Here in Ottawa, winter is our harshest season, and it brings with it a series of its own unique concerns. Ice, sleet, and snow can all become a source of ongoing anxiety. This discomfort can be avoided by preparing for the seasonal shift before it happens. Here are some tips on how to get the gear you’re going to need … Read More
Alzheimer’s: Facts and Fiction
Alzheimer’s is an extremely prevalent affliction -affecting roughly 1/8 of the senior population. For such a widespread condition, the average person knows relatively little about this disease – and may be prone to rumours concerning Alzheimer’s. Let’s disperse some of those myths, discuss the condition, and look at several new treatments that are on the horizon. Not just a senior’s … Read More
Preparing Seniors for Tomorrow, Today
As we age, new challenges emerge in the places you’d least expect. If your finances, personal affairs, and identification information are protected early on, you’re much less likely to face a plethora of bookkeeping complications a few years down the line. From planning a move, to arranging for a live-in caregiver – it’ll only take a few minutes to get … Read More
Alzheimer’s: Dealing with Mood Swings
As the effects of Alzheimer’s intensify, emotional distress may become an ongoing consideration in your day-to-day routine. Frustration, fear, and a lack of independence can create considerable strain between the Alzheimer’s patient and their homecare provider. Empathy will be your best ally in your quest to disarm these potentially heated situations. Below, we’ll walk through some common scenarios which you may … Read More
What Is The Difference Between Alzheimer’s And Dementia?
There is often confusion about the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia, they are not interchangeable words. The simple answer to “what is the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?” is this: Dementia is not a disease. Alzheimer’s is a disease. Dementia is a symptom of that disease. Dementia refers to a set of … Read More
Nutrition For Seniors – Vegetable Myths – Part Two
In a previous post we discussed the importance of ensuring that seniors are getting enough vegetables, and pointed out some of the most popular myths about vegetables. Here are a few more myths and a few facts … The more colourful a vegetable is, the more nutritious it is. White cabbage is one of the most vitamin and nutrient rich … Read More
Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
The symptoms of a stroke can be difficult to identify. Unfortunately, that lack of awareness can spell disaster. A stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage while people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Experts say anyone can help recognize a stroke by asking four simple questions. If you think someone may be having a stroke, ask … Read More
Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Month
October is Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Month The Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Movement is a grass roots effort to increase LBD awareness amongst the general public and the medical community. They are making October “A Month to Remember”. Lewy Body Dementia shares characteristics with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and is often misdiagnosed. Lewy Body Dementia (also known as Lewy … Read More
Nutrition For Seniors – Vegetable Myths
When we were kids, our parents always told us to eat our vegetables because they were good for us. When your parents start getting older, it’s time to give them the same advice. Adding a lot of vegetables to meals is a great idea because they are full of nutrients, low in calories and they add a lot of flavour … Read More
Hospital Discharge Planning For Ottawa Seniors
Preparing for a senior’s discharge from hospital is complicated. There are things to arrange and decisions to make. Connecting with the hospital’s social worker is an important first step, as they are your in-hospital advocates. When the senior’s hospital discharge is being discussed or seems eminent, it’s vital to request a discharge planning conference so that you may discuss the … Read More