CBHSSJB CELEBRATES NATIONAL CAREGIVER DAY
We would like to recognize the dedication and commitment of caregivers across the Eeyou Istchee. It takes dedication and commitment to care for a loved one, either as family member or friend. We would also like to thank our homecare staff for providing care to ensure the well-being of vulnerable community members.

Hello my name is George Tapiatic.
I work in homecare.
It's been 2 years working as homecare worker, full time. I worked there before in 2016.
The reason why I thought of working there is to help elders and the one's that could not help themselves move around.
That is why I thought of working there.
Our job requires us to go see clients.
We help them get ready for their day, we wash/bathe them, we help them sit on their chairs, if they have a wheelchair.
Just to help them get started with their day.
The reason why I took this job is my grandmother was getting more elderly.
I couldn't take her every time I was asked to take care of her, being asked to sit with her whenever they (family) would leave town.
I would tell my family I couldn't take her because I told them I wouldn't know what to do.
Then this course came, I took it, I got chosen, I finished it and graduated.
I didn't have the chance to take care of my grandmother because she had passed away.
But I still thought of continuing to work, I like working there.
Without this job, if we didn't have homecare.
It would be hard for the people/clients we go see, to find someone to help them get up, or anything else that they need to do before getting started on their day.
This job is important to me.
I think it would be hard for someone, if we didn't have homecare workers.
As we have people who cannot help themselves, some can't walk, some elders would have a hard time to bathe themselves.
Helping people who cannot help themselves move around is what I like to do in my job.
Homecare in action
WHAT IS A CAREGIVER?
A caregiver is a person - either professional or volunteer – who supports a person in need of help with daily activities. Professional caregivers (e.g., homecare workers) are trained to support the physical and emotional well-being of vulnerable individuals in a safe and respectful manner that preserves the dignity of the individual receiving care, they also offer natural caregivers and paid caregivers - like family members or friends of individuals in need of care – with support and training.
DO YOU NEED HELP?
Multi-Service Day Centres (MSDCs) provide a safe space for community members to access professional services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
MSDCs also provide nutritious meals both in-house and through the “meals on wheels” service. They offer a variety of workshops and programs for clients, such as psycho-education and nutrition. Activities such as outings, exercise classes, and arts and crafts keep participants stimulated throughout the day and give at-home caregivers a much-need break. Your local MSDC teams genuinely care for the dignity and well-being of their clientele.

Did you know?
MSDCs offer:
- caregiver respite during the day
- activities which vary depending on needs of each community (for example, crafts/outings/ exercise)
- meals and transport provided
Explore more

Nanaahkuu Wiichihiiweukamikw / Multi-Service Day Centre (MSDC) is a place for people to gather, to heal, and to learn.