The expression of interest process for the 2022 Caregivers Retreat is now closed. We will be contacting successful applicants shortly.
Plan Institute’s BC Caregiver’s Retreat will be taking place on the weekend of October 14-16, 2022 at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville on Vancouver Island. We will be determining attendees for this year’s retreat through a randomized draw on August 15, 2022.
We are honoured to be able to offer this year’s retreat completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the Rexall Care Network, the Syd Vernon Foundation and the posAbilities Diversity and Inclusion Fund.
About the Retreat
Being the primary support for a loved one with a disability can be an all-consuming and sometimes overwhelming experience. Often, we feel isolated, exhausted, and disconnected from ourselves outside of our caregiving roles.
This special weekend retreat was developed by and for family caregivers to allow for the chance to relax, rejuvenate and connect with other caregivers in a beautiful setting.
We recognize that the Covid-19 pandemic has intensified many of the experiences that are part of being a caregiver. After a challenging couple of years, this year’s retreat is designed to be a chance to relax and take time for yourself. As such, unlike most of our previous Caregivers Retreats, there will not be any planned or facilitated activities. We encourage you to use this opportunity to do whatever makes you feel good – reading, taking a walk along the beach, visiting the spa, or simply enjoying the serenity of picturesque Tigh-Na-Mara resort.
Along with this redesigned retreat, we are delighted to be able to fully cover the cost of accommodation for all attendees this year. Previously, attendees have been asked to contribute partial fees towards the retreat, however this year the fees will be covered in full by our generous donors. We particularly encourage applications from family caregivers who might otherwise be unable to enjoy the benefits of a weekend away.
We hope that this year’s retreat offers caregivers a chance to take a much-deserved break from your busy lives, and to reflect, relax and unwind. There will be no expectation of you other than to enjoy yourself.
When:
Friday, October 14 to Sunday, October 16, 2022
Where:
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Parksville, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Who should apply:
Family Caregivers from British Columbia were encouraged to fill out an expression of interest form to have their names added to a randomized draw. The expression of interest process is now closed.
Expression of Interest Process:
Due to overwhelming demand, and in the interest of fairness, we will be determining attendees for this year’s retreat through a randomized draw (imagine pulling names out of a hat!). We asked all interested caregivers to complete an expression of interest form with their basic information, which was open from Tuesday, August 2 at 12 pm PDT until Sunday, August 14, 2022 at 11.59 pm PDT. After the form is closed we will use a randomized, automated process to determine who will be offered the opportunity to attend this free weekend of self-care. If your name is selected, we will reach out to you directly the week of August 15. You will have one week to confirm your attendance before we randomly select another individual.
Availability:
16 cabins have been booked, and are ready to be enjoyed!
Each cabin comes equipped with a Queen or King bed and comfortably fits two people. You are welcome to bring a friend, sibling, partner or child to share the weekend with!
When completing the expression of interest form, you will be asked to indicate how many individuals will be staying in your cabin. Some rooms do contain an additional Murphy or Sofa bed. If you would like more than two individuals to stay in the cabin, please indicate this in the ‘Additional information’ section of the expression of interest form.
Cost:
The cost of the hotel for two nights will be covered by Plan Institute and the generous support from the Rexall Care Network, the Syd Vernon Foundation, and the posAbilities Diversity and Inclusion Fund.
A gift card to contribute to the cost of meals or spa services will also be provided.
Attendees are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the resort, as well as the cost of activities and any other personal fees incurred during their stay.
Travel bursaries are available. If you will need assistance with the cost of transportation, there is space to indicate this in the expression of interest form.