For many families, figuring out how to work with siblings to care for an aging parent can add a lot more stress to your already full plate. There can be a lot to manage, from arranging meals to taking them to appointments to dealing with clashing personalities. Below, we share some of our best advice to help you, your parents, and your siblings get through this challenging time.

Host Family Meetings

One of the best ways to avoid conflict right from the get-go is by arranging family meetings before your parent needs a serious level of care. This way, you can avoid the blame game and iron out a schedule that makes sense for you and your siblings. Try to set some ground rules where everyone can be heard and respected. Everyone should be able to share their feelings and opinions during this time. And some siblings might not be comfortable taking on certain responsibilities. In this case, consider alternative roles they can take on instead. We recommend scheduling these meetings a regular basis, once every few months or more if need be.

Be Flexible

As your parent ages, their level of care will increase and change. So it’s important to be prepared for this too and be flexible. Make sure each sibling is aware that more time, dedication and financial support will be needed from everyone. 

Consider a Professional Caregiver to Assist You

As your parent’s care needs evolve, the option of hiring a professional caregiver might be ideal. They can take over many of the daily tasks, such as assisting with personal hygiene and meal preparation, which can give you and your siblings more time to spend and enjoy with them. It can also help to eliminate the source of conflict.

Be Sensitive and Patient

Even as adults, there can be many challenging dynamics among family members, including between parents and siblings. If certain tensions exist between your sibling and parent, try to be sensitive to their needs. You can always try to ease the situation, but at the end of the day, it’s not your call to make. If a sibling does not want to help, you cannot force them.

C-Care Health can provide the at-home care your loved one needs to improve their quality of life and reduce tension between you and your family. Our team is professional, kind, caring, and ready to help. To learn more, reach out to us today. 

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Is your parent or senior loved one experiencing chronic pain? If they’re suffering from discomfort on a daily basis that has persisted for several months, then it’s considered chronic. There can be a number of reasons that cause pain to flare up and continue for a prolonged period of time. And anyone who is experiencing it will tell you just how exhausting it can be. Though it’s not always possible to stop the pain from persisting, there are some effective ways to reduce and manage it to improve their quality of life. If you’re looking for ways to help seniors manage chronic pain, here are some of the best approaches.

Improve Their Diet

What we eat defines how the body and mind will function, so be mindful of a senior loved one’s diet. If they are eating unhealthy and/or primarily processed foods, this will contribute to inflammation in their body, which is the main contributing factor to chronic disease and pain. Try to focus on including as many inflammation-reducing foods in their daily diet as possible, such as fatty fish, nuts, fruits and leafy greens. Avoid fried foods, sugar, processed meat and refined carbs.

Encourage Them to Stay Active

Even though exercise might seem counterintuitive to reducing pain, it can actually be extremely beneficial when it comes to managing it. Of course, the type of exercise that makes the most sense will depend on your loved one’s condition, but anything gentle like walking, swimming, or even chair yoga can be excellent options to consider that are easy and not intensive.

Manage and Reduce Stress

Stress can spike inflammation as well, which exacerbates pain. This is why it’s important to help seniors cope with and reduce their stress levels as much as possible. Practicing meditation, listening to soothing music, alleviating anxiety by limiting negative triggers, and spending time out in nature are all very effective ways to achieve this.

Avoid Toxic Habits and Ensure All Medications are Taken Appropriately

Smoking and drinking, even moderately, are two of the most common bad habits that increase pain, a risk that only increases with the level of consumption. Of course, heavier use also drastically increases the risk of developing an addiction or dependency, which can interfere with the senior’s ability to take crucial prescription medicines as they typically cannot mix. Medications should always be taken carefully and as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.

Do you need help with improving your senior loved one’s quality of life and wellness? We’re here for you. At C-Care Health Services, we’re proud to offer in-home caregiving services that cover all the essentials and thensome. If you’re interested in learning more about our capabilities and how we can help, contact us today.

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Dementia is one of the most challenging conditions to live with, and it can be equally difficult for family members who are caring for a parent who’s suffering from this. Thankfully, there are some proven cognitive stimulation activities for seniors with dementia that can help to slow down the progression, sharpen their memory and reduce feelings of anxiety and anger. 

Try out these activities with your loved one to reduce the symptoms and enjoy more meaningful moments together while enhancing their quality of life.

