ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord affecting muscle function. ALS is characterized by progressive weakness, respiratory compromise and muscle atrophy. An ALS diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the patient and their family. Choice Homecare Ottawa can help. If you … Read More
Parkinson’s Home Care
Parkinson’s disease is a complex, progressive neurological disease that impairs motor skills, movement, speech, and other functions. The three primary symptoms are tremor, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement. Other symptoms include difficulty in speaking or swallowing, tiredness, depression and dementia. Because it is a progressive disease, these symptoms may increase in frequency and severity over time. Early on, Parkinson’s … Read More
Stages of Palliative Care at Home
Palliative care is specialized care that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for people with terminal illness, while supporting their families and loved ones. A palliative care team helps patients and their families by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support through the dying person’s final months, weeks and days. This care, delivered at the patient’s home, … Read More
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Symptoms
The symptoms of dementia involve difficulty with most areas of mental function. Dementia affects language, memory, all cognitive skills (judgement, calculation, abstract thought), perception, emotions, behavior, and personality. The earliest sign of dementia is usually forgetfulness. Early Symptoms & Signs of Dementia Mild Cognitive Impairment is the stage between common forgetfulness caused by aging and dementia. Not everyone with Mild … Read More
The 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day function Forgetting things more often and not remembering them later, especially things that have happened more recently. 2. Difficulty with familiar tasks Unable to complete familiar tasks such as preparing a simple meal or playing a favourite game. 3. Problems with speech. Forgetting simple words or substituting words, making conversations difficult to understand. 4. … Read More
Home Sweet Home
People needing home care often reach out to Choice Homecare Ottawa to help manage health crises. Yet, it’s always best to make plans before a situation becomes irreversible. An Ottawa client writes about her Choice Homecare experience: “My Dad was hospitalized last October due to pneumonia. His doctor advised moving to a retirement facility with my Mom as he was … Read More
Assisted Living Does Not Mean You Have to Leave Your Home
Moving to a retirement or seniors-only residence is not your only option for Assisted Living or Respite Care. There are more homecare options available than ever before. Chronic illnesses or medical issues do not necessarily mean leaving the comfort and independence of living at home in order to receive proper care. You or your loved one can stay home. Why … Read More
Dementia vs. Normal Aging
Dementia Forgetting new information and being unable to recall it later Consistently poor judgement and decision making Loss of the ability to manage money and pay bills Forgetting where you are, how you got there and how to get home Misplacing things and being unable to find them or putting things in unusual places Gradually becoming unable to carry on … Read More
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is the compassionate care of a dying person, minimizing their suffering as they progress towards the end of life. Medically, this is achieved by helping dull the patient’s pain with pain and symptom management methods. A person receiving palliative care (also known as hospice care) will have an active, progressive and far-advanced disease, with little or no prospect … Read More
Alzheimer’s and the Risks of Hospital Admissions
A hospital stay can be unsettling and challenging for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for people with dementia who have trouble coping with new and unfamiliar surroundings. These challenges may be compounded by the fact that many people with Alzheimer’s can no longer communicate effectively. A person with Alzheimer’s may not be able vocalize their needs if they … Read More