Caregivers are often identified as the “invisible sufferers.” With over 4 million Canadians providing support for a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour, it’s essential that caregivers have access to their own forms of care—especially when navigating the emotional toll of supporting a loved one with a terminal illness or coping with grief after a loss.
Increasingly, community organizations are focusing on developing robust programs to support caregivers. At Circle of Care, our hospice and bereavement programs are designed to walk alongside caregivers through some of life’s most difficult moments, offering comfort, connection, and practical support.
Being Heard: The Power of Listening and Support
Caregivers are frequently told to “take care of themselves,” but the reality is more complex. True self-care starts with self-compassion—a gentle acknowledgment of our own emotional pain and the permission to seek help without guilt or shame.
In hospice settings, where loved ones are nearing the end of life, caregivers may feel intense pressure to “stay strong” or “keep it together.” Feelings such as guilt, resentment, and even anger are common but often unspoken.
Circle of Care offers one-on-one counseling and bereavement and hospice support groups, where we create safe spaces for caregivers to share their experiences and emotions without judgment and feel validated.
One of the most impactful aspects of Circle of Care’s hospice and bereavement programming is the simple, but profound act of listening.
These services are designed to help caregivers feel seen and heard, while learning that their emotional responses—resentment, sadness, relief, and even moments of joy—are all normal. Through connection with others who understand, healing begins.
Understanding Anticipatory Grief and the Value of Hospice Support
A unique type of grief that many caregivers face is anticipatory grief—the mourning that begins before a death occurs. As a loved one declines, caregivers may witness the loss of independence, personality, or connection, even as the person is still alive. This can be particularly painful, as the caregiver’s role and relationship shift dramatically.
Circle of Care’s hospice program offers support for both the individual and the caregiver, helping families navigate this complex emotional landscape. Accessing anticipatory grief counselling can make a significant difference in how caregivers process their emotions and prepare for what lies ahead.
Coping After a Loss: Bereavement Support
The grief doesn’t end with a loved one’s passing. In fact, it often intensifies. That’s why Circle of Care provides ongoing bereavement support, including phone check-ins, support groups, and counselling.
These services help caregivers process their loss, honour the memory of their loved one, and begin to find meaning and balance in their own lives again. Just as we are present during the caregiving journey, we remain a source of support long after it ends.
Practical Advice for Caregivers
Whether you are currently caregiving or grieving the loss of a loved one, here are some tips to help care for your own emotional health:
- Seek out grief-specific support, such as a bereavement group or therapist.
- Keep up with your regular dental and medical appointments.
- Don’t feel guilty for needing rest or a break. Plan to sleep when your loved one sleeps, if you are tired.
- Lower expectations of yourself during emotionally difficult times. Don’t fret if household chores are not done to your usual standard.
- Break down big problems into small, manageable goals to avoid overwhelm.
- Release tension in healthy ways—cry, vent, write, walk.
- Acknowledge the hard work you’re doing, even if it feels invisible. Pat yourself on the back for all that you have done.
- Try a mindfulness or relaxation class to manage emotional fatigue.
Resources and Support at Circle of Care
Circle of Care offers several hospice and bereavement programs tailored to caregivers:
- Hospice Services: In-home and virtual support for individuals with a life-limiting illness and their caregivers.
- Bereavement Support: Phone check-ins, peer groups, and one-on-one counselling to help navigate grief.
- Caregiver Support Groups: Safe, supportive environments to connect with others and share your experiences.
- Respite Services: Personal support workers provide relief so caregivers can rest and recharge.
- Advance Care Planning resources, including When I’m Gone document and After a Loved One Has Died.
Visit our page for caregivers to learn more about all the services we provide: https://circleofcare.com/caregivers/
Here are some additional resources for Caregivers, which you might want to explore:
This article was written by Rami Shami, Hospice and Bereavement Case Manager at Circle of Care.
