Fear not, as we’re happy to clear the air for added peace of mind. Let’s help you choose the right option for you or your loved one.

What is Assisted Living?

An assisted living facility is a residence that provides more intensive round-the-clock supervision and assistance. This is the more appropriate option for individuals who live with severe conditions that require active monitoring and specialized care. An assisted living arrangement can ensure optimal quality of life and integrity while minimizing risk to such a resident’s health, wellness, and safety compared to remaining at home.

What is in-Home Caregiving?

Under a home care arrangement, professionals attend the private home of the individual being cared for to provide supervision and assistance. This is ideal for those who are of sufficiently sound mind and body to maintain independence in some capacity without putting themselves at risk. Typically, in-home caregiving involves scheduled visits according to a custom care plan. Individuals receiving care are not monitored around the clock, and instead benefit from social stimulation in addition to assistance with basic daily living needs.

How to Choose Between Home Care and Assisted Living

Here are some criteria to consider when deciding between home care and assisted living:

Your Loved One’s Level of Independence

Home care offers your loved one greater independence, as they retain control over their schedule and routine. In an assisted living environment, your loved one will eat and partake in activities according to a pre-set schedule. For an older person who can live more independently, an assisting living facility can become stifling and cause emotional distress.

Budget

The incremental cost of moving into an assisted living facility will be greater compared to receiving home care. This is because assisted living is a more comprehensive arrangement, providing housing, food and food preparation, personal and health care, and social activities. Your loved one may only need some of these services, so it could be unwise to pay for a comprehensive bundle of components that aren’t all required at this time.

Privacy Needs

In an assisted living arrangement, multiple residents can be housed together, sharing some common spaces with some spaces of their own. Inevitably, this leads to less privacy. For seniors who place a high value on their privacy, an assisted living arrangement may not be the best option.

Medical Requirements

The main advantage associated with an assisted living arrangement is the capacity for more intensive medical care to be delivered around the clock. This means that seniors who may be at risk of suffering an injury or sudden medical problem may be better suited for an assisted living environment. However, people with medical conditions that simply require routine care may be indifferent between the two options. A nurse or personal support worker providing in-home care is well-suited to attend your loved one’s home regularly to change bandages, administer medication, and address other medical needs.

Planning Ahead

If your loved one is living with a condition that will not improve but instead progressively worsen as the years go on, they may not need to enter an assisted living facility for some time if at all. In-home caregiving is an ideal choice in many instances, as it helps to maintain their comfort, sufficient independence, and integrity in familiar surroundings. This may be able to continue for several years, depending on how or whether the symptoms of the condition in question intensify. Once it becomes clear that your loved one needs a more advanced level of care, an assisted living facility or other alternative care option can be explored to ensure their continued safety and comfort.

All in all, it is important to consult with your loved one to determine the things they value most, and understand their preferences, so they can maintain the highest quality of life while they and their loved-ones have peace of mind knowing they are well taken care of. For more details on how we can help at C-Care, including our home care services, contact us today.

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Senior citizens are exactly that: citizens! They’re unique and well-travelled individuals, human beings, who have lived long and eventful lives. It’s also likely that they enjoyed ample independence and self-sufficiency up until recently. Sometimes, however, the need arises to consider whether retirement home care is a better solution for them, and this is not something that a senior will normally greet with open arms.

The prospect of leaving home for somewhere new and entrusting their care needs to others can trigger a wide array of emotions. But together, with compassion and attentiveness, you can both navigate this stage of their journey in life with newfound optimism and contentment.

Here are some ways on how to do exactly that.

Listen and Learn!

Even when a senior loved one lives with a difficult or impossible-to-cure debilitation, they are still human. They still feel. They don’t lose all their knowledge or cognitive control overnight. Therefore, it is your responsibility as the loved one looking into retirement home options to take their input seriously. Let it inform the decision, get them involved in the planning, and set them up for success in an inspiring, positive new environment with the support they need to enjoy all their days to come!

The Power of Perspective

Not all retirement communities are made equal. Some may not appeal to your senior loved one or even create a stigmatized phobia that they’re “all the same.” That’s very much not the case, we can assure you, and it’s important that you help them shape a positive, optimistic perspective without forcing them into something they do not want to do. 

Instead, take the approach of helping to address their concerns directly. Bring them in to visit and tour the facility and meet the team there or, if this sounds like too much for them, watch video tours and read through programming information together. The power of perspective is an incredible thing, and it’s essential that you both understand where your loved one is coming from and where they want to be headed.

Being Open to Alternative Care Solutions

If a loved one tells you that they are not ready to live in a retirement home, and if they are still of sound mind and body, let them make the call. Instead, they may prefer remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, surrounded by their belongings, loved ones, and mementos. 

