Important Alzheimer’s and Dementia Updates According to the Alzheimer Society 2017 – 2018 Impact Report, more than 500,000 Canadians are living with dementia. That number is expected to increase by 66% by 2031, to over 937,000 Canadians. Because of this expected growth, it is important for people to know the most up-to-date information and prevalent risk factors.   If you are one of the 1 in 5 Canadians who have experienced providing care for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you’re undoubtably aware of the investment in time…

Caring for elders can overwhelm us Nicole Johnson, a memory therapy coach, works with a patient at Amy’s Helping Hands   For caregivers, worrying about an aging relative is stressful enough. Taking care of two loved ones kicks up that stress level rise significantly. This is the daily reality for Denise and her sister who are responsible for the care of two aging relatives. For them, caregiving took a difficult turn when both relatives needed additional help over a few days. With one having hip surgery and the other being transferred…

Amy’s Helping Hands Tips: When a Senior Parent Refuses Regular Medical Checkups Amy’s Helping Hands understands: many of us delay visiting the doctor's office because it may be awkward and downright distressing when something is wrong and we're looking at the chance of an unwanted diagnosis. However, we also recognize it is sensible to accomplish what is best for our overall health and be to diligent about obtaining essential medical care.  For older adults, a range of other factors come into play as well, oftentimes contributing to the choice to forego that check-up…

Create Your All-Star Care Team in 5 Steps What family caregivers often need most is sound advice, regular respite and an extra set of hands. Friends may scatter when one becomes the primary caregiver for a spouse or parent, and not everyone has siblings or other family members they can depend on to share the load. A carefully selected care team is a necessary complement to a loved one’s detailed care plan. Step 1: Draft a list of prospective team members Write down the name of each family member, friend or neighbor with whom you regularly…

Creating a Legacy for Your Parent A common regret of adult children who have lost their parents is the wish that they had asked and understood more about their own family history. This is particularly true for family caregivers, whose focus on the present is necessitated by the practical concerns of getting through the day. Making time to learn more about the past seems like a luxury for many caregivers. But taking that time may be beneficial to those we love and care for and provide an important opportunity to redefine and enhance…

Windsor In-Home Care Offers Suggestion to Help with Parkinson’s Care from a Distance he days of extended families living together on neighboring plots of land are, sadly, a thing of the past in many cases. With loved ones spread further apart, it’s hard to provide the caring, hands-on support that older family members need, particularly when a chronic condition – such as Parkinson’s disease – adds to the concerns. The Michael J. Fox Foundation provides these tips on helping loved ones with Parkinson’s from afar: Get organized. Keep notes and details about medications,…

Summer Activities for Seniors & Caregivers Enjoying the warm summer temperatures doesn't have to be a distant memory for elders and caregivers. Finding an interesting activity that is suitable for a senior’s abilities may take some creativity and planning, but it is well worth switching up the routine and getting out of the house. The Benefits of Getting Outside A main advantage of heading outdoors, even for a short period of time, is being able to soak up some sunlight. Sun exposure generates vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy…