Category Archives: Helpful Articles

Caregiver Burnout: It’s Okay to Ask for Help

The demands of caring for an aging parent can be overwhelming. Unlike professional healthcare providers, like physicians and nurses, informal caregivers – typically family members and friends – simply aren’t emotionally and mentally equipped to manage the stress and burnout that can come from assisting a loved one who is aging or ill. (more…)

Making the Move: How to Help Seniors Transition into a Long-Term Care Facility

Moving an elderly friend or parent from one location to another isn’t easy. This is especially true when the move involves saying goodbye to their lifelong home. Making the transition from independent homeownership to a more communal retirement or long-term care facility can quickly take its toll on an elderly individual. As such, it’s important to take extra time and care when preparing seniors for this big life change. The following are a few things to consider when it comes time to help an elderly friend move on. (more…)

Dispelling Myths About Long-Term Care Homes

There’s no stopping Father Time. Try as we might to avoid it, eventually we all get old. And, when the time comes, we’ll all be forced to make the difficult decision about elderly care and assisted living. When, if ever, is the best time to make the move from independent living to a senior’s residence? What will the quality of care be like? Will there be amenities and activities that interest me? (more…)

Reading the Signs

How to tell when it’s time to consider senior living arrangements

There are many reasons why elderly individuals resist the idea of senior living arrangements. Not surprisingly, as most people age, they want to remain surrounded by the comforts and familiarities of home for as long as possible.

Unfortunately, declining health often makes it impossible for many homeowners to maintain an autonomous lifestyle. When this shift away from independence occurs is different for everyone. As your loved ones age, be sure to pay close attention to their habits and non-verbal cues. The following are 10 signs that it might be time to discuss a move to a more supportive seniors environment, such as a retirement residence or assisted living center:

10. An inactive lifestyle or increased isolation.

9. A decline in exterior home maintenance practices.

8. A shift in communication quality and frequency.

7. A change in visiting patterns and/or fewer invites to visit the individual at their home.

6. Unopened mail or spoilt food in the fridge.

5. General disarray inside the home – i.e. overflowing garbage cans, dishes in the sink, etc.

4. Unexplained weight gain or loss.

3. Damage to the property caused by forgetfulness or avoidable neglect.

2. Bruises or other signs of physical trauma that could have been caused by falls or difficulty navigating independently.

1. If at any point you experience concern for the individual’s physical or mental well being.

Looking into Long-Term Care

Looking into Long-Term Care

How to ensure your loved one is properly cared for in their golden years.

Long-term care homes, or nursing homes as they’re often referred to, are licensed and regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. With that being said, these facilities can be owned and operated by a wide variety of entities including private companies, municipalities, and charitable organizations. As such, you’ll want to take some time to closely review the services and accommodations offered by each.

It’s worth noting that the Ministry pays for the programs and services provided by long-term care homes. Residents are responsible for the cost of accommodations (these rates are set and monitored by the Ministry every year). Application to a long-term care facility must be made through your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). Part of the application process will involve an assessment of the individual’s needs in order to determine eligibility for placement.

Touring a Long-Term Care Facility

The best way to gauge the atmosphere and offerings of a long-term care home is to arrange a site visit. This will enable you to get a feel for the unique characteristics of each property.

Keep the following questions in mind while touring the facility:

• Where is the home located? Is it close to family members and friends?
• Is the property clean and well maintained? Are the grounds landscaped and secure?
• Do the residents appear happy? Are their emotional, physical, and social needs being met?
• Are relatives encouraged to provide their input and participate in an individual’s care? How often are visitors allowed at the facility?
• Is a hospital located nearby? What happens when a resident requires emergency medical care?
• Is there a volunteer program in place? How are volunteers screened?
• Are personal belongings allowed in the residence? Furniture? Pets?

Finally don’t hesitate to ask for resident family references that you can contact for additional feedback and opinions.