Mrs. Chantal LeBlanc
Mrs. Chantal LeBlanc has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Social Sciences from Concordia University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from McGill University. She received a Master’s degree in Social Work from McGill University in 2009. Mrs. LeBlanc has been a professional social worker for 22 years, including 3 years in a clinical supervisory role. Her clinical practice has encompassed the areas of home care for elderly people as well as adults with physical and intellectual impairments. For the past 6 years, she has practiced in the field of oncology at the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal.
View all advisory board members and expert writers
Ms. Bonnie Tompkins
Ms. Bonnie Tompkins was the sole caregiver to her late partner, who passed away from cancer in May 2014. She recently graduated in public health from Brock University and now works with her local hospice to help increase access to needed assistance for patient and their caregivers. She is especially interested in caregivers, as she suffered caregiver burnout. Her passion is to use her late partner’s and her own experiences to help people in similar situations, hopefully lessening their stress.
View all advisory board members and expert writers
Caregiving can be a full-time occupation, even if the caregiver already has a full-time job. Despite competing demands, many cancer caregivers find that paid employment provides opportunities to connect with colleagues and friends, focus on something other than cancer caregiving and get involved in interesting and challenging projects. What’s more, employment income can be important to help them meet their financial obligations.
As a health professional, checking in on the caregiver when you see them at appointments could be key. They are often left behind and do not have anyone checking on their health. Try to assess how they are doing with balancing life in general. Work can be an area that can cause great stress due to financial burden as well as trying to maintain their job while caring.
We have created several sections with key resources that could provide help to the caregiver if you see a need. Please take a moment to review other sections for possible recourses.
