On Friday, November 17, Minister Jean-Yves Duclos visited the Quebec Cancer Foundation’s Quebec Regional Centre and Info-cancer Services. His visit follows the announcement of new benefits that will permit caregivers to take a leave of up to 15 weeks to care for a seriously ill adult family member. The announcement will certainly have a major impact on our data centres and our services in general, as it will mean that more family and friends will be able to act as caregivers to cancer sufferers hosted in our centres.

The Foundation’s Info-cancer Services provide support and comfort to people dealing with cancer and to their families. These services include the free, confidential Info-cancer Hotline, through which nurses experienced in oncology can answer every type of question. The Info-cancer Library, with its free loans and online information resources, has a large collection of materials on a variety of cancer-related topics. In addition, the Foundation offers psychological support through its telephone peer-matching service that permits the cancer patient or those close to them to talk freely with another person who has been affected by cancer and has experienced similar trials.
 
Some statistics

Between September 2016 and September 2017:

• 334 people with cancer and 152 families used the Info-Cancer Hotline.
• 246 people with cancer and 109 relatives and friends accessed the documentary resources of the Info-Cancer Library.

Caregivers all too easily neglect their own wellbeing by devoting themselves exclusively to the needs of the sick person. Their concern for the health of others too often leads them not to pay attention to their own. The Quebec Cancer Foundation welcomes these benefits, which will provide caregivers much-needed relief from the stress caused by the burden of responsibility.

In order to permit more “choice and flexibility” to those taking care of loved ones, these changes will become effective as of December 3. For more information on this topic: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/ei-improvements/adult-care.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2017/11/more_choice_and_flexibilityforfamiliesandcaregiversstartingdecem.html

Also, visit the section Being a caregiver on our website for tips and advice on the best ways to provide support to a loved one.