S5 Ep28: The invisible army and the essential contribution of caregivers to health featuring Wendy Johnstone from Family Caregivers BC.

Behind nearly every patient in the health care system is an often-unseen family caregiver providing essential support. Their contribution is immense, yet remains largely invisible. When that support breaks down it affects health outcomes, care quality, and the system as a whole.

In this episode, we speak with Wendy Johnstone, Director of Programs and Innovation at Family Caregivers BC, about the vital but under-recognized role of family caregivers. We discuss the scale of their contribution, why their work and personal needs are so often overlooked, how support can make a difference, and what health care providers can do to recognize and support caregivers alongside their patients. If you have ever supported a family member through illness, this episode is for you.

Links:

Family Caregivers BC - Resources for Health-Care Providers

Hub: https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/resources-for-health-care-providers/resources

Refer a family caregiver

Online Referral Tool — https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/refer#refer

Referral & Consent Form (PDF) — https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caregiver-Rx-Referral-Consent-Form-2026.pdf

Caregiver Support Line — 1-877-520-3267 (Mon–Fri 8:30–4:00, free)

Quick guides & tools

Caregiver Rx in Practice: A Quick Guide for HCPs (video) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B93vRljVxc

At-A-Glance Guide for Healthcare Providers (PDF) — https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/An-At-A-Glance-Guide-for-Healthcare-Providers-3.pdf