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Coping With Loss: How to Help Edmonton’s Seniors

Coping With Loss: How to Help Edmonton’s Seniors
A senior male sits alone in a darkened room | Coping With Loss: How to Help Edmonton's Seniors | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Coping with Loss

What do you need to know about seniors coping with loss? Experiencing the loss of loved ones is a difficult reality of aging. Seniors may dread celebrating the holiday season without their spouses or lifelong companions. They may be suffering through a season that is supposed to be filled with cheer.

In addition, festive activities may produce additional grief for seniors. Traditions like holiday shopping, decorating, and social gatherings may increase sadness and loneliness. The following is a list of tips for seniors coping with loss.

Six Tips to Employ with Seniors Coping with Loss:

Tip #1. Time:

First, allow brokenhearted adults time to heal without feeling pressured to participate in events if they’re not ready.

Tip #2. Social Gatherings:

Sad feelings, grief, and loneliness may be worsened during the holidays. Remind the older adult that this is normal and that gatherings and activities that were meant to be joyful may bring up sorrowful feelings instead. It may be helpful for the aging adult to remember and accept these emotions as normal.

Tip #3. Support System:

Figure out which holiday traditions are the most challenging for your aging friend or relative, then connect with his or her social circle or family in advance so they can be more supportive.

Tip #4. Diet:

People who are grieving still need to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. It can help!

Tip #5. New Traditions:

Commemorating a loved one by donating to a charity or volunteering at a non-profit organization can help. New holiday traditions can be created.

Tip #6. Help:

Reaffirm to your loved one that asking for help and even expecting it is alright. Perhaps there are helpful friends, family, neighbours, and other support in the community that may have been forgotten.

A senior woman with her head rested in her hand | Coping With Loss: How to Help Edmonton's Seniors | Comfort Keepers Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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Medication Safety for Edmonton’s Seniors

Medication Safety for Edmonton’s Seniors
Pills on tabletop | Medication Safety for Edmonton's Seniors | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Medication Safety

Medication Safety for Seniors | Safety in medication management is critical for older adults who want to continue living independently. Older loved ones may depend on their medication to maintain good health and must take the correct dosage at the right time. Incorrectly taking medications may be harmful, or even lethal. So, what can you do to help a loved one?

Four Tips for Medication Safety for Seniors:

Tip #1. List Meds:

Construct and maintain a list of all the medications your loved one is taking. Update it regularly and note the reasons for, or symptoms required, before taking each medication. If you’re not sure of its importance, make a call to their prescribing doctor.

Tip #2. Understand the Meds:

Know the purpose of each prescribed or over-the-counter medication and how it can be expected to treat or manage symptoms. Write down the possible side effects, too. Note any symptoms previously observed before the prescription and any side effects that occurred in the past. When symptoms improve or there are side effects, the treatment plan may need re-evaluation.

Tip #3. Be Aware of Medication Overages:

Keep on the watch for any signs that your aging loved one is becoming overmedicated, especially if he or she has diabetes or high blood pressure. Unfortunately, it’s all too common that older adults receive higher doses than necessary. Don’t hesitate to call for immediate medical help if there’s a concern that someone has overdosed on their medication.

Tip #4. Drug Interactions:

Watch for any drug interactions, since so many elderly people are taking multiple prescription medications. You can search online for free drug interaction checkers or call the doctor or pharmacist for advice if you’re not sure about drug safety.

Comfort Keepers® can relieve your medication safety concerns with caregiver services. Our caregivers won’t administer the medication, but can offer your loved ones reminders of their correct dosages and times to take them.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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The Seniors’ Health & Wellness Forum | 2018 | Edmonton, Alberta

The Seniors’ Health & Wellness Forum | 2018 | Edmonton, Alberta
Graphic of the Seniors' Health and Wellness Forum | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

Join Comfort Keepers® at the Seniors’ Health & Wellness Forum

Please join your local Comfort Keepers® this Saturday, November 3, 2018, at the Seniors’ Health & Wellness Forum presented by Age Friendly Edmonton.

This event will begin at 9 a.m. with feature sessions and exhibitors from around Edmonton.

Seniors’ Health & Wellness Session topics include:

Session #1. My Health:

Health Resources; Planning for a Healthy Future; Seniors Community Hub Initiative

Session #2. My Home: 

Improving physical capacity with home exercise

Session #3. My Finances:

Recognizing scams; avoiding fraud

The Seniors’ Health & Wellness event is at the Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre at 1113 113 Street in Edmonton.

This event includes free lunch and refreshments, free parking on-site, and free hearing health checks!

To register contact (780) 809-8604 or email eweisbrot@mysage.com. Hurry! Seats are limited!

For full details on the sessions and more program information, download the PROGRAM SCHEDULE or visit https://www.mysage.ca/events/health-and-wellness-forum.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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Fire Safety Tips for Edmonton’s Seniors

Fire Safety Tips for Edmonton’s Seniors
A smoke alarm | Fire Safety Tips for Edmonton's Seniors | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Fire Safety

Fire Safety Tips for Seniors | Reduce the risk of fire by making simple changes in your home or the home of a loved one. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), families, seniors and caregivers need to learn about household fires and how they typically start.

