The Mid-Island Family Caregivers Network Society (MIFCNS) is an all-volunteer, non-profit society, managing non-renewable funds dedicated to including the family caregiver in a network of support services developed by communities in the mid-Vancouver Island region.
MIFCNS links family members to important services for seniors
"A family caregiver is anyone who provides unpaid care and support to an adult friend or family member who is disabled, chronically ill, frail or elderly." (Caregivers Association of BC)
- 15 percent of Canada's work force are caring for children as well as aging parents.
- One in five Canadians report that they provide some degree of informal caregiving inside or outside the home.
- The CMA reported in 2005 that caregivers for the elderly are saving Canada’s healthcare system an estimated 8 billion dollars every year.
Family caregiving activities can range from the simple act of a neighbour providing meals to an elderly shut-in or taking them to medical appointments; all the way to a spouse, other close relation or friend bathing, feeding and administering medications around the clock to a chronically ill or dying person.