Many seniors feel this way, and that’s okay! This is why in-home caregiving services are quickly becoming a popular alternative solution. We can bring the support to them instead, helping to maintain their independence and integrity, while also providing social stimulation and highly beneficial human interaction.

Have questions about our in-home caregiving or retirement home care services, or need advice on how best to assist your senior loved one? We at C-Care Health Services are happy to help. Reach out to us today 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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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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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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Canada is known for its top-rated public health system, but our publicly funded system still has some limitations when it comes to elderly care programs. If you’re trying to understand how much coverage OHIP will provide for those aging at home, this article will help you understand your options regarding home care in Ontario, and what is covered by our publicly funded system. 

What Does OHIP Cover?

Your OHIP health card gives you access to a number of publicly funded health care services including doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance services, dental surgery, eye health, foot care, and physiotherapy. It will pay for any basic medical treatments and it will also cover many elder care services, including home care, but only if you are eligible. 

For those who do qualify, OHIP will fully or partially cover the assistance of a health care professional to care for your wounds, monitor medication, and provide dietary services. A caregiver will also be provided to help you with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and driving you to your appointments if required. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and homemaking services might also be covered. 

How is Private Home Care Different?

Not everyone qualifies for publicly funded home care, and government programs don’t often provide enough hours of care for everyone’s unique needs. When you don’t qualify or if you need more care than the government program provides, you still have the option to pay for private home care. Some families prefer this route, even when they are fully covered by OHIP because it provides more choice over the agency you choose, along with frequency, length of visits, and services.  

Is Private Care Worth It?

When you choose OHIP-covered support, you are at the mercy of the government program. You will not be given much choice when it comes to how often a nurse will visit, how long they will stay, and what they will do. Also, with public care, you are not guaranteed to have the same nurse twice, and the amount of time the nurse can spend with you is also limited. Private care is and has always been better. With private care, you can pay for as much care as you need (a few hours a week, a day or around-the-clock care). Specific nurses and caregivers will also be assigned to you based on your condition to ensure you get the very best level of support every time. 

How Do You Pay for Private Home Care?

There are many different ways to pay for private home care. This includes paying through private insurance, employee benefits plans, out of pocket, or through financial support. The government also offers financial aid, allowances, grants and disability tax credits that can also help to cover some of the costs. 

Private care is more affordable than you think. Contact us today at C-Care Health Services to learn more about the private home care service we offer. 

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At some point, when our ageing loved ones reach a certain stage, home care services can offer the attention and companionship they need when you can’t always be there. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to juggle your career and family while trying care for a parent. Trying to do it all on your own can lead to caregiver exhaustion and feelings of defeat. That’s why in-home services can be so beneficial to both you and your loved one.

Learn more about the important benefits of home care and how it can help you and your family.

Gain Peace of Mind When You Can’t Be There

It’s hard feeling like you’re not giving the level of care you want to when it comes to a family member, especially when it’s a parent who has taken good care of you over the years. Naturally, you want to reciprocate that when they begin to peak into their senior years. But for many of us, it’s just not possible to physically be there all of the time or as often as you’d like. That’s where a home healthcare professional can help. They can be there to care for their needs whenever you can’t. And, since they’re trained and qualified, you can gain peace of mind knowing that your parent is in good hands.

Get Skilled Nursing Care At Home

Your loved one can also get the medical attention they need right in the comfort of their own home from skilled nurses. This can help them feel safe, comfortable, and happier without having to endure the hassle of travelling to a medical facility.

Home Care Can Help With Daily Living

Did you know that home care also goes beyond medical care? Whether it’s bathing, grooming, or taking their meds, if your loved one requires assistance with personal care, in-home services can take care of that as well to help your family member maintain their sense of dignity and independence.

Ensures Their Dietary Needs are Met

Seniors are generally more at risk for being nutrient deficient and can often face various dietary restrictions in relation to their conditions. That’s why nutrition and diet are offered here too, including homecooked meals that can be prepared specially for complex, dietary restrictions and needs.

Companionship

Beyond getting the level of professional care that can keep your ageing parent safe and comfortable, home care can also offer companionship. Many seniors spend a majority of time alone, and more studies are proving just how important social interaction is for maintaining proper health and wellbeing among this population especially. By having someone there to converse with, assist with errands, groceries and other things throughout the day, it gives them that interaction that they’ve been missing when they’re on their own.

If you need help, reach out and give us a call! C-Care Health has been providing affordable and reliable nursing and home care services across Toronto for years. Our team is dedicated to taking good care of your loved one. Give us a call to learn more today!

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Home Care After Surgery

Older patients may have additional needs after a surgical procedure. Post surgical nursing support can relieve much of the worry that goes with returning home from the hospital. Even younger adults can require special assistance.

