Outpatient Services for Seniors

Planning for any outpatient care can be very stressful for seniors. This is especially true for those who need assistance at home. After having an outpatient procedure, some seniors may need some additional help while healing. Mississauga Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGivers can be very beneficial for seniors in this situation. The following list contains some of the services that are offered.

1. The program can assist patients getting to and from follow-up appointments.

2. Clients can be accompanied to all different kinds of medical appointments. This can even include dialysis and chemotherapy treatments.

3. CAREGivers can help reduce stress and anxiety that many seniors experience before, during and after an outpatient procedure.

4. CAREGivers are specially trained to help clients with daily needs. This can include getting dressed, bathed and preparing meals. They will also help the patient follow any instructions that have been given by a doctor.

5. Many seniors who have had a procedure may be confused and tired. In some cases, they may not remember when to take their medications. This is another thing that CAREGivers can help with when the senior returns home.

6. The CAREGiver can even go to the pharmacy to retrieve any necessary prescriptions that are needed by the patient.

Source: Home Instead

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Preventing Senior Falls

Falls can be the source of many senior injuries. In addition to the immediate injuries, the fall could cause other health problems for the senior. Many falls can be prevented by taking a few steps to ensure the safety in the home. By using some of the following tips, seniors can reduce their chances of falling. This will protect their health and independence.

1. Make sure that stairs can easily be seen. Avoid using any carpet that has a pattern on stairs.

2. Make sure there is adequate lighting wherever stairs are located. Many falls occur because the senior cannot see well.

3. Always have a handrail installed. It doesn’t matter how many stairs there are. It only takes one to result in a fall. Handrails can help seniors safely maneuver the stairs at home.

4. Make sure that all steps are uniform. If there are different sizes, seniors will have a hard time using them. If the stairs are uneven or different sizes, it may be best to have them replaced.

5. Use a slip-resistant covering on the stairs. Any covering that is on the stairs should be securely fastened. Loose rugs can easily be the cause for a fall.

Source: Virtual Paper

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Respite Time for Caregivers

Being a caregiver can take its toll on many people. This is an exhausting and stressful role for an individual. This is why it is very important for caregivers to allow time for their own life. They must take a break from the daily ritual of caring for another. If this is not done, many caregivers will burnout, face illness or become extremely depressed and irritable. The following list offers some tips and suggestions for caregivers regarding respite.

1. There are many respite programs that are available. The Mississauga Home Instead Senior Care’s Respite Care Program is one in which the caregiver can know the senior will be well taken care of during the time of respite.

2. Taking a break is essential. There is no need to feel any sense of guilt for taking some time off. This is a very stressful role to play, so caregivers must allow themselves time to do what they want without worrying about the senior.

3. Respite care can be used in a variety of ways. It can be for a day or for weeks, depending on the needs of the caregiver. This time cal allow for doctor’s appointments, family functions or vacations.

4.  Respite care can be a 24 hour care or just overnight. Again, this will depend on the specific program and the needs of the caregiver.

Source: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Travel Insurance: What a Canadian Should Look For in a Policy

Although Canada is one of the most fortunate places in the world for exceptional health care, one should not rely solely on their provincial health care coverage while traveling abroad.  It is up to the individual to become familiar with their travel insurance policy guidelines, and take proper precautions in case of emergency.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has created a checklist to keep Canadians safe while they travel:

1. Coverage is supplied before and after your trip, and clearly explains deductible expenses

2. Your insurance plan is available for the entire time of your stay, and is renewable

3. Emergency contact number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from any location

4. Hospitalization costs are covered for illness or injury, up to $250,000, and provides full payment of bills and cash advances immediately, also emergency transportation

5. Travel insurance should include coverage for prescription medications, and pre-existing medical conditions

6. If you need to leave your destination to go back to Canada for medical evaluation, your insurance plan will take care of the expenses to do so.  Most insurance plans will also include a medical professional to accompany you during resettlement.

7. In case of accidental death, your insurance company should be able to return your remains to Canada

8. Ensure that emergency dentistry is covered

Via: Well on Your Way – A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

How Canadians can Travel Safely while Abroad

Some seniors are lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel abroad. Since retirement enables people to be set free of demanding family and work responsibilities, they find time to discover and explore new and interesting places.  Taking advantage of being able to travel is a wonderful experience, although it is important to be prepared with useful travel health advice and various coping strategies before one embarks on a new journey.

The Public Health Agency of Canada wants you to stay healthy while you live or travel abroad.  The following checklist can help ensure that all aspects of protection of health and safety is covered before you leave:

1. Get useful travel advice from your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks prior to travelling.

2. Obtain travel health insurance so that you do not have to rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or injured.  Read over the fine print, and ensure that you comprehend all guidelines. Do not forget to carry a copy of your health insurance coverage at all times while on your journey.

