News

The Kidney Foundation of Canada has launched a new caregivers support group in Ontario. The new online group meets once a month, and provides a forum for caregivers to connect and learn from each others’ experiences. It builds on the success of established patient-centered models, offering both emotional support and practical advice. Participants can either log in with their computer or join by phone.

Andrew is one of the group’s facilitators and also a kidney donor. He took part in Canada’s Kidney Paired Donation Program, which enabled his wife to find a donor kidney in 2015. She was on home peritoneal dialysis for two years before becoming a transplant recipient. Andrew remembers some of the challenges around being a caregiver at that point: Tracking medications, getting to appointments on time, and preparing dialysis supplies. 

“When you start to provide care for someone, you can get so wrapped up in that role that you can forget about yourself,” he reflects. “Even though it is okay to go out on your own once in a while, you can feel an obligation to always be close by.”

Based on his own experience, he knows there are a wide range of topics to cover at the meetings. One of his key goals is to develop a community where caregivers can have open conversations, and offer each other support. 

David is also a group facilitator. His wife Bonnie was diagnosed with kidney failure a few years back and started peritoneal dialysis 18 months ago.

“There is so much to learn,” David says. “You have to get over the initial shock and that sense of feeling overwhelmed. As a caregiver you are beside the patient doing what you can to help out.” 

David and his wife were able to learn more about kidney disease and dialysis through the Kidney Foundation’s website and resource materials. They soon joined patient support meetings in Mississauga and Scarborough, and now David helps moderate the caregivers group. 

“There is a lot of value in being in a forum where you can share ideas and ask questions,” he notes. “It gives you the perspective and knowledge that we are not facing this situation alone but with kindred spirits. There is strength in community.” 

To learn more about The Kidney Foundation’s new Caregivers Support Group contact 1-866-390-7337 or email Ontario.programs@kidney.ca. Support Group Meeting schedule can be accessed on our Support & Engagement Groups page.