The Power of Storytelling
to Ignite Social Change
Why book a Caregiver Talk?
Each Caregiver Talk connects, to one of three Bright Ideas that can transform the family caregiving experience. Unpaid family caregivers provide up to 75% of all the care services in Canada without compensation and often very limited support.* We believe these bright ideas can generate the support the caregivers need to thrive in their roles.
The Caregiver
Self-Care Paradox
self-care is no simple matter for family caregivers
Objective:
To provide seniors, many of whom are caregivers or receiving care, insight into the issues faced by family caregivers when it comes to self-care. Also to offer family caregivers a variety of practical, meaningful approaches to self-care.
Talking Points:
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An intimate portrait of burn-out & caregiver crisis
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I deserve to be well supported
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Becoming a warrior and an advocate
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Creative problem solving
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Finding the sweet spot in the caregiving relationship
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Accompaniment
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Building paradise at the edge of hell
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Healing beyond a cure
Overview:
Self-care is a fashionable buzzword, but to caregivers it can seem like just one more thing we need to do. We're supposed to magically find time for ourselves amid the urgent needs of our loved ones. And if we don't, and we burn out, then it's our own fault. Certainly, if we don’t take care of ourselves no one else will, or even can do that for us. But speaking about self-care by itself is not practical - it must be connected to adequate support, or it will constantly take a back seat to our loved ones pressing and urgent needs.
We need to develop self-care strategies that work for our unique needs and situations. We can also develop creative models of self-care that include doing activities with our loved ones that reward and renew us both. Mark Jenkins mapped this path during his seven-year journey of caring for his mother. Through poetry, professional-quality video, and story-telling, Mark shares creative strategies of self-care and support.
Sea-Change
the life-changing experience
of a family caregiver
The Disorienting Nature of Family Caregiving
Objective:
To support those of us who are caregivers, those who will become caregivers, and to help everyone else have more empathy and understanding for the challenges of caregiving.
Talking Points:
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How one month turns into seven years
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Has my family changed?
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Adapting is not working
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Something has to give
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Crisis what crisis.
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Breakthrough & Advocacy
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What support looks like
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Finding the Sweet Spot
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Living on a prayer
Overview:
To support those of us who are caregivers, those who will become caregivers, and to help everyone else have more empathy and understanding for the challenges of caregiving.
edit the 'Sea Change - Overview' to read: Being a family caregiver is extremely disorienting. As caregivers, we are profoundly changed as we accompany our loved ones through disability or the end of their lives - it transforms our perspective and our values. It changes the way we relate to the people in our lives, and can cause confusion and conflict.
Afterwards, we may not fit into our lives the way we used to. Many long-time caregivers are beginning to describe their experiences in novel ways, using rich metaphors that communicate our experiences to others. In Sea Change, Mark Jenkins takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster that helps them relate to the highs and lows of caregiving.
From Invisibility
to Advocacy
a family caregiver's journey
From Invisibility to Advocacy
Advocacy: a critical step in the family caregiver's journey
Objective:
To support caregivers and help them learn to speak up and advocate for change.
Talking Points:
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Why is caregiving invisible labour?
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Addressing the gender imbalance
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How invisibility silences us
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Waking up to invisibility
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How invisibility contributes to burnout
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Self-advocacy leads to better care
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Zero burden care
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A new vision of support for caregivers
Overview:
Most family caregivers are very empathetic, but need to learn how to advocate for themselves and their loved ones so they don't burn out. This may be the single most important skill for caregivers, because it makes self-care possible. Without advocacy, you can't guide a loved one through the healthcare system to the best possible care.
In the true story 'From Invisibility to Advocacy,' Mark Jenkins uses stories and video to take his audience a first-hand journey from being invisible to becoming an advocate.
Mark
Jenkins
Mark was a team building and organizational learning specialist, and professional storyteller, before he became a full-time caregiver for his mother, Betty, who had Alzheimer’s disease and bowel cancer. During their seven-year journey, he pioneered a form of caregiving he now calls accompaniment. After his mother’s death, Mark found that his previous work did not offer the meaning he now required so he became a caregiver advocate, helping others on their caregiving journeys. He is currently the Caregiver Talks project lead for March of Dimes Canada.
Testimonials
...
"I attended your presentation today at Horseshoe Valley. I am just recently retired and have decided to volunteer for Hospice. Your presentation was the first of anything that I have attended to prepare myself. I feel so blessed that I made my way to you. I was deeply moved by your presentation. The gift you and your mom gave each other was phenomenal and the gift that you and your mother gave to all of us in attendance today was more impactful than you may ever know. I will take what I heard today with me throughout my time with those who I come into contact with during my hospice experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you"
- Winnie Jones
There was not a dry eye in the house as Mark Jenkins shared one of the most powerful and honest stories I have ever heard. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. A tale of this kind of love is as rare as the humans in it. Mark my humble words, this story, that your heart wrote, will travel around the world. It will become a global balm and medicine for our elders and those who accompany them on the brave and final journey home. Thank you for your incredible courage, storytelling mastery and braveness of heart to walk in the wilderness until you both found your own way home.
Tracy Erin Smith, founder of SoulO Theatre Company
"Mark Jenkins made the day worthwhile before we even got to the workshops. His story was beautifully intimate and he told it with such grace. He gave us insight into how to embrace someone in their last years, how to help them enjoy life despite their imminent death, and how to survive afterward without that person."
-Ending Well Conference Attendee
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"First, thank you for sharing your story at the conference on Monday. I was deeply touched by the story of your journey with your mom. You helped me re-think what quality of life can look like and from the feedback from others there it did the same for them."
-Ruby Young - Office Administrator Hospice Huronia
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“I cannot express how blown away I am, not only by your amazing story, but by the delivery of it. You truly are an amazing storyteller and the story you told about looking after your Mum will have a huge ripple effect on all the caregivers and doctors that are here today, and on their clients and their families. I am so glad you shared your amazing story....much respect.”
Savoy Howe
Owner of Newsgirls Boxing Gym
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“Mark’s presentation was both powerful and gentle, reaching in to all our emotions and showing us that it is possible to not fear Alzheimer’s and it can be embraced in love.
HOSPICE HAPPENINGS - June 2018