The holidays can be hard for Mississauga seniors when they are different than the past ones. Family and friends they used to celebrate might no longer be with them, their health might not be what it was; and these are elements that can make the holiday season less enjoyable to seniors. Help seniors take joy from the holiday season, by using these tips to make positive holiday experiences.
1. Allow memories and past rituals to live on – don’t discourage seniors from reliving those important memories of holidays past, thinking that it will prevent depression. Share memories of family members no longer with you, look at photos, and keep old family traditions alive
2. Make sure visiting seniors are comfortable – to help reduce the stress of seniors coming into your home over the holidays, make sure that your home is senior-friendly, with safety being the primary concern
3. Avoid impulsive holiday activities – to ensure that seniors can be involved with all holiday activities, avoid being impulsive that way seniors can be well-rested for more excitement
4. Focus on the joy – while it’s okay to reminisces, over the holidays make sure that all memories discussed focus on the positive
5. Create new traditions – while you can focus on incorporating old rituals into the holidays, create new ones as well that give the whole family, including seniors, new things to look forward to doing together. Holiday activities can’t just focus on the past
With the holidays among us, Mississauga seniors will be traveling. There are so many things to plan for when preparing for a trip. If you are a senior who intends on travelling, or a caregiver, there are some tips that will help make the planning much easier. It may be beneficial to create a check list. This way, the individual will be able to properly pack and prepare for the trip. The following tips can be useful during trip planning.
1. Have a medical check-up prior to traveling.
2. If you have medical needs, make sure to make arrangements ahead of time. For example, if you need a wheelchair, contact the hotel prior to arrival.
3. Make sure to pack all medications and make sure you have enough for the duration of the trip.
4. Check your luggage twice. Include things that will be needed during travel in your carry-on bag. It is suggested to pack all medications in a carry-on as well in case your luggage gets lost.
5. Consider your personal safety. Seniors are a target for theft, so try not to travel at night or alone. Do not wear valuable jewelry and make sure you always carry identification.
When Mississauga seniors plan to travel over the holidays, there are many things that must be considered. Of course, one of the most important is getting the best price. When planning for a trip, seniors can benefit from the following list.
Here are some tips that will help seniors prepare for their trip and be able to safely enjoy their time when they have reached their destination.
1. Always plan as far ahead as possible. This will help get better prices on airfare, hotels and other expenses. In addition, be sure to ask for senior discounts. If possible, travel during the week. The rates are much lower.
2. Some seniors will prefer to drive to their destination, even if it will be a long trip. Try adding to the overall experience by taking a plane, bus or train instead of driving Allow a little extra time so you can enjoy your own mini vacation. No matter how you will be traveling, make sure to stand often and stretch. This will help reduce swelling in the legs.
3. If going to another country, avoid looking like a tourist. Be sure to become familiar with the language. Study a map while in your hotel room so you will know where you are going ahead of time.
4. Be sure to get travel insurance. This will be beneficial to seniors.
5. Make sure to bring all medications. In addition, pack a first aid kit. Keeping medications with this kit is a good idea so everything is in one place.
Over the past seven years Home Instead Senior Care has run Be a Santa to a Senior in Canada with over 1.2 million gifts being presented to more than 700,000 seniors. KJ Mullins-Toronto: When Santa is mentioned people think of children but for some senior citizens Santa may just give them a smile too this year.
Today at Harbourfront Community Centre at 627 Queens Quay West in Toronto Home Instead Senior Care and former OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino launched the 2010 season.
The program was viewed with mixed reactions from the seniors attending. Some felt that there was little need, at least for themselves while others thought that the program was a valuable service that will help others.
While many seniors in Toronto are running around much as they did when they were younger there are those who are alone and in poor health. Without programs like Be a Santa to a Senior they may face the holidays without knowing that others care about them.
One woman I spoke to said that she thought the program was “full of shite.” That reaction is not that uncommon said Sharon Galway who runs the North York branch of Home Instead.
“We have had some who didn’t see the need. We work with the seniors in our community and make it fun. We also bring in other agencies like Meals on Wheels. At all location the program has become a real community movement.”
A great home care agency for seniors should do more than just the basics of elder care. One major part of a home caregiver’s role would be to simply attend to the non-medical care needs of their elderly care recipients, but Home Instead Senior Care in Mississauga goes beyond.
