When working as a dietary aid, personal support worker, caregiver or otherwise, it can feel as if the world is on your shoulders. Patients – and their families – rely on you every single day. With our services in such high demand and only so many caregivers to go around during these ever-trying times, the risk of experiencing chronic stress is high. 

Put short and simply, you must look after yourself first. There is no alternative. Today, let’s explore why that is.

Performance and Efficiency

Your performance will likely wane if you’re burned out in your role. This isn’t due to not wanting to give it your best shot, but rather that you are human. Over time, if the chronic stress is not managed, the risk of becoming less efficient will increase due to the physical and mental exhaustion associated with this condition. 

Alertness and Focus

If your mind and body are overworked from stress, it’s not as easy to look over the smaller details with a sharp eye. However, by managing your chronic stress and maintaining a healthy, supportive way of working that protects you and the patient, you’ll easily spot red flags or areas requiring immediate attention. In addition, everything from retaining crucial information on a patient’s vitals to making informed meal plan changes can be handled with improved focus and attentiveness. 

Mental Health and Wellness

Chronic stress, if left unaddressed, can cause a negative spiral when it comes to our mental health and wellness. Anxiety and depression are entirely possible when this goes unchecked, and these issues come with their own complications that can be challenging to overcome. Ensure that you have proper support, don’t overwork yourself, and try to reduce the number of stress triggers in your life to avoid these needless complications.

Stress Poses a Serious Physical Health and Safety Risk

Chronic stress can even endanger your physical health, not to mention your life. High blood pressure is one of the primary causes of strokes, and your risk of suffering one increases as you get older. Do not let this happen to yourself; get checked regularly by a doctor, monitor for signs of stress, and reduce or remove them from your life as best as possible.

Caregivers work incredibly hard to help others, but there is no reason they shouldn’t look after themselves. If you’re in need of caregiving services that can alleviate the stress in your life, such as if you’re looking after an unwell loved one on your own, we can help at C-Care. Contact us today!

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Building a positive patient-caregiver relationship can make all the difference in the experiences they have on a daily basis and how they feel. Whether you’re providing care for a loved one or are seeking out the support of a professional caregiver, here are some of the essential ingredients for ensuring it’s a successful relationship.

Taking Time to Get to Know Patients

If you’re planning on hiring someone, like any new relationship, it will take time for both the caregiver and patient to get to know each other and feel comfortable. Professional caregivers are also trained in these scenarios and have an understanding of the initial process for establishing a connection with their patient. They recognize that asking anyone for help can be a very difficult situation to be in, especially when it comes to personalized care. But by being patient and giving it time, they can build trust and comfort.

Being Clear and Respectful with Communication

Communication is the most important part of any relationship. Good communication can help with expectations, understanding a patient’s needs more clearly, and being able to establish trust while delivering the right type of care. Always be open to asking questions, paying attention to reactions, and adjusting your style of care if they’re not comfortable with something.

Being Respectful of Privacy

If a patient requests privacy, always oblige. It’s simple things like this that enable them to feel in control and maintain some form of independence. So rather than taking it offensively, try to put yourself in their shoes to understand why they’re asking for privacy.

Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries can also ensure that this dynamic remains respectful, positive, and professional. Talk to family members and your patients to understand what boundaries you should be aware of.

Checking in with Family Members

It is natural for challenges to occur during the course of caregiving. When they do happen, it’s important to take time to consult with the family members to address any concerns. The sooner problems can be addressed, the quicker and easier it will be to resolve them. The key to maintaining a good relationship between patient and caregiver is to maintain communication with their family too.

C-Care Health Services has been providing the best quality home care for more than a decade. If your loved one needs at affordable home care in the GTA, contact us to get started.

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Many patients will experience different symptoms and limitations following a stroke. In some cases, it can lead to partial paralysis, speech impairment, cognitive issues and other complications. In order to provide someone with the right level of care at home, you’ll need to speak with their medical professional to get all the details regarding their condition. Once you have a clear understanding of their needs after being discharged from the hospital, refer to the tips below to aid in your caregiving endeavors.