Baking

For seniors with early or mild stages of dementia, baking is a wonderful activity to get them involved in. Baking activates multiple areas of the brain and is fully immersive. Therefore, all of our senses become engaged including sound, sight, smell, taste and touch. Working with dough or baking cakes offers various textures and sensations for them to experience. And in addition to the stimulating benefits, it’s also relaxing and enjoyable since they get to tap into fond memories of baking, and reminisce about family recipes or bake offs which are always uplifting. Just make sure to be cautious when working with any sharp items or hot surfaces.

Knitting or Crochet

If your senior parent loves to knit but hasn’t in a while, get them back into the hobby! If they were unable to continue with this passion due to pain in their hands or coordinating the yarn, consider getting them large gauge needles or oversized yarn in bolder colours. This way, they can easily see what they’re working with. In fact, they can even forgo the needles and just use their hands for finger knitting. It’s a simple yet soothing and productive activity that’s ideal for keeping the hands and mind busy.

Dancing

Dancing can be a fun way to get seniors up and moving around while getting in some gentle exercise. It’s also excellent for improving coordination since it requires you to move multiple body parts or follow a rhythm. If your parent loves to dance, put on their favourite record and get them up on their feet. It’s a guaranteed way to put a smile on their face while stimulating the body and mind.

Simple Chores

Simple chores like folding laundry or setting the table can be calming ways to get your loved one involved while helping them feel like they’re still contributing to household tasks. Even if the end results aren’t perfect, helping them feel capable and included is well worth it.

Playing Music

Any sort of activity within the creative arts is a great option for stimulating cognitive function for seniors with dementia and rekindling pleasant memories. Playing music is one of the most popular activities and is an excellent form of reminiscence therapy. Similar to baking, it often helps those who are suffering from dementia remember and recollect happy memories. It’s also a good way to keep them calm and at ease during moments of high anxiety and/or frustration.

If your aging parent is suffering from dementia and you’re unable to provide the dedicated care that’s needed, that’s where we can help. At C-Care Health Services, we have qualified nurses and personal support workers who can step in and deliver the level of care your loved one needs. Whether it’s taking care of personal hygiene, daily chores, medication, or providing enjoyable, stimulating activities, you can depend on our team! Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how they can be tailored to your needs.

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When a loved one suffers a stroke, it can be life-altering. Due to the complications that typically follow this, patients can often be functionally disabled, requiring an extensive amount of care for their recovery. In addition to the challenges they will face, it can also be incredibly difficult for family members who need to step in and provide round-the-clock care, all while juggling their day-to-day responsibilities at the same time. 

The combination of change and emotional trauma can be overwhelming, to say the least. Thankfully, there are stroke recovery and rehabilitation options for ageing adults that can help ease this process. Let’s examine some of the disabilities that can arise from a stroke and explore these recovery options below.

Disabilities that Can Arise from a Stroke

It’s important to note that, like all medical events, the severity of complications that follow can vary based on each individual. With that said, strokes can lead to a wide range of disabilities that can be broken down into these main categories:

Problems with Motor Control

Partial paralysis and/or problems controlling movement or weakness on one side of the body are most common for severe cases. This can lead to difficulties with walking, balance, and even swallowing.

Chronic Pain or Numbness

Chronic pain in the joints, numbness, or tingling sensations in the limbs can also occur. In some situations, the lack of feeling and mobility could lead to incontinence.

Impaired Communication

Many stroke victims can experience impaired verbal communication, preventing them from being able to speak. Some may not be able to write or understand spoken language at all.

Problems with Memory and Emotions

Since a stroke damages parts of the brain, it can affect memory and/or awareness. It may also create emotional disturbances.

In-Home Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Options 

Next, here are the two in-home options that could be possible depending on the patient’s circumstances. These will of course depend on how severe the complications are after the stroke.

In-Home Rehabilitation Programs

For those with mild effects following a stroke, in-home rehabilitation could be a viable option. Patients can sometimes perform designated exercises offered by their doctor and physical therapist to help them regain control and strength. Home-based rehabilitation programs can be tailored to different patients based on their needs.

In-Home Nursing Care

In-home caregiving with regular visits from a qualified nurse is another good option for those who require additional services for daily care. Experienced nurses can provide a more thorough and professional rehabilitation regime, complete with guided therapy.

If your ageing loved one has experienced a stroke and you need assistance for their daily care and rehabilitation, we can help at C-Care Health Services. We have dedicated, caring nurses who can provide the support that’s needed to help them on the road to recovery. Get in touch with us today for assistance!

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Today, seniors are living longer than ever before, and a majority want to age in place. As they do, many families will need to provide more care to keep them safe. If your loved one is currently living with you or plans to, here are some ways to make your home safe for your aging parents. 

Have an Area Where You Can Secure Their Pets

Falls are the leading hazard among seniors, and a major culprit of this is pets. As much as we love our smallest and fuzziest family members, they can be hazardous to aging parents, especially for loved ones who have balance issues. We recommend having an area where you can secure your pet occasionally when your parent needs to move around to avoid the risk of them tripping.

Replace Hazardous Flooring

Of course, the flooring throughout your home is a main concern as well. If you have a slippery surface, such as tile, consider changing it. The safest options include rubber, cork, vinyl and soft carpet. These offer more traction and are more comfortable to walk on. Additionally, if there are rugs throughout the year at home, ensure they are low-pile by design and secured with a non-slip pad or tape underneath.

Install Additional Lighting

As we age, our vision usually starts to fade and certain things like cataracts can develop, reducing our ability to see in environments that are dim. Make the interior and exterior of the property safer by installing additional lights. Specifically, place adequate lighting in the hallway, bathroom and stairways. Make sure to have sensor lights installed outside to illuminate any walkways and stairs as well. 

Add a Shower Bench

Showering can become increasingly challenging for seniors, but you can help make it comfortable and safe for your aging parents by having a shower bench installed. These are specifically designed for this purpose so they’re usually strong, sturdy, and reversible. Also, if your shower doesn’t already have a handheld showerhead, now’s the time to install it as well. This will let your parents maintain a sense of pride and independence.

Embrace Home Automation

Home automation can make life much easier and safer for seniors who want to age in place. For example, smart thermostats and security systems can let you program the temperature when you want it automatically adjusted. Some systems like Nest also work with smart lights that can switch on by vocal command or through motion sensors. A security system can also give you and your family additional comfort and peace of mind since you can check in remotely using a smartphone or tablet. 

Add Grab Bars

One last tip is to consider installing grab bars in areas where there is a higher risk of slippage. Grab bars are simple and essential to have in your home as a senior, even as a simple precaution. Place these beside the toilet, in the shower, and along stairways if possible to provide more stability for your loved one.

You don’t have to face changes needed to help your parents age in place on your own. C-Care offers home caregiving and nursing services that can be tailored to their needs. If you’re located in the GTA, reach out to us to learn more about how we can help your parents continue aging in place safely.

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If you have a loved one who’s suffering from dementia, caring for them can be an extremely challenging and emotional experience. As behavioural and cognitive changes occur, they can become unpredictable and distraught, making it even more difficult to provide them with the assistance they need. However, one of the best ways to support them is to learn about the dos and don’ts in caring for a family member with dementia. 

The more you understand what they are going through, the more you can adapt and learn how to make them feel comfortable and safe so they can have a better quality of life. This may be the case even as the disease progresses. Consider the following practical tips when caring for your loved one.

Do:

Create a Familiar Routine

The idea of change can heighten stressful emotions when someone is suffering from dementia, which is why a familiar routine is essential. By creating scheduled daily tasks, your loved one can be better prepared for them, which will reduce anxiety, confusion and stress. Although some flexibility will always be necessary when dealing with an unpredictable illness such as this, try to keep their tasks consistent including meals, medication time, bathing, outdoor time, and so on.

Ensure a Calm and Comfortable Environment for Them

Living in an environment that is chaotic, messy, and/or noisy can be overwhelming for anyone. But for someone with dementia, it can trigger confusion, frustration, and even anger. Consider removing anything that could be contributing to a chaotic or noisy environment, whether that means switching off sources of noise or tidying up their living space. Even clutter and materials with patterns can be off-putting. The goal is to create a space that is calming and comfortable.

Support Them

While your loved one is willing and able, support and encourage them to keep participating in things they enjoy. Even minor household activities like folding laundry, basic yard work, or helping to set the table can help them feel good about themselves.

Don’t: 

Don’t Talk Down to Them

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be very taxing on any family caregiver, but it’s important to remember that it’s a difficult and scary time for them. As the disease progresses, they will gradually lose sight of their own identity, piece by piece. Remember this whenever you’re frustrated so you can empathize and be patient and kind instead of talking down to them.

Don’t Scold Them

There will be times when your loved one does something they were not supposed to do. But remember, this is not intentional. Never scold or speak to them in anger when something goes wrong. They won’t necessarily have control over their actions.

Don’t Talk About Them as if They are Not There

Talking about someone as if they aren’t there is hurtful and can make your loved one feel small and insignificant. Never treat them like they’re a child or incapable of understanding what is going on around them. Be respectful and treat them as you would want to be treated.

