 |
Home
Becoming
a Client
Drop
In Resource Center
Case
Management
Support
Groups
Buddy
Program
Therapet
Treatment
Buddy Program
Buyers'
Club
Make
a Donation
|
|
 
Ever
since tri-therapy anti-retroviral medication was introduced,
the quality of life and life expectancy for people living with
HIV has improved. However, life on anti-retroviral therapy is
not easy. There are numerous side effects to be dealt with,
as well as lifestyle changes due to the strict adherence schedule
and meal requirements necessary for the treatments to be a success.
Peer Support
Beginning medication or changing treatments can be a difficult
and stressful time. The Treatment Buddies program is designed
to support people through the first months of a new or changing
medication regime, when the side effects are the most intense.
It can also help people who are having difficulty adhering to
their current regime. Using trained HIV+ peers with their own
treatment experience, the program aims to provide one-on-one peer
support to people beginning, changing or having difficulty with
their treatments. Participating in the program is a great way
to learn methods to deal with side effects, find ways to put in
place medication-related lifestyle changes and live well with
anti-retroviral treatment. Since the Treatment Buddies have been
through the experience of starting treatment themselves, they
are well-placed to provide an understanding and insightful perspective
on the difficulties that their buddies are going through.
Treatment Buddy
Training
In order to ensure that the Treatment Buddies are well equipped
to support their buddies, ACCM offers training on a variety of
topics including:
- Anti-Retroviral Treatment Basics
- Active Listening
- Side Effects and Techniques for their Management
- Alternative and Complementary Therapy
- Emotional Reactions to Meds
- Getting the most out of my Doctor and my health-care team
Want
to get involved?
Treatment Buddy training
will begin in October, in English. In the spring, we hope to offer
a Treatment Buddy Training in French, with a partner organisation
that offers services to the French community. If
you are interested in volunteering to become a Treatment Buddy,
or are interested in receiving the support of a Treatment Buddy,
please contact the Treatment
Buddy Coordinator.
|
|