Assist with Physical Movement and Recovery Exercises

The recovery of mobility, when possible, is crucial after suffering a stroke. Since impaired motor functions are one of the most common conditions that stroke patients face, the best way to help is to kindly support and assist them in moving their body each day with appropriate mobility exercises. The patient’s healthcare provider can give you specific instructions on the exercises most beneficial for strengthening their motor skills and muscle memory.

Create a Daily Routine

Routines can be very helpful for relearning basic skills, ideal for keeping a loved one on the road to recovery as much as possible. We recommend creating a basic schedule that includes small skills to build on with baby steps. Also include their daily exercises to practice movement regularly, in addition to independent actions that they can perform. The trick is to not overwhelm or easily frustrate them, so don’t overdo it on any given day.

Be Patient and Positive

Strokes can cause a widespread amount of damage, impacting their ability to communicate properly, which can be difficult and frustrating for them and you. Not being able to perform basic daily tasks can also cause overwhelming emotions and depression. It’s important during these moments to give your loved one the room to breathe and express their emotions. Try to remain positive with them, encouraging them to focus on every bit of progress, and consider keeping a journal of their progress if need be.

Provide Healthy Wholesome Meals

Getting proper nutrition after suffering from a stroke is essential for assisting and enhancing the patient’s recovery process. Focus on providing them with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as low-fat or lean protein sources. A dietary aide or nutritionist can be a helpful ally in this regard.

Attend Checkups with Doctor

If the doctor recommends checkups, don’t skip them. Even if it seems as though your loved one is making good progress, stroke patients are at a higher risk of experiencing a second stroke. Ensure they are eating right, exercising, taking their prescribed medications, and attending any follow-up appointments.

Remind Them of Happier Times

To help ease the mental hurdles that come along with any recovery process, remind your loved one of happier times by going through old photographs, retelling their favourite stories, and engaging in any other activities that will shed some positive light. Playing music, watching movies that they love together, having family visits and doing anything to get them to laugh are all suitable approaches. These can be some of the best ways to boost their frame of mind and aid the recovery process.

Care for Yourself

Just like we’re told on airplanes to put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone, the same applies to this situation. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to offer a genuine level of care to your loved one. So don’t neglect your own needs. Take time to rest, relax, exercise, and engage in activities to give your mind a break from reality. Self care is not selfish, as it’s necessary for you both. 

Need a hand with post-stroke recovery planning or caregiving for your loved one? You don’t have to deal with it alone. C-Care Health Services can provide your loved one with the assistance they need with ease and attentiveness! Get in touch with us to learn more about our customized in-home caregiving options.

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When it comes to the health of your family and loved ones, it’s unfortunately something that you don’t have much control over. However, managing your own wellbeing and stress is something that you can take control of. If you’re feeling apprehensive about the holiday season and winter months to come, here are some tips for healthy caregiving to help make it more enjoyable for you and your family.

Be Realistic with Your Plans

The holidays are typically a busy time of year with lots of celebrations and festivities. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the whirlwind of it all, set realistic expectations for you and your family. Determine what you really want to see and attend, who you want to spend time with, and what you can realistically contribute. By focusing on what’s most important and meaningful to you and your family, you can maintain more control over expectations, all while avoiding unwanted demands or overdoing it.

Create New Traditions

If you’re caring for a loved one who isn’t as mobile and can’t enjoy the traditions you used to have, create new ones that you can cherish together. Instead of attending festivities, consider going to a drive-through holiday light display or arrange a video chat with family. Alternatively, fire up the popcorn for a night with your favourite classic holiday movies.

Ask for Help with Cooking

Food is a staple of the holidays, and it can definitely be a stress factor for anyone who’s hosting dinner. Taking on the cooking and baking can also be time consuming, expensive and exhausting, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. To make it easier, arrange a potluck so everyone can contribute a dish. This way, you can divide up the work and have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the meal together. It’s more fun than having to rush around in the kitchen on your own!

Take Time for Yourself

You can’t be expected to take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself first. So always take time for your own needs and wellness, especially during hectic periods like the holidays. Carve out even a little bit of time, early in the morning or before bed, to unwind and do something that is enjoyable and relaxing. Whether it’s meditating, reading, taking a hot bath or spending time in nature, don’t forget to be good to yourself.