The goal of home care after surgery is to help speed up recovery, provide assistance with activities of daily living and support any health care needs. Healing after a surgical procedure takes time and can be a slow process. Patients are weak and need help with mobility. A home care agency like C-Care Health Services can provide any needed rehabilitation services.

Experienced and specially trained caregivers understand the needs of a post-surgical patient. A home care agency will assist with many needed services, giving you peace of mind. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Providing a smooth transition from the hospital to home
• Monitoring fluid intake, swollen ankles, laboured breathing or any other issues
• Providing essential monitoring of respiration, circulation and cardiovascular problems
• Conducting medication management and overseeing nutritional needs
• Recognizing key health problems early, and then taking appropriate action to prevent readmission
• Caring for wounds and surgical sites to prevent infection

Palliative Care

Patients with chronic illnesses or who need pain management after a hospital stay are best served by a home care agency. Palliative care is an interdisciplinary set of health services aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life. These patients need to be comfortable and safe, and they require continuity of care. A home care agency is best equipped to provide all these services.

A patient in pain due to chronic illness is in need of physical, emotional and spiritual support as well as care planning. At C-Care, we understand the importance of relieving the stress of illness and keeping patients comfortable and as pain-free as possible. A personal support worker performs valuable services and responsibilities like recording progress, supporting the family through the patient’s illness, and cooperating with physicians and other health care providers.

Patients with cancer, heart disease, dementia, ALS and Alzheimers would all benefit from a home care agency. Hospital stays can be frequent and limiting readmissions helps both the patient and worried family members.

If your loved one suffers from chronic pain and illness, reduce hospital readmissions by relying on a professional to care for all their needs at home. Seek out the experienced and compassionate support of C-Care Health Services.

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In many cases, all you need to do is contact a home care agency to find a professional caregiver who can provide the necessary care. But depending on the situation, clinical or hospital care may be more suitable. So, how do you determine which option is best for a loved one?

Pros of Home Care

There are plenty of positives when it comes to home care. The biggest benefit is that your loved one is in a familiar environment that can reduce their stress levels. Not only that, but their family members can visit without having time restraints like hospital visiting hours do. 

With home care, you seek the services of a home care agency to try and recreate an environment similar to that of a nursing facility, but at home. Depending on the needs of your loved one, you can hire a companion to assist with basic activities. A companion who’s skilled in the provision of health care is usually more expensive to hire.

Most people try to stay at home where they can continue enjoying the comfort and amenities they are already used to. This is actually a great option for people who don’t need round-the-clock care. You can set up a schedule where a registered nurse or professional caregiver can come at certain times every day or whenever you may need them. The companion can assist with bathing, meal preparation, transportation, and other tasks. To avoid paying out-of-pocket, it is usually a good idea to seek a long-term-care insurance policy.

Cons of Home Care

While there aren’t very many cons of home care, there are a few things that you may wish to consider when deciding between the two. In certain situations, palliative home care will not be covered by your insurance company. That means you may have to switch to private health insurance or pay out of pocket.

Whether the elderly person is staying with a family member or on their own, there may have to be some adjustments made to the home to better fit their needs. Items such as railings, ramps, new bedding, and more can add up in cost. 

Pros of Hospital Care

The biggest advantage of hospital care is that skilled medical professionals are always available, so timely treatments can be administered if health begins to deteriorate. Assistance is also available for cleaning, walking, bathing or dressing, and meals are always ready.

24-hour care in a hospital setting is usually the last resort for people who need a high level of attention following severe illness or a medical emergency. For instance, someone who has had a heart attack may need to be hospitalized in the short term. Once their health improves, they can consider home care.

Hospital care may also be recommended for people who need a lot of care, and whose family members are not available to ease the burden on-at-home caregivers. But before your loved one is admitted to the hospital, make sure that the staff-to-patient ratio is good enough to ensure that quality care will be provided.

Cons of Hospital Care

Unlike home care, hospitals have certain visiting hours where family members and friends can visit. This kind of support is beneficial to the patient, so it may be harder to leave knowing you only got a short period of time with them. 

Another negative for some is leaving an environment that they are comfortable in. Hospitals can make some uneasy, and it may be hard for the patient to adapt to a room that has other patients in it. However, these challenges can be overcome with support from loved ones. 

Verdict

At the end of the day, you will know what is best for the family member based on their needs and level of sickness. Ideally, senior home care should allow your loved one to be around family and friends who can provide the necessary moral support and socialization to ensure the enjoyment of life. With the right kind of support from a reputable home care service agency, your loved ones can continue to enjoy their independence and dignity from the comfort of their home. Hospital care will only be necessary once they are completely dependent on caregivers and need round-the-clock access to skilled nursing services. If you’re looking for at-home care for your loved ones, contact us at C-Care Health Services today.

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