COMPASS for the Caregiver
The 9 module COMPASS workshop encourages caregivers to recognize that in order to care for a loved one, they must first care for themselves. Participants find their strength and accept their limitations as together they tackle some of the most challenging aspects of caregiving: the difficult emotions like guilt and resentment, dealing with family, friend and health professionals that just don't understand, managing stress and depression, and finding time for themselves.
Here is what some past participants have said about COMPASS:
| "This course is the best thing that has happened to me in years." |
| "I felt safe to discuss my issues without being 'judged' or 'fixed'. " |
| "Being able to share with other caregivers my problems and frustrations was the most meaningful part of the COMPASS program, especially because [now I know] that there are others that are having the same problems." |
| "I feel so much more capable of handling the unexpected." |
| " The COMPASS program has helped me shift providing care from the category of 'who I am' back to 'one of the things I do'." |
For an information sheet on the workshop- including a detailed breakdown of each module, please click here.
Finding a Workshop
Information on upcoming COMPASS programs & Community Caregiver Groups here.
COMPASS workshops are offered at our offices in Fulton Place School (10310-56 St, Edmonton)as well as through partner organizations in communities across Alberta. Please contact the contact person listed for your community to learn more about COMPASS in your area.
| Location | Hosting Agency | Contact Information |
| Edmonton | Alberta Caregivers Association (pdf) |
Bonnie Hoffmann 780-453-5088 |
| Edmonton | Southside PCN (webpage) |
Shannon 780-735-9659 |
| Calgary | Calgary Family Services (webpage) |
Nadine 403-205-5264 or Annette 403-705-0593 |
| Calgary | Parkinson's Society of Southern Alberta (webpage) |
Trish 403-243-9901 |
| Spruce Grove and Stony Plain | Spruce Grove FCSS (webpage) |
Lynne 780-619-9698 |
| Fort Saskatchewan | Fort Saskatchewan FCSS (webpage) |
Tammy 780-992-6623 |
| Leduc | Leduc FCSS (webpage) |
Jean 780-980-7115 |
| Cardston | Kathy 403-521-3786 |
|
| Barnwell Barons Coaldale Coalhurst County of Lethbridge Milk River Nobleford Picture Butte Raymond Stirling Taber Vauxhall Warner County of Warner Coutts |
Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS (webpage) |
Linda 403-345-3000 |
The ACGA is expanding its COMPASS delivery! COMPASS will be coming to the following communities in 2011/2012:
- Edson
- Whitecourt
- Kneehill County
- Red Deer
To learn more about having a workshop in your community, please contact Patricia Ogilvie toll free at 1-877-453-5088.
Registering for COMPASS
All COMPASS participants must register prior to the start of the workshop. Registration for most workshops is done through the host agency.
Registration for some workshops can be done through the ACGA online, over the phone by calling 780-453-5088, or in person at the Alberta Caregivers Association offices.
Becoming a COMPASS Facilitator
The ACGA is looking for past or current caregivers interested in helping their fellow caregivers navigate their caregiving journey. COMPASS Facilitators are responsible for creating a welcoming environment where all caregivers feel safe and supported. Please contact Patricia if you are interested in upcoming COMPASS Facilitator Training.
Hosting a COMPASS Workshop through your Agency
The ACGA is happy to partner with agencies throughout Alberta in order to make its programs as accessible as possible to caregivers. Partner agencies include various Family and Community Support Services branches, seniors centres, public libraries, and other community organizations. For more information on hosting a workshop, click here.