Get in Some Gentle Exercise

Not having an outlet to burn off energy and stress can cause it to accumulate until it eventually gets released in an unhealthy way. By getting in some form of exercise, it can work wonders for improving your mental health and releasing pent-up energy. Go for a brisk walk each day, try an exercise video at home, or join a class to help you stay active.

When a loved one requires more care than you can provide, our team at C-Care Health Services can step in and help. We provide customized in-home caregiving and nursing services to ensure your loved ones get the proper, dedicated care they need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

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As our loved ones get older, changes can occur rapidly or unexpectedly. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they have to give up their independence at home. Hiring a professional caregiver can provide the at-home support and assistance required so they can still live their life to the fullest while enjoying the comforts of their own home. If you’ve been taking care of a loved one but their needs have increased, it might be time to seek help. 

Here are some of the most common signs that it’s time to hire experienced and compassionate home care professionals.

Noticeable Changes in Appearance or Behaviour

Has your senior loved one started to look abnormally dishevelled? If their personal appearance and hygiene have become noticeably different, this is a common sign that something has changed with their mental and/or physical health. These subtle shifts are usually indications that it’s becoming increasingly challenging for them to take care of themselves.

Unsanitary Home Environment

When you visit your loved one, is their home starting to look almost unsanitary? Living in these kinds of conditions is a clear indication that additional help is needed to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy space for them to live in.  

Missed Medication

Forgetting to take medications can become a serious hazard to their health. If your parents or aging friends are missing their meds, this could indicate that there’s a decline with their memory. Having supervised medication reminders might be necessary.

Weight Loss

Cooking can become dangerous, especially if a loved one suffers from any conditions with memory or balance. Proper nutrition is important for seniors, so if they look like they aren’t getting the calories and nutrients they need, it may be time to help them with this as well.

Depression and Loneliness

Spending a significant amount of time alone can lead to loneliness and depression, and unfortunately, this is quite common among seniors. Even if your parents are able to live independently, remember that isolation can contribute to a decline in both their physical and mental health. If they are spending a majority of time on their own or are showing signs of depression or disinterest in regular activities, additional care and companionship could be a huge benefit to them.

C-Care is here to offer any additional at-home support that your loved ones may need. Whether it’s on a part-time basis or around the clock, we provide professional and experience-driven services to help your aging parent lead an enriching life in the comfort of their home. Contact us today to learn more.

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As our parents and loved ones get older, there may come a time when they’ll need more care and attention, perhaps even on a daily basis. Whether you decide to take on that role as their caregiver or hire someone to support them, the duties involved will vary based on their needs and health condition. It’s important to recognize that no matter how much you love them, taking on this role can be extremely overwhelming, which is why you should never feel ashamed to ask for help or hire someone to assist them. 

Here is a brief overview of the most common responsibilities of a caregiver so you know what to expect. Of course, don’t hesitate to ask us at C-Care if you have any questions or require our caregiving services.

Assessing and Assisting with Their Medical Needs

One of the most important aspects of caregiving is monitoring their health and level of pain or discomfort. Creating a schedule and routine for taking medications, making any medical appointments, and arranging a safe mode of transportation are essential steps during this stage. Of course, this will depend on their health and whether they are suffering from any serious and/or chronic conditions.  

General Housekeeping and Basic Daily Needs

As your loved one gets older, they’ll need more assistance with their daily needs and activities. This can range from basic activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing and toileting. Of course, if they are determined to age in place so they can remain as independent as possible, maintaining their home can become a major challenge that they may not be able to tackle on their own. As a caregiver, you may need to assist with yard work, taking out the garbage, and general cleaning and maintenance each week, among other tasks.  

Preparing Meals

Using the stove and handling basic meal prep duties can also be very challenging with age, especially if your loved one suffers from medical conditions with dietary restrictions or if they have any memory or motor skills issues. As a caregiver, meal prep is commonly needed to ensure your loved one is having nutritional meals each day without any risk involved.

Companionship 

One of the most disregarded aspects of caregiving, but one of the most essential, is companionship. Loneliness is very common among seniors, and being isolated from others has shown to have major impacts on their physical and mental health. When caring for a loved one, offering your time to connect, converse and brighten their day is just as important as anything else.

