Comfort Keepers Canada Resources and Recommendations for Family Caregivers
Many friends and family members elect to be the primary caregiver to a senior themselves. Caregiving is a rewarding endeavor, yet it introduces a range of challenges, difficulties, and concerns that demand considerable attention and planning. Family caregivers should take advantage of the many articles and informational resources that are widely available, and they shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional services, including respite care, if they feel the need for assistance.
Below is a collection of articles and resources created by Comfort Keepers Canada to provide information about Caregiver Resources and related topics.
Featured Caregiver Resources Articles:
Spotting depression in Canada’s seniors and elders: according to the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC), of those who are treated for depression, approximately 80% show improvement in symptoms 4-6 weeks after treatment.
At least 1 in 8 Canadians seniors suffer from urinary incontinence according to a Stats Canada report. Bladder incontinence is a highly prevalent disease that not only affects a senior’s health, but impacts their daily lives emotionally, socially, and economically.
Respite care can benefit the health of both Canada’s seniors and their family caregivers. In a study, 60% of family caregivers, ages 19-64, reported “fair or poor” health and one or more chronic conditions or disabilities, compared with only 33% of non-caregivers.
Problems associated with aging can affect a person’s ability to move around, or mobility. Muscle weakness, joint problems, pain, disease, and neurological difficulties can all contribute to mobility problems. They can also make the difference between living at home or in a facility.
What you can expect when your senior loved one returns home after a heart attack depends on its severity and the actual damage to the heart. Seniors over 65 may need eight weeks or more to fully recover, and are more prone to complications than younger patients. If your elder loved one has had a heart attack, it’s essential to understand the changes necessary for a successful recovery.
When should you take the car keys away from your senior or elder loved ones? A Caring.com and National Safety Council survey showed that 40 percent of adult children say they’re not comfortable talking to their parents about driving, and would rather discuss funeral arrangements or selling their home.
When the temperature drops, seniors and elders run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather. It’s important that they, and those who care for them, take certain precautions at this time of year. Here are some health hazards for seniors to avoid in winter.
Canadian Census data showed that about one-quarter (24.6%) of the population aged 65 and over now live alone. Loneliness in seniors can cause early death as often as alcoholism, obesity, and heavy smoking. This article outlines tips for caregivers to identify and assist with senior depression in their elder loved ones.
Seniors and elders with Alzheimer’s or dementias don’t only have difficulty expressing thoughts and emotions, but also have trouble understanding others. Here are some ways to help you be successful at communicating with seniors and elders dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
More than 15 percent of Canadians 65 and older now have Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) according to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, and 95% percent of all elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias had at least one other chronic medical condition. This article helps elder caregivers who are assisting seniors with Alzheimer’s or other chronic conditions and diseases.
