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

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 […]

What would you do if you found out that your grandmother was being harmed by another family member?  Or perhaps you notice that a neighbour is being yelled at by her caregiver or kept in the house by her daughter. Its sad to imagine that older adults are being harmed, distress and abused but research […]

Almost 32 percent of women and 16% of men over the age of 65 live alone. Many have or will experience life transitions such as loss of their drivers licence, loss of friends into retirement or care facilities and many are isolated. When asked, many single seniors identified a lack of transportation as a reality […]

Do Canadians value their independence? The answer is a resounding “yes” A study conducted in Victoria, B.C. found that seniors – even those who have chronic illnesses or disabilities – prefer to remain as self-reliant as possible. This means taking care of daily tasks, such as shopping, cleaning and meal preparation themselves.  They also prefer […]

You’re applying for a new job that will involve moving from Calgary to just outside of Toronto. You’ve moved several times before and have dealt successfully with the challenges of re-settling your husband and two boys.  This time, the kids aren’t the issue, it’s your father-in-law. Today, a large number of relocations discussions centre around […]