When you’re looking to hire a professional caregiver from an agency, make sure that they’re willing and able to take steps to insure your aging loved one’s comfort and safety. They should be willing to address the following issues:
1. Install nightlights – lighting in a senior’s home is crucial for preventing accidents and nightfright. Installing nightlights which have sensors to go on when seniors get up in the night can also improve safety, and are a simple and inexpensive addition to any home
2. Suggest a lifeline – since caregivers are not always there around the clock, a lifeline, or an emergency device that will contact a loved one or emergency help can make sure that seniors receive help when needed
3. Put lights on timers – suggesting lights on timers inside or outside the home can help ensure there is adequate lighting at all times, and it also adds an element of security in the evening hours when seniors are home alone, and helps to conserve electricity
4. Remove hazards – if seniors to do have caregiving help 24/7, caregivers should ensure the environment is safe for seniors to get around while on their own. Removing tripping hazards like throw rugs and poorly placed furniture will reduce the likelihood of accidents. Sturdy grab bars can also be placed in bathrooms and along stairwells for added stability
5. Talk to family members – caregivers can also speak to family members about their concerns, and address them specifically, making the home environment safer to put everyone’s minds at ease
The above are care tasks that Home Instead Senior Care in Mississauga provide but of course, specific services will depend upon the client, so hiring caregivers that are perceptive to senior’s needs is crucial to our business and your peace of mind.
Becoming a caregiver is a huge responsibility. It is usually not a role that many people choose. However, they will find that a family member will need the help of another as they age. Becoming a caregiver is a stressful and overwhelming process, but with the following 10 steps, the process should be a little easier.
1. Lay foundations. By establishing baseline of important information on the senior, the caregiver will be able to determine what services will be needed and how they can be of assistance to the senior.
2. Medical assessments and diagnoses are important. As a caregiver, it is important to have all of the current medical information on the individual. This includes all diagnoses, medications and medical assessments. This information will be useful when preparing to provide care for the senior.
3. Become educated. Make sure you know all there is to know about the medical conditions of the senior. Try to share this knowledge with friends and family members. The more understanding a person has of the issues the senior is dealing with, the more helpful a caregiver will be.
4. Determine needs. Not every senior has the same needs. Some may need help bathing a dressing while others will simply need assistance managing medications and appointments. Be sure to know how well the senior can function independently before they require any help.
5. Devise a care plan. Again, this will vary depending on the needs of the senior. The needs will change over time, so a care plan is meant to be adjusted. However, it should be in writing so others will know what the senior needs if the caregiver is not available at a given time.
6. Examine finances. Providing care to a senior also means making sure their finances are taken care of. Caregivers need to make sure bills have been paid and that the senior is a financially stable as possible. Keep all financial records in a safe location.
7. Review any and all legal documents. This will help ensure the wishes of the senior will be carried out. If necessary, go over these documents with an attorney. Legal documents also include birth certificates, property settlements, military records income tax returns and wills. There are many documents that will have to be gathered, so make sure to get all of this information and keep it in a safe location.
8. Have safety checklists. This will help to make sure the home is safe for the senior. Whether they are living in their own home or residing with the caregiver, there should be a list that will ensure the safety of the senior while they are in the home.
9. Keep in contact with others. Having communication with other caregivers who are facing similar situations is a great way to get extra support. It is also a great way to learn new ideas and ways of dealing with certain situations. Other caregivers can offer a lot of knowledge on different topics that could pertain to any senior.
10. Care for yourself. This is one mistake that many caregivers make. They are so wrapped up in caring for others that they tend to neglect their own needs. As a caregiver, you must set time aside for yourself. This is essential if you want to be an effective and efficient caregiver.
Helping seniors. Home Instead Senior Care was at the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre on Thursday to launch its “Be a Santa to a Senior” program. Participants include, front, from left, Amanda Cuddy, the centre’s coordinator of customer services and administration, and Donna Schell, director of community development for the Mississauga office of the Alzheimer Society of Peel. Second row, from left, are Star King, performance development manager at Peel Senior Link, Diana Marrocco, store manager for Shoppers Home Health Care, and Greg Bechard, managing director of Home Instead Senior Care. Staff photo by Rob Beintema
Home Instead Senior Care wants residents to play Santa Claus to hundreds of Mississauga seniors.
Yesterday at the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre, the organization, which provides home care and companionship for seniors in their homes and in care facilities, kicked off its “Be a Santa to a Senior” campaign to collect presents for seniors who need a helping hand.
