Health is the key determinant in establishing levels of care. The accompanying table may be useful in helping you determine what stage your relative is at, and offers some suggestions for the type of care they may need. (Thanks and credit to Barbara Carter.) Here are some things to consider. Stages 1: Active Lifestyle Stage […]

Following an assessment, make a list of essential tasks that need to be performed, including: meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping (daily vs. janitorial – windows, spring cleaning), outdoor maintenance (garbage removal, lawn care, leaves, snow, eavestroughs, bush trimming), banking, shopping (groceries and personal) and general maintenance. Consider

Having a family doctor involved in our home and hospital care has been important to most people for their whole lives but it becomes much more important to them as they age. But it’s no secret that a lot of us are still having trouble finding a family doctor and that there are ridiculously long […]

Today, millions of Canadians worry about decreased mobility, vision and hearing not to mention frailty and the impact new limitations might have on their lives. So concluded a recent study by the Angus Reid Institute in partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation.  Indeed 2 out of 3 people surveyed expressed concern that someone in their […]

Caring across the miles All’s been well for the last few years and a then suddenly, in the middle of the dinner, the dreaded phone call comes to say that mom, who lives in another province, seems lost and confused. Her helpful neighbours who watch over her well-being have taken her to the hospital and […]

Off the job: First up, let’s look at the impact your caregiving will have if you are still in the workforce. Whether you are a salaried or hourly employee taking time off to escort a friend or family member to a doctor’s appointment, sitting around nervously waiting in the bedside in the hospital emergency room or […]

The Four Stages Of Care   Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Independence Very independent Somewhat independent Somewhat dependent Totally dependent Lifestyle Active Stable Limited Restricted Health Good Fair Frail Poor Housing Own home/apartment Own home/apartment with help Seniors or retirement housing Hospital Triggers To Move To Next Stage Calling you at work […]

Let’s face it, your parents’ health will decline and they’ll probably face a crisis or life-altering event, such as the death of a partner or a serious illness. With ongoing changes in their physical and mental health you/and or your siblings may need to accept more responsibility. Know, however, that your parents have the right […]

For the most part, agencies expect you to trust their expertise in finding the right person for the job.  It can be a little off-putting when a stranger shows up at the door for her first day of work when you and your relative have never met him or her before. (Yes, please specify if […]