519.915.4370
519.915.4370
The new consolidated caregiver tax credit – how it works If you care for and support a family member, the tax system currently provides three potential caregiver non-refundable credits you may be eligible to claim on your 2016 tax return: the infirm dependant credit, the caregiver credit and the family caregiver credit. These credits are intended to compensate you for part of the non-discretionary, out-of-pocket expenses that caregivers often incur, but the rules are complex and confusing. Fortunately, last month’s federal budget announced, for 2017, a significant simplification and consolidation of these three non-refundable credits, into one: the new Canada Caregiver Credit. Let’s review the current rules and then see what’s changing going forward. The current system (for 2016 returns) The current system includes three credits, with varying eligibility conditions based on the circumstances of the caregiver and the dependant: Infirm dependant credit: This is a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit for individuals who support an adult…
Mom or Dad is Coming Home from the Hospital…. What to expect. When your loved one has been in the hospital, coming home can bring many changes and challenges. Whether it is living alone after a medical event or moving in with family members, a plan is needed before coming home. Prepare for the fact that Life is going to change – Things to consider are: • The level of support they may need for the short and long term • Changes in medications • Managing time for appointments and rehab visits • Their ability to get around • Anxieties about if or when the next hospitalization may occur • How much support will they need to be comfortable? • Do I have enough time to adequately care for them? Talk to the professionals in the social work and discharge planning departments at the hospital and CCAC about what to expect. Base your plan upon their suggestions. It may be recommended you obtain or purchase and install home supportive…
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How to Make Dementia Care More Fun and Effective Through Improv Improvisation is a valuable tool when it comes to dementia care. It will allow our caregivers to connect and engage with our seniors facing cognitive challenges. By embracing unforeseen twists, improvisation helps caregivers learn more about our seniors with dementia care. Its spontaneity fosters creativity, adaptability, and lightheartedness helping to make dementia care more fun and effective for both our caregivers and our seniors. So, How Exactly Does Improv in Dementia Care Work? Improv in…
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Enjoying Spring to the Fullest: How In-Home Senior Care Can Help Your Loved One Stay Active As the warmth of spring spreads across Windsor and Essex County, it's the perfect time for seniors to get out, enjoy the fresh air, and engage in activities that bring them joy. However, for many seniors, mobility issues or health concerns may hinder their ability to participate in outdoor activities independently. That's where in-home senior care from Amy's Helping Hands comes in. In this article, we'll explore how our personalized in-home care services can support your senior loved…
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Understand Broken Heart Syndrome and How to Help Someone Who is Grieving Sometimes, the emotional pain of loss and grief can feel almost physically unbearable. Believe it or not, there is a medical term for this phenomenon “broken heart syndrome”. While temporary, the symptoms can be alarming. Let us understand this condition and how to support a loved one struggling with the weight of grief. What is Broken Heart Syndrome? Broken heart syndrome , also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a temporary heart condition often triggered by severe emotional distress…
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Hopping into Independence: Easter Signs Your Senior May Need In-Home Care Easter is a time of renewal and fresh starts. As we celebrate with loved ones, it's the perfect opportunity to check in and make sure our senior family members are thriving. If you're noticing some subtle changes, in-home care services, like those offered by Amy's Helping Hands, can be like a basket full of support to help them maintain their independence at home. Spotting the Signs: A Springtime Checklist Household Hints: Are chores around the house becoming neglected? Unwashed dishes,…
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Palliative Care- letting your senior loved on pass at home Palliative care is a type of healthcare specifically designed for individuals and their families facing life-threatening illnesses that are in their advanced stages. This information helps to address common questions seniors have about palliative care, also known as hospice care. It helps to provide guidance on where seniors can access further information about available services. What is palliative care? Palliative care is to help enhance the quality of life for those who are critically or…
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The Difficult Emotions Every Family Caregiver Battles – and How to Let Them Go If you are feeling a bit discouraged in your role as caregiver, take heart; you’re in good company. Providing care help for a loved one is perhaps the most complex role we can hold: highly rewarding on the one hand, while simultaneously frustrating and ever-evolving, frequently resulting in feelings of doubt about whether we are up to the challenge and providing the most effective care. It’s why a number of family caregivers struggle with some or all of these types of feelings: Guilt: It…
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Improve Senior Health in Six Easy Steps As we age, prioritizing our health becomes more crucial than ever. Fortunately, simple changes to our lifestyles can make a significant difference in our overall well-being. Here are six attainable steps to boost your health as a senior, and how in-home care services can provide valuable support. Schedule Regular Checkups: Annual wellness exams with your doctor are essential for preventative care. These checkups monitor your vital signs, discuss existing conditions, and may involve screenings…
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Keeping Seniors Safe: How In-Home Care in Windsor Prevents Falls and Enhances Home Safety For seniors in Windsor, Ontario, maintaining a safe home environment is essential for their well-being and independence. However, as age-related challenges arise, so do concerns about falls and household obstacles. Amy's Helping Hands understands the importance of creating a safe space for seniors to thrive. In this article, we'll explore how our in-home senior care services can prevent falls and address household obstacles, providing peace of mind for both seniors and their families. Helping…
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