Carefect Blog

November 23, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Caring for an Elderly Loved One During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Caring for an elderly loved one requires hard work, dedication as well as the ability to adapt to new and ever-changing circumstances both internal as well as external. Being a caregiver is a demanding role during the best of circumstances, however, the Coronavirus has presented even more unique challenges. There are new ‘best practices’, health and safety guidelines, and procedures to consider when keeping your elderly loved one safe. First and foremost, to protect your vulnerable senior, you must first protect yourself. Ensure that you follow the appropriate procedures to...

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November 16, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Ways to Convince an Elderly Loved One with Alzheimer’s to Shower

Hygiene management and bathing is an important yet stressful daily aspect of living with someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Often, it can be a battle to create a care routine that keeps your elderly loved one physically safe from the damaging effects of poor hygiene, as bathing can be nerve wracking for someone with Alzheimer’s. Attempts to get them to bathe and shower can result in arguments, negotiations, screaming, crying, and hostility. This increases your stress level and creates a negative connotation to bathing for your elderly loved one. This can...

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November 9, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Fun Fall Activities for Seniors

Fall is the season of autumnal colours, slowing down and finding peace. Usually the pace of our lifestyle slows as the weather gets colder and the sun begins to set sooner. This is a wonderful time to connect with close loved ones and spend quality time on hobbies that bring you joy. Making space for building these moments of connection can boost morale and increase mental wellness. When choosing activities to enjoy with your elderly loved one, it is valuable to consider their individual taste and ability. Each person has...

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November 2, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Flu Season – Prevention Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

As we move through October and into November, we are entering the cold and flu season in Ontario. The temperatures drop and the amount of vitamin D we are receiving decreases as our daily sunlight minimizes incrementally. These factors, compounded with the cold and flu season, hinder our body’s natural defenses and compromises our immune system. Seniors are especially vulnerable to the cold and flu season as their immune system becomes weaker with age. As well, those who are caregivers for seniors are affected by their vulnerability to the cold...

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October 26, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Tips to Help Seniors During Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings time, first conceived by Benjamin Franklin, changes our schedule to suit our preference. The primary purpose of daylight-saving time is to enjoy more of the daylight, so we either ‘fall’- back or ‘spring’- forward depending on the time of the year. As we move into autumn, we ‘fall’-back to utilize more sunlight in the morning, rather than in the evening. As lovely as it is to see the sun shining when we leave the house, it comes at the cost of our evening light which leaves us late...

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October 19, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Alzheimer’s: Repetitive Behavior – Causes and How to Respond

Repetition is one of the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s. A person with Alzheimer’s may fixate on a specific phrase or action and repeat it over and over to self-soothe. As well, they may focus on undoing chore such as unmaking a bed, which can be troubling for them and their caregivers. An elder with Alzheimer’s may show these behaviors and these rituals may be performed as a means to recreate familiarity, comfort during moments of anxiety and cope with their emotional state. As these actions in repetition can be concerning...

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October 12, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Dealing with Loss of Appetite in the Elderly (Part 2)

Last week we discussed the possible medical and non-medical causes of appetite loss in the elderly. It is critical to address any medical conditions by working with your family doctor, or specialist and creating a plan of care that specifically addresses your elderly loved ones individual medical needs. A personal care worker can be of great assistance in regards to keeping medicine on an organized routine and supporting physical therapy regimens. Aside from doctor-prescribed health routines, there are a few techniques you can experiment with to see if there is...

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October 5, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Dealing with Loss of Appetite in the Elderly

As we age our natural physiological and behavioral changes affect our health habits. It is not uncommon for health-based habits such as diet, exercise and sleep to suffer as a result of ageing and age-related health issues. Appetite can suffer because of the slower pace of retirement and a decrease in metabolism and biological functions that drive hunger. This can be natural or common, but the culprit can also be a more serious medical condition requiring treatment. It is important to consult a doctor if there are major changes to...

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September 28, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Birthday Party Ideas for an Elderly Loved One

Birthdays embody the experience of showing love and appreciation for your loved ones. We meticulously schedule and arrange for transit, gifts and accommodations and the look on our loved one’s face as they sit as the guest of honor makes it all worthwhile. This is true if they are 9 or 90 years old, a birthday is a celebration of them and for them. However, similar to all birthday parties, you have to be mindful of people’s preferences and accessibility. A 19-year-old might like to go see a horror film...

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September 21, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Fun Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

Limited mobility does not equate to a limited life. People with varying degrees of mobility and ability are fully capable of living rich meaningful lives well into their old age. Similar to all ages and stages