Caregiver Consultation 2010

The ACGA has recognized that caregivers need supports and programs that help them pursue their own well-being. In fall 2010 the ACGA did a Caregiver Consultation to learn about the challenges Alberta's caregivers are facing and brainstorm solutions. The consultation process gave 500 caregivers and professionals a chance to contribute to the creation of Alberta's Caregiver Strategy. The results highlight the importance of caregiving and suggest tangible strategies that governments and community agencies will use to improve the lives of caregivers.

If you would like a physical copy of any of the reports listed below, please contact our office at 1-877-453-5088.

Consultation Results

Read the Preliminary Report from the Consultation Survey (PDF).
The initial results from a caregiver survey were complied in this report prior to the Caregiver Consultation Conventions in October 2010.

"Your, Mine & Ours" Final Report on Alberta Caregiver Strategy Consultation - 2010 (PDF)
This is the final report on the Consultation. It will be distributed to all convention caregiver participants. It features a senior friendly front and caregiver quotes throughout.

Caregiver Consultation 2010: Towards a Provincial Caregiver Strategy (PDF).
The full version of the report includes: in-depth background information, an overview of the consultation process and a detailed analysis of the consultation results.

Read about the strategy development and the Convention Committee here.

About the Consultation Process

The provincial Caregiver Strategy initiative is led by the ACGA with the support of the Consultation Committee. This is not a government sponsored activity. In order to ensure an independant process, it is being financed with grants, the ACGA's own funds and delegate fees.

The consultation is a four-part process that will gather input from caregivers, professionals, and service providers.

Part 1: Problem Identification

An online survey focused on capturing the real experiences of caregivers so we can better understand the vario us challenges, barriers, and problems that exist from their points of view.

Part 2: Capacity Assessment

Using the issues identified in the survey as a starting point, delegates at one of two conventions held in October will spend the morning identifying the deficiencies in the system that cause these issues.

Part 3: Strategy Recommendations

Building on the results of the morning's capacity assessment, convention delegates spent the afternoon identifying strategies to address the challenges caregivers face.

Part 4: Framework & Strategy Development

The consultation committee will analyze and synthesize (combine) all the information gathered from the survey and conventions to create a framework.

The information in this section is also available in a two-page PDF document that includes a flow diagram to better illustrate the consultation/convention processes: Consultation Backgrounder.

Consultation - Survey

The first step in the ACGA's Community Consultation process was a survey to identify the challenges that Alberta’s caregivers face. From the time it was posted in June until it closed in mid-November, more than 250 caregivers and service providers completed the survey.

Read the preliminary report on the survey's findings

The survey focused on capturing the real experiences of caregivers so that we can better understand the various challenges, barriers, and problems that exist from their points of view. The survey looked at 8 key areas of concern:

• Personal and Interpersonal Factors
eg. effects of caregiving on caregiver's health, relationships
• Awareness and Recognition of the Caregiver Role
eg. in general public, among family/friends
• Economic Security
eg. income , expenses, savings
• Employment and Workplace Supports
eg. career/education impact, time off
• Information on Programs, Services & Resources
eg. on caregiving, how to provide optimal care
• System Navigation
eg. working with professionals, accessing services
• Respite Services
eg. availability, accessibility
• Community-based Supports
eg. support from churched, businesses, agencies

The information collected was compiled to create a Key Problems Report. The report was distrubuted to delegates prior to the conventions and served as a starting point for the next steps of the consultation process.

Consultation 2010 - Conventions

The conventions took place on October 22nd in Edmonton and on October 29th in Calgary. They were a huge success. We'd like to thank the caregivers, service providers, and health professionals who contributed their experiences and expertise at the events.

Read the Consultation Final Report - "Your, Mine & Ours" (PDF).
Read the Full Report - Caregiver Consultation 2010: Towards a Provincial Caregiver Strategy (PDF).