Damage from home fires is devastating, and the costs are staggering. Over 3,000 deaths and 14,000 injuries in a year are hard to fathom, but fire is powerful and destructive. Still, there are ways to lessen the risk of fire.

12 Fire Safety Tips for Seniors and Caregivers:

Tip #1. Smoke Alarms:

Install smoke alarms around the home, on each floor, inside, and around all bedrooms.

Tip #2. Test Smoke Alarms:

Test home smoke alarms at least once per month. Replace batteries at least once a year.

Tip #3. Replace Smoke Alarms:

Discard and replace smoke alarms over 10 years old.

Tip #4. Don’t Leave Cooking Unattended:

Stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially if frying, grilling, or broiling food.

Tip #5. Fire Extinguisher:

Keep a fire extinguisher easily available in the kitchen.

Tip #6. Burning Candles:

Never leave burning candles unattended. Just blow them out when leaving a room or preparing for sleep.

Tip #7. Out of Reach:

Hide the matches and lighters to keep them out of the reach of children.

Tip #8. Inspect Environment:

Inspect and replace any cracked or damaged electrical cords.

Tip #9. Space Heaters:

Keep all heaters (fixed or portable) away from furniture, clothing, curtains, bedding, etc. There should be at least three feet of space beyond the heaters. Turn them off before going to bed.

Tip #10. Smoke Outside:

Ask your smoking family or friends to go outside when they smoke. Provide sturdy, deep ashtrays.

Tip #11. Escape Plan:

Create an organized fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Consider any special needs or handicaps, as well.

Tip #12. Call for Help:

If a fire breaks out, get out first. Call for help from outside the home or building.

Often, home fires can be prevented. Comfort Keepers® might be able to reduce the risk of fire for you or your elderly loved ones. Our professionally-trained caregivers can assess home environments for safety. 

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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Senior Health Edmonton: Talking About Alzheimer’s With Your Loved One Can Be Tough

Senior Health Edmonton: Talking About Alzheimer’s With Your Loved One Can Be Tough
A family of generations | Talking About Alzheimer’s With Your Loved One Can Be Tough | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

What Every Family in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Alzheimer’s Disease

Talking about Alzheimer’s | Nobody wants to speak with their parent or loved one about the possibility of Alzheimer’s. It’s a tough subject that can easily overwhelm you and the afflicted adult.

If the parent or loved one already has impaired judgment and memory loss, a cohesive conversation probably won’t even be possible. Still, there are loving ways to approach this tough talk with compassion.

Talking about Alzheimer’s

Step #1. Get the Diagnosis First

Numerous medical issues can temporarily mimic Alzheimer’s. Your older loved one might be more inclined to go to the doctor if you remind him or her of this possibility. With the agreement, plan an appointment with the doctor and plan something fun for afterwards.  

Step #2. Confirmed Diagnosis

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, depending on the relationship with your loved one, you might be able to have an open conversation. Reassure your older adult that you will continue to care for them during this tough time. Families that incorporate open discussion about the diagnosis and disease as it progresses are better off emotionally.

Step #3. Be Consistent

Be consistent in reassuring your parent or loved one that you will be there so you can ease any fears they may have of abandonment.

Six Tips for Families When Talking About Alzheimer’s

Tip #1. Decision Making:

Depending on the patient’s current state, perhaps he or she can still participate in financial, medical, legal, long-term care, and end-of-life decisions.

Tip #2. Denial:

The patient might deny his or her diagnosis, and it’s also possible this diagnosis will not be fully understood.

Tip #3. Ask for Help:

Ask for additional help from family members or friends, or maybe a social worker or clergy member familiar with Alzheimer’s.

Tip #4. Communication:

Continue to keep communication as open as possible while the disease progresses.

Tip #5. Allow Emotions:

Allow the newly diagnosed parent or loved one to articulate anger, frustration, sadness, and disappointment.

Tip #6. Mental Health:

Always be vigilant for signs of clinical depression.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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The Future of Nursing Homes in Alberta and Improving Care for Residents and the Workforce

The Future of Nursing Homes in Alberta and Improving Care for Residents and the Workforce
Graphic | The Future of Nursing Homes in Alberta | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

Networking Dinner with the Alberta Association on Gerontology: The Future of Nursing Homes in Alberta

What is the future of nursing homes in Alberta? On Wednesday, September 12, 2018, the Alberta Association on Gerontology hosted a networking dinner. Guest speaker, Dr. Estabrooks, discussed The Future of Nursing Homes in Alberta and Improving Care for Residents and the Workforce. 

The event was hosted at the Ital-Canadian Seniors Association, 9111—110 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB.

