Evolving through caregiving with Odette

As a caregiver for 8 years, Odette took care of her husband at home until the day he moved into a long-term care facility (CHSLD) in November 2023. During those 8 years, caregiving consumed her life. She had to seek out home services, a realm she was unfamiliar with. It took a lot of determination, hard work, and persistence with organizations to get the services and support needed to assist her in her caregiving role. It is through her determination that she realized that almost anything can be accomplished if you don’t give up. 

According to Odette, those years of home caregiving were an opportunity to grow and to discover “exceptional people” who surrounded and supported her in caring for her husband. In her words, she learned to recognize the goodness and beauty of the staff, “with their qualities and flaws, their smiles and their sorrows.” These people, who came in and out of her home, became part of her daily life and “brought sunshine” to her days.  

Since her husband has been at the CHSLD, Odette has reclaimed her life and is adapting to a different form of caregiving. Indeed, she still has responsibilities, but they are different, as she now forms a team with the healthcare staff and management for the well-being of her husband. Odette also experiences significant disillusionment with the system and sometimes feels like she has to fight with everything: the healthcare system, staff who are sometimes too rushed to listen, insurers, technology, etc.   

To find peace in the most challenging moments and breathe easier, she turns to reading, music, meditation, Qi Gong, and walking. She has discovered and is mastering living in the present moment, which allows her to “see life from a different angle.” Moreover, several simple things in life help her navigate her journey: the human beings she meets, the smiles she gives and receives, kindness towards those who are suffering, etc. 

Her advice? “Recognize and accept that you are becoming a caregiver! Don't hesitate to ask for help to learn about all the services and organizations available to you, both in terms of support, government aid, respite, and domestic help. Above all, accept these services. Don’t think of yourself as an Olympic athlete or believe you can take on the full responsibility of helping your loved one. ”