One of the biggest hurdles you can face when helping a loved one is resistance to care. How can you help someone who doesn’t want help? By keeping them involved in decisions and explaining the benefits of home care, you may be able to help your loved one feel more comfortable about accepting the help they need. What is behind … Read More
What is Long-Distance Caregiving
When a loved one needs care and you are far away, there are still many things you can do to help with their care from a distance. Coordinate services – arranging for in-home care and household help. Manage finances, medical bills and records. Provide support to a primary caregiver. To be effective as a long-distance caregiver Have a family meeting. … Read More
Detecting and Preventing Malnutrition in Seniors
Malnutrition is a serious health problem for seniors, and is more common than you’d think. Learn the signs and causes of malnutrition and take steps to ensure the seniors in your life are eating a balanced, healthy diet. Problems caused by malnutrition Malnutrition in seniors can cause serious health problems, such as: A weakened immune system, making them prone to … Read More
When Should a Person with Dementia Stop Driving?
Driving is a powerful symbol of independence and adulthood. We all know that the concentration and quick reaction times required for safe driving can gradually decline with age. For people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, this decline is sped up dramatically. If you are caring for a parent or loved one who is suffering from dementia, they … 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
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
Proper Nutrition For Seniors At Home
Proper nutrition is an issue for everyone. So many health problems could be fixed or completely prevented if we would all just eat the right amounts of the right foods. But, as we’re seeing high instances of malnutrition in the elderly, we need to make sure the seniors in our lives are eating well. The topic of nutrition for seniors … Read More
Canadian Seniors Have a High Incidence of Malnutrition
A study conducted by the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force showed a disturbingly high percentage of seniors in Canada, who are admitted to hospitals for other conditions, are suffering from some degree of malnutrition. 39% of admitted patients aged 65 or older were classified as moderately malnourished, and 12.5% were severely malnourished. These numbers are significantly higher than those of the … Read More
Making Home Senior Friendly
As we grow older, our sense of balance diminishes, and the stability of our stature is often weaker. It is well known that seniors are more prone to falling, and that injuries sustained from falls can be quite devastating. In Canada, falls account for 85% of injury related hospitalizations in those over 65. Almost 50% of seniors who fall sustain … Read More