C-Care Health Services has been delivering in-home caregiving and dementia nursing services in the Toronto area for more than a decade. Our professional and dedicated team understands the importance of providing reliable, quality assistance to your loved ones. We offer affordable, hourly rates to make it easy to find the flexible service you need for their unique needs, and we can customize a care plan to suit your budget. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how they can help you and your loved one.

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If you have a loved one who wants to age in place but requires regular assistance, allow our C-Care team to step in and help. We know how challenging it can be when you’re faced with the struggle of wanting to help an aging parent preserve their independence and quality of life at home, all while making sure they are safe and well cared for. 

For the past 15 years, our team has been delivering compassionate, in-home professional caregiving assistance that families are always able to depend on. With our support, take that weight off your shoulders and feel confident that your senior loved one is receiving the dedicated attention they deserve. 

Here’s how our C-Care services can help you and your loved one with exceptional, integrity-focused in-home caregiving:

Professional, Qualified Staff

Our team is composed of friendly staff who are educated, trained, and qualified in their professions. We have suitable experts for your needs readily available including Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and dedicated Personal Support Workers. They’re fully certified as required by our operations and undergo continuous skills development training.

Independence and Comfort

Our PSWs and nurses can assist with your loved one’s daily needs so they can remain at home and as independent for as long as possible. We can provide support for household chores, dressing, feeding, washing, and toileting. We also offer occupational and physical therapy, assistance with medical needs, prescriptions, speech therapy, and both emotional and psychological support.  

Convenience and Flexibility

We’re here to help you and your family navigate through this new and challenging chapter. Our clinical consultants will work with you to understand your loved one’s specific needs and recommend the necessary services based on that information. Whether your loved one requires part-time assistance or around-the-clock, long-term care, we offer the flexibility to make it as convenient and comfortable for both you and them. For serious illnesses, cognitive decline, or other complications, our professionals are ready and fully prepared to address it all with the highest-quality care and attentiveness. We leave nothing to chance.

A Cost-Efficient Alternative

Nursing homes or other long-term care facilities can be very costly. This can place family members in a challenging predicament where they want to give their loved one the best possible care, but they might not have the budget to afford it. At-home care is often a more cost-efficient alternative that can eliminate that struggle, making it easier and more affordable to get the help that’s needed. In addition, it’s generally more comfortable and less stressful for the patient as they are surrounded by what is familiar and rightly theirs.

At-home care is often a more convenient, comfortable, and cost-efficient way to obtain the medical, emotional, and psychological support that our aging loved ones need. To learn more about C-Care and all that we have to offer, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you and are ready to assist!

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Depending on your age as you read this post, you may be presently struggling with the prospect of getting older. Sure, the lines become more prominent, and we can’t do some of the things we used to, but this is a beautiful and deeply rewarding stage of life that should be embraced rather than feared. Many folks tend to become more “complacent” and comfortable in their own skin as seniors, and that’s due to the wisdom and lessons they’ve learned along the way. They’re content with themselves and tend to enjoy each day as it comes their way – because each day given is something to cherish.

Today, let’s help you find comfort with the prospect of aging. It’s something to look forward to, not to dread!

Memories Last a Lifetime

Memories are a significant source of comfort as we get older, a feeling stronger than any sadness associated with nostalgia. Many seniors find solace in relishing in the days gone by, especially when they struggle with mobility or are in other ways impaired. So, take those photos, embark on those travels (once safe to do so), and live your life to the fullest, capturing as much of it as possible to revisit in later years! Of course, surrounding yourself with loving and supportive individuals is a great way to make your golden years shine brighter than ever.

Don’t Let Yourself be Lonely

A surefire way to dread getting older is to do so alone and without those to make new memories with, reminisce together, or otherwise as the years go on. You don’t need a large circle of friends to achieve this – focus on quality rather than quantity. Again, having those in your life who are wholesome, endearing, supportive and loving can really go a long way. Many seniors are more optimistic, content, and altogether happier by spending the days with someone special, whether that be a spouse or lifelong friend from primary school. Never underestimate the power of human connection, nor the dangers of social isolation in your golden or twilight years. 

Future-Proof Hobbies

We all need to keep ourselves mentally and physically in check, and who wants to be bored when they’re older? Take up hobbies that you can enjoy even as those bones get tired, such as reading, painting, sketching, listening to music, and otherwise. Even better, get friends and loved ones involved and make some ever-important memories together. This is something you can do at any age and, if a hobby serves as a creative outlet, bear in mind that it can assist with mental stimulation and as a source of inspiration later in life. 

