical solutions, and effective coping strategies.
· Group support - professionally facilitated, group cohort options for unique caregiving relationships.
· Library for Caregivers - books for loan on topics related to caregiving, such as Practical Tips & Guidance, Dementia Care & Communication, and Self Care & Boundaries.
Who is a caregiver?
A caregiver is a spouse, partner, parent, child, relative or friend who provides unpaid care to individuals with chronic illness and/or (dis)ability living in their own home, a care home, or remotely. Unpaid care can include assistance with daily tasks like medication administration, meal preparation or appointment management, and can also include emotional support and advocacy.
Program eligibility
Family members, friends, or neighbours who live in Calgary and provide unpaid care to:
- Seniors (55+) living with a chronic illness and/or disability, or
- Individuals of any age living with dementia
Are you a caregiver of a senior? JFSC’s Samantha Porter, our Caregiver Support and Memory Care Social Worker, talks with Silver Shades host Erika Rodriguez about the rewards and challenges of being a caregiver and the JFSC programs specifically designed to support you in your journey. Listen to podcast here.
Counselling for Caregivers
We offer specialized counselling to help caregivers navigate challenges, build coping strategies, and find practical solutions tailored to their unique situations. Whether you're adjusting to a new diagnosis like Alzheimer’s Disease or facing daily caregiving demands, we’re here to support you with tools, guidance, and emotional clarity.
- Personalized strategies for stress, anger, sadness, guilt, and grief
- Tools for effective communication and managing family dynamics
- Support for navigating dementia, aging, and diagnosis-related changes
- Guidance on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care
​Caring for yourself is essential. Call us at 403-287-3510 to learn more or book a session.
There is no charge for this service.
Caring Together Education and Support Group
Are you caring for a spouse, partner, parent, relative or friend impacted by memory loss or dementia?
Caring Together is a specialized 8-session dementia education and support group for caregivers to access dementia education and resources, explore difficult emotions, and strengthen coping and self care strategies.
This group is facilitated in-person at our the JFSC office by a registered social worker.
Topics:
- The Caregiver Label
- Caregiving and Dementia
- Dementia and Responsive Behaviours
- Strengths in Caregiving
- Coping with Conflict in Caregiving
- Caregiver Wellbeing
- Grief and Loss
- Finding Hope in Caregiving
Please Note: Pre-registration and an ongoing commitment to attend 6 of the 8 sessions is required.
Interested in this group? Call us at 403.287.3510 to register and for more information.
There is no charge for this program.
August/September 2025 Caring Together Education and Support Group DETAILS
Caregiver Discussions - In-Person, Drop-in, Group Sessions
Caregiver Discussions is an ongoing space for caregivers (of both seniors and/or individuals living with dementia) to exchange caregiving and coping strategies and resources. Caregivers can bring their own topics for discussion or can request the social worker to provide focused guidance for specific issues.
This group is facilitated in-person at our the JFSC office by a registered social worker.
These are drop-in groups and participants can choose which sessions they attend.
Please Note: Pre-registration is required, we cannot accept walk-ins. These are drop-in sessions, meaning caregivers can choose the sessions they attend.
Interested in this group? Call us at 403.287.3510 to register and for more information.
There's no charge for this group.
» Spring/ Summer 2025 Details
» Fall 2025 Details
Library for Caregivers
Books are available for loan, covering topics that include practical advice and effective strategies to help caregivers.
Click here for more information. Contact Samantha at samanthap@jfsc.org or call 403-692-6392 to reserve your books.
“Alone we are strong, together we are stronger”