3. Immunization and malaria prevention are essential while living or travelling abroad.  Check with your health care provider and travel agent to ensure you are well protected from all diseases prior to your leave.

4. If you travel with prescription drugs, especially as a senior citizen, it may be necessary to carry documents explaining your need for specific medications, as well as a back-up copy of your prescription.  This will help with passing through customs, or replacing prescriptions in case of accidental loss.

5. If you travel with a pre-existing medical condition, carry a letter from your doctor that explains your situation and any medications you may require.  Contact The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) for more information.

Source: Well on Your Way – A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Ideas for Senior Summer Activities

When the weather is warm, most seniors will enjoy spending time outdoors. This is a great time of year to make sure these seniors are getting physical activity. Healthy seniors are often those who are most active. Choosing a summer activity does not take a lot of planning. In fact, most seniors enjoy the little things in life. The following list contains some suggestions and tips about summer activities.

1. Make sure to choose an activity that will not cause over-exertion. While physical activity is beneficial, too much can cause problems.

2. Take notice of the weather. If the humidity level is too high or the temperatures too hot, outdoor activities should be postponed. Some seniors have trouble breathing when it is too hot and humid. This type of weather can also affect those with arthritis.

3. Take walks during the cooler part of the day.

4. Picnics are a great way for seniors to get physical activity and socialize with friends and family members.

5. Many towns have a community or local pool for residents. Some even offer water aerobic classes, which is a great way for seniors to exercise.

6. Engaging in outdoor activities will provide seniors with physical activity, enjoyment and socialization. It does not have to be anything major. Seniors enjoy gardening, attending barbeques or just taking walks through parks or common areas.

Source: Associated Press

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Arthritis Patients Can be Active

Many seniors suffer from arthritis or another condition that can make movement very painful. Seniors who have this problem can still exercise and maintain their health. There are many forms of exercise, and seniors with mobility problems can benefit from increasing their activity levels. The following list offers some suggestions for seniors with these problems.

1. Stiff joints can cause a lot of pain. Exercising daily can actually help. While it may be uncomfortable at first, stretching exercises can help increase joint mobility and reduce pressure.

2. Patients with arthritis can benefit from flexibility and stretching exercises. These exercises do not put strain on inflamed joints, but they will help to keep muscles conditioned and in good health.

3. There are many aqua fitness programs available for seniors with arthritis. These programs can provide seniors with relief from daily pain while allowing the senior to exercise safely.

4. Many seniors enjoy going out. There are some dancing classes that can provide a unique way for seniors to exercise, socialize and have a great time.

5. No matter what, seniors should try to find some way to start exercising and have some physical activity in their life, no matter how minor it may be.

Source: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pag-gap/older-aines/whatif-etsi-eng.php

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Healthy Living for Seniors

The Canadian Government has recently introduced the Integrated Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy. The strategy focuses on the entire population and aims to improve all health issues, including physical activity, healthy eating and weight issues. Senior members of the population will greatly benefit from this strategy. The following list contains some more information on the strategy and how it can benefit seniors.

1. The government hopes to improve over-all health in the community. This can be done by teaching individuals about eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, the strategy will suggest various activities that can help keep seniors physically active.

2. The strategy was derived over a three year period in which input was collected from residents in different communities.

3. Healthy living can dramatically change the life of a senior. The healthier a senior remains, the fewer medical issues they will encounter.

4. Physical activity is an important part of aging. This strategy will help seniors get exercise and increase their physical activity during the day.

5. Many seniors wish to make healthy changes in their lives, but they do not know where to turn for assistance. This strategy can be very beneficial to any senior who is looking to make some healthy changes.

Source:  PHAC

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Online Resources for Seniors

Many seniors work until the last possible moment. When they enter into retirement, many things begin to change. Living life as a retired senior can be a challenge for many people. However, there are many resources available that can help senior remain active, involved and safe as they go through the transition. The following list provides some information for seniors who are facing these changes.

1. Seniors’ Info is a website that offers many resources for seniors.

2. The site is part of a national project that is designed to provide resources and knowledge to seniors.

3. The site offers information on health and wellness issues, housing and finances. There are many things that must be addressed when a senior retires. They may need financial assistance, housing provisions or information about certain medical conditions. All of this can be found on the site.

4. Some seniors may soon require additional care. This may mean they will have to move to a nursing home. The site has a lot of information on various care facilities located in Canada.

5. In addition to the vast amount of information for seniors, there are also resources for caregivers.

Source: Seniorsinfo.ca

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.