At C-Care, we know how challenging it can be to provide the level of support that an aging parent might need. That’s why we encourage people to never feel ashamed to ask for help. If you’re looking for professional, considerate, and attentive at-home care for your senior loved one, reach out to us today to learn more about us and how we can assist. 

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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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Do you have a loved one who is about to head into surgery? If so, it’s important to have a plan in place to deal with their post-operative care. If you forget to plan for this accordingly, your loved one could face difficulties, complications and extensive pain following their discharge from the hospital. To ensure you’ve properly prepared for everything involved, follow this quick guide that outlines how to care for someone post-surgically.

Speak With The Doctor

Every surgical procedure has different post-operative care needs. Pain management and wound care will also widely differ by patient, so it’s important to discuss your loved one’s special needs with their doctor before the surgery. The appointment will give you the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible about the surgery and recovery procedures. The doctor will provide you with a list of instructions, will outline the potential side effects, and teach you about any complications to look out for following the procedure. The more you know and the more time you have to prepare, the better. 

Follow Instructions

It’s essential that you follow the doctor’s instructions once the patient is in your care. Medications should be administered as advised, conditions regularly monitored, and follow-up appointments adhered to. If any complications arise or if there are changes to their condition that alarm you, don’t hesitate to contact the doctor immediately. And don’t forget to follow up periodically after the surgery. In many cases, the instructions may need to be revised depending on how well the patient is recovering. 

Ask For Help

Caregiving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Preparing their meals, bathing them, administering medication, cleaning wounds, helping them exercise, and watching them around the clock can be taxing on those who do not have any professional experience in the medical field. However, appropriate and attentive care is necessary for a patient’s recovery, so If you find that you’re struggling with your duties, ask for help. Your doctor can recommend a professional caregiving service in the area if you need assistance caring for someone post-surgically. 

You should never feel guilty about asking for help. Caregiving is a difficult task, and there is help readily available when you need it! At C-Care Health Services, we understand what people need after surgery and can provide high-quality home care services for all types of health issues. Our staffing services ensure that a professionally trained caregiver will attend to all your loved ones’ needs and maintain the protocol necessary to improve their recovery process. You can learn more about our post-surgical nursing services and request a quote right online by visiting our website.

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If you’re looking to hire a Personal Support Worker for you or a loved one, it’s important to take the time to find the right person — someone who is trained for the role and who also has the right temperament to be patient and understanding. To help you hire the perfect fit, look for a person with these common traits found in Great PSWs.

Adaptable

A PSW that can easily adapt to new obstacles and challenges is one you want on your side. Having a focused caregiver who can think on their feet and solve problems easily can help make the entire process much easier.

Understanding

It’s important that your loved one is well looked after and properly cared for, but it’s also important to have a PSW who fully understands the challenges and needs every step along the way. You want someone who genuinely cares, but who also knows how and when to set boundaries.

Friendly and Motivated

The best PSWs take the time to get to know you, your story, and what your exact needs are. They also make time for your family to explore all the options and to create a care plan that works best for everyone.

Compassionate

An essential characteristic of a great PSW is the ability to provide warm encouragement and compassion. The best caregivers are those who can connect with their patients on a personal level and show them the respect that they deserve.

Trustworthy and Honest

You need to be able to trust a PSW to provide the best care possible while feeling comfortable about the security of your home. A PSW who has a reputation for being honest and trustworthy should be at the top of your list of qualifications.

Great Communication Skills

Finding an effective communicator is highly important. Good communication skills ensure that your questions are answered, and your needs are understood. An exceptional PSW will also be able to effectively communicate with their supervisor, doctors, nurses, and other members of the healthcare system.

Professionally Trained

You wouldn’t hire an amateur to conduct a surgery, so why would you hire one for home care? Of course, you’ll want someone who has all the trained skills and qualities to thrive in this role. Hiring a graduate of a Personal Support Worker Course or Degree will ensure you’re receiving qualified care.

When you’re ready to hire a PSW that exhibits all these traits, contact us at C-Care Health Services. We offer private health care that gives you the support you need — anytime, anywhere. Our staff are highly trained to understand your challenges and needs and provide friendly, compassionate and high-quality service. Contact us today to set up an assessment to find out how we can better assist you!

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