“Most people aren’t aware that there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of seniors in every community who have no family and are alone,” said Greg Bechard, managing director of Home Instead Senior Care in Mississauga. “What’s more, this holiday season finds many seniors struggling because it’s been a tough year economically.”
According to the 2006 census, more than 1.1 million Canadians aged 65 and over are living alone and 28 per cent of all seniors in private households are living alone.
The campaign, which continues until Dec. 9, also aims to stimulate human contact and social interaction for older adults who are unlikely to have guests this time of year.
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it may be difficult to relay this news to other people. However, it is important to realize that friends and family members must be informed of this diagnosis. Since Alzheimer’s will progress quickly in some patients, telling people is essential. This can be a difficult thing to do, especially when certain people cannot accept that the disease is actually present. The list below can help caregivers and family members spread the word about the diagnosis.
1. The people who are closest to the individual living in Mississauga be told first. This is a huge change in life and these people can offer a lot of support. Not everyone will need to know about the diagnosis, so choose wisely. Tell those with whom you are comfortable and close.
2. Spare details. Just mentioning a diagnosis is usually enough for people to understand what is going on. For spouses and caregivers, do not be afraid to ask for help at the same time.
3. Telling family members may be difficult. Some family members will begin to act differently around the patient. Keep in mind that the family will also need time to adjust to this change.
4. Make sure to let family members know how the disease is affecting you, either as the patient or as the caregiver. This is a good time to discuss means of support and ask if others want to be involved in the caregiving.
5. Doctors can offer a lot of information. They can also mention some resources that can be useful. Many doctors will be aware of local Mississauga support groups for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Mississauga Alzheimer’s societies are a great way to get in touch with other people who are struggling with the disease. This can be a good outlet for caregivers and family members.
When a Family Member is Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Accepting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be quite a challenge. This disease will not only affect the diagnosed individual, but it will have an extreme effect on family and friends as well. Even though there may be dark clouds ahead and a very long and frustrating road, getting the diagnosis is an important step in managing Alzheimer’s. Family members may have a hard time dealing with this disease, but there are some things that will make it a little easier.
1. Always keep in mind that you will experience a wide range of emotions. When a loved one is diagnosed, many feelings will be experienced. These include anger, frustration, sadness, guilt and even embarrassment. These are actually normal emotions for caregivers to experience and they will come and go. If your feelings start to get overwhelming and you have a hard time dealing with things, talk to a doctor. Make sure to inform the doctor of the recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis in the family.
2. Take time to learn. Reading and researching information on the disease is the best way to get an understanding of it. Local Mississauga Alzheimer’s Centers can offer a lot of information as well as available resources and support services.
3. Be sure to know that this disease will have an effect on the abilities of the individuals. Since the disease progresses, it will hard to know what to expect from one day to the next. Knowing about possible changes will help you prepare for them and allow for realistic expectations.
4. Never lose sight. This disease will affect people in different ways; however, it is important to always treat Alzheimer’s patients with respect. Even though they may lose their abilities, they still have emotions.
5. Look at new treatment options. Never settle for the statement that there is no cure. While the disease cannot be stopped or reversed, there are things that can be done to slow the progression. Keeping patients mentally stimulated and active will be very beneficial. There are also some medications that can be useful.
6. Know that being a caregiver is not an easy task. People who are caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s have a lot of work ahead of them. Not only will they be responsible for the well being of the individual, but they will be watching this person decline on a daily basis. Being a caregiver is one of the most stressful and emotional positions any person can hold.
7. Do not be afraid to look for help. Having a large support group as a caregiver is a great way to cope with the stressful situations that will be faced. It is okay to ask family members and friends for help in caring for the senior.
8. Support networks are essential. This is a way for caregivers to share their thoughts and feelings. A support network can be made up of any group of people, including friends, family members, existing support groups, members of a church or any other group. It is important for caregivers to have an outlet where they can openly discuss how they are feeling at any given time.
9. Make plans for the future. Being a caregiver is a long term commitment. Some people may be forced to leave their jobs to care for a family member. It is important to realize that many sacrifices will be made along the way and caregivers must be prepared for this.
10. The Alzheimer’s Society can offer a lot of help. This society can provide important information about caregiving and coping with the disease. It also offers ongoing support and can help caregivers locate various services in Mississauga.
