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
Winter Safety Guide for Seniors
Before reviewing these tips, please consider the following: If you don’t yet own a warm hat, toque, or head covering, it’s probably time to purchase one. Over half of your body heat can escape through the top of your head, placing unnecessary strain on individuals who nurse delicate health concerns. Here are some other important steps to keep you safe … Read More
10 Tips to Help Seniors Have a Happy Holiday Season
The holiday season is a happy and joyous time for most of us, but many seniors find this time of year to be hectic, confusing and even depressing, depending on their mental and physical conditions. The good news is that everyone can help contribute to a happier season for the seniors in our lives by doing the following: 1. Revisit … Read More
Family Friendly Holiday Fun in Ottawa
Ottawa is one of the finest cities in Canada to spend your winter break. Overflowing with world renowned recreational events such as Winterlude, the area also hosts a wealth of other celebrations which lend diversity and fun to this seasonal wonderland. Grab yourself a scarf and some gloves, call up the family, and make plans to attend one of these … Read More
Seniors Dealing with Holiday Stress
The holidays are jam-packed with family get-togethers, parties, and culinary adventures. Amidst all these activities, seniors occasionally find themselves feeling unexpectedly depressed. The holidays can be a time when some of us are dealing with the loss of a loved one, while others might be going through a major life change. Luckily, there’s a few practical ways you can get … Read More
How Caregivers can Spot Stress Early
Every day, a caregiver is faced with anxiety-inducing events. Living in proximity to such unpredictable and dire emergencies can take both a physical and mental toll. It is absolutely essential that caregivers familiarize themselves with their own personal limits, lest they place their own health in jeopardy. Luckily, there’s a series of easily identifiable warning signs which can alert a … Read More