The Future of Nursing Homes in Alberta Itinerary Includes:

5:30 pm — Registration/Cocktails (Cash Bar)
6:00 pm —  Networking Dinner (Buffet)
7:00 pm — Guest Speaker
8:00 pm — Q & A Session
8:30 pm — Adjournment

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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Cataract Exams and Seniors

Cataract Exams and Seniors
Senior woman taking an eye exam | Cataract Exams and Seniors | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

If Your Loved One is Experiencing Vision Problems It May Be Time for a Cataract Exam

Cataract Exams and Seniors | How would someone know if it’s time for a cataract exam? If there’s blurred or double vision, eyeglasses don’t help, and daily activities are affected, a professional cataract exam is needed!

Cataracts, left untreated, continue to worsen and may lead to blindness. Still, they’re a common struggle for over 24 million people. Preventative exams and adequate medical care are vital to prevent the downward spiral.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common challenge. They cause a clouding of the lens, blocking proper light from entering the eye, thus diminishing vision. Although cataracts don’t create pain, they do cause big problems for anyone trying to maintain independence.

Because cataracts can cause night vision problems, like blurring or a halo effect around lights, someone affected may have to stop driving until after surgery and full recovery.

Colours may appear dull and hard to identify, even when wearing corrective eyeglasses prescriptions. Without treatment, the eyes can begin to look cloudy or discoloured and may become visible to others.

What Causes Cataracts?

The medical community doesn’t fully understand what triggers cataracts, besides the natural effects of aging. However, factors that may contribute to cataracts include:

    • Diabetes
    • Smoking
    • Eye injury, specific diseases, or inflammation
    • Exposure to UV rays
    • Hereditary factors
    • Using steroids for extended periods
    • Events that occur before birth, such as an illness the mother has when pregnant

How Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

So, what should we do to prevent cataracts? See an eye doctor regularly so cataracts can be identified quickly, and the best measures can be implemented to protect vision.

#1. Start by wearing sunglasses with UV protection on sunny days

#2. Quit smoking

#3. Get more exercise

#4. Eat leafy green veggies

Cataract Surgery and Recover

Eye surgery to remove cataracts is not rare in the U.S. Over 2 million procedures are performed annually with a success rate of over 95%. Recovery is typically a few days, although complete healing takes up to a month.

During this recovery, the family may be concerned about how they can assist their loved one. The patient might benefit from a professional caregiver to help them with daily activities for these weeks.

Seniors who have help with housekeeping chores, meal preparation, or errands, can regain a sense of competence. Comfort Keepers® caregivers can even provide transportation for follow-up medical appointments!

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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Senior Knee or Hip Replacement Post-Surgery Home Health Care Tips

Senior Knee or Hip Replacement Post-Surgery Home Health Care Tips
Caregiver and Senior woman in a wheelchair | Senior Knee or Hip Replacement Post-Surgery Home Health Care Tips | Comfort Keepers Edmonton | BLOG POST

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Knee or Hip Replacement After-Care

Senior Knee or Hip Replacement | Fortunately, medical advancements have made knee and hip replacements for seniors commonplace, and often, family or close friends offer to assist their loved ones in their in-home recovery. The patient can quickly get back to independent living with the right help. 

Six Home Healthcare Tips for Senior Knee or Hip Replacement

Tip #1. First Floor Recovery:

Before surgery, create a first-floor recovery room to avoid stairs. Acquire a bed that is adjustable or already at the proper height for the patient. Cover with fresh linens and pillows. Keep crutches or a walker in easy access from the bed. Arrange toiletries or personal necessities next to the bed. If the bathroom isn’t easily available, rent a portable commode for the first few recovery days.

Tip #2. Prescription Medications After Surgery: 

Drugs will be prescribed after surgery, and they must be taken exactly as detailed. Arrange a conversation with the surgeon before surgery so you know how to schedule doses.

Tip #3. Wound Care:

After the knee or hip surgery, vigilant wound care will be necessary. Look for increased swelling or inflammation and call their doctor if the wound doesn’t seem right. Keep the bandages and other supplies handy for you or your elderly adult to regularly change the dressings.

Tip #4. Household Tasks:

Help the patient by doing as many household chores as possible. Let them focus on needed rest and recovery. Remember that small things do help. Bringing the mail in daily, doing a load of laundry, or straightening up their room are all helpful things, and running errands and doing the grocery shopping may be necessary, too, so you can cook healthy nourishing meals.

Tip #5. Follow-Up Medical Appointments:

Post-surgery medical appointments mustn’t be missed. These appointments will be crucial to recovery, so you may have to adjust your schedule to help transport your loved one.

Tip #6. Rehab and Exercises Post-Surgery:

Typically, hip or knee replacement surgeries have a prescribed rehab plan with numerous daily exercises, sometimes to be initiated the day following surgery. Older people sometimes resist these exercises because of pain or fatigue. Be their best source of encouragement by creating an exercise schedule and helping them to complete it. 

Above all, surgery has a recovery time, but hip and knee surgeries may need more than you can feasibly provide for your loved one. Rather than feeling stressed, call for in-home health care to help you and your loved one during recovery.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.