These are just a few ways to approach aging in a more positive and comfortable manner. If a loved one is getting older and in need of compassionate, supportive assistance that prioritizes social stimulation and wellness, our team at C-Care is happy to help. Contact us today to learn more.

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Looking after a loved one’s health is about more than prescription medications and dieting. In many ways, ensuring they can maintain their independence – and integrity – is just as beneficial. In order to do that, we need to fully understand their capabilities rather than simply assume them. This is important as it can help them stay positive, optimistic, and accepting of various forms of caregiving while still preserving their way of life later on. Today, let’s explore several ways to help the seniors we cherish in our lives remain as independent as possible.

Trust

It goes without saying that we need to treat others the way we want to be treated, and a senior individual never wants to be treated like a child. While you need to trust that they can look after basic needs and live an independent life, they need to trust that you will let them attempt to do so. Trust goes both ways and, with appropriate boundaries in place, your senior loved one can feel understood and respected while maintaining any elements of independence that are sensible in regards to their condition. Of course, apply proactivity and be realistic in terms of what you know they can accomplish on their own, both to not overburden them and not “take” too much away.

Encouragement

Nobody wants to see their senior loved one sit in front of the television if they can still get up and enjoy a fulfilling life every day. However, they might feel as if they are “butting in” or interfering by participating in activities that involve others. Dispel this mindset by encouraging them to get out there, try new things, meet new people and, most importantly, make new memories. Moreover, don’t be afraid to participate in some of these with them – who knows, they might just take a liking to your favourite hobby!

Mental Stimulation

Keeping the mind active is a great way to prevent it from slowing down and reducing, in terms of efficiency. The right activities and mental exercises can also encourage positive emotions such as excitement, happiness, or otherwise. Bear this in mind during that next game of Monopoly or when they decide to sign up for painting classes. The more mentally stimulated a senior loved one is, the more potential there is for fun new adventures while retaining cognitive strength more efficiently – possibly even for longer.

Social Interaction

You can get a good feel of a person’s mental state and ability to look after themselves by sitting down and talking to them. Not only that, but seniors love to share stories, give advice, and introduce you to the world through their eyes. Embrace this and look for ways to strike up conversations, whether over board games, nostalgic music from decades gone by or a cup of coffee.

The more we value and understand our loved ones, the more we can ascertain the level of independence they are truly capable of. Take the time to let their personality and mind speak for themselves! Should you need assistance with caregiving solutions that continue to preserve the integrity and independence of your loved one, contact us at C-Care today – we’re happy to assist!

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If you’re feeling worried about your parents’ wellbeing this Christmas, there are still some ways you can maintain old family traditions and even create some new ones while keeping the holiday spirit alive. Here are some tips for helping seniors make the most of the holiday season this year.

Make New Traditions

Even if you can’t enjoy the traditions that you’re used to celebrating with family, you can make a few new ones this year so you can still make the most of your time spent together. Hosting a video chat party is a great way to make them feel included and loved. Show them what you’re planning to bake, go over some of their favourite recipes that you want to try or even bake something together while they’re on video chat with you. It’ll make them feel included and like they’re almost right there with you. You can also make crafts together, video chat when the kids are decorating the tree or show them the decorations around your home.

Reminisce About Fond Memories

Reminiscing about old memories is one of the best ways to put a smile on their face. Whether it’s a chat over the phone or a face to face video call, instead of dwelling on what’s happening this year, focus on all of the happy moments that you’ve shared in the past. Talk about your favourite moments spent together, decorating the tree, playing in the snow, and anything else they enjoy. You can even pull out old albums and go through them together over video chat.

Send Them a Gift

Send them something that will put a smile on their face, like a special gift from the grandkids, a care package of things they adore or even some of those home-baked goods you made together. 

Visit Them from a Distance

If you live within close proximity, pay them a visit from a distance. Give them a call and talk with them over the phone while you wave to them, and bring the kids along so they can enjoy some face to face time, even if it’s limited. 

Set Up a Movie Watching Party

If they have Netflix or Zoom, you can watch movies together. Watch parties are ideal when you can’t be together. Just find a few holiday movies that they love, get the popcorn fired up and enjoy a night of watching classic Christmas movies together.

At C-Care Health Services, we provide home care services to help take care of your senior loved ones. Whether it’s medical care, assisting with daily routines or providing companionship and comfort, our staff brings a high level of skill and expertise to ensure your family member is well taken care of. Contact us today to learn more. 

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