Q: Our neighbour lives alone and seems to have a handyman to fix and paint all the time. I worry that she’s lonely and he’s taking advantage. A: There are a number of ways that people target or take advantage of trusting seniors. In some cases, it’s trade people—and in others, it’s scams.
Here are helping ideas for you to maintain good eyesight: A) Sit at a distance that is at least five times the width of your TV screen. B) Include food with vitamin C or antioxidants to help reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). C) Have regular eye exams. D) Quit smoking. Doing […]
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is an overall term used to describe various brain disorders caused by physical changes in the brain. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 564,000 individuals in Canada are currently living with dementia and this number is expected to increase to 1.4 million people by […]
Getting to the bathroom on time becomes more important as we age. Check out these thoughtful ways to help a loved one make it. Clear the path to the bathroom. Ensure it’s free of obstacles and as direct as possible Leave the bathroom door open Install a ‘light-up’ toilet seat Use of duct tape strips […]
By Stephen Trumper My Bedroom: Early morning, Monday, May 6, 2019 I wake up abruptly, gasping for air. I’m startled, but not surprised. For the past couple of days my breathing has become increasingly laboured—not an unusual predicament for me, though not to this worrisome degree. I have lived with a tracheostomy for more than […]
In this honest portrayal of the life changes that come with caregiving, Donna Thomson and Zachary White give first-hand advice that’s tried and true. Their best takeaway is the debunking of the myth that caregiving requires training. Rather, they suggest that caregiving is innate—a talent that appears when a loved one needs help. The book […]
This year, with many of us apart for the holidays, our editors have put together a list of thoughtful, yet practical gifts that are easy to find and affordable. There’s still time to show someone how much you care! Choose from some of our favourites: Comfy as can be “The Dream” takes the chill off […]
When an adult asks to leave an assisted living residence, stay calm and approach them in a relaxed manner. Avoid reasoning and explanations Redirect their attention by starting a shared activity Look out the window together Discuss memories of home Provide a gesture of comfort, like hugging or stroking their arm
By Rick Lauber Older adults who become unable to handle their own affairs can become frustrated, angry or confused and others must, often tactfully, become involved. When my father lost his memory and his ability to talk as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, I was left to serve as his advocate—essentially becoming his eyes, ears […]
Families caring for a relative with a disability frequently miss out on tax credits because they don’t know about them, or aren’t aware that there have been changes in eligibility, says Ottawa estate planning and disabilities lawyer Kenneth Pope. A case in point is the Canada Caregiver Credit, which consolidated three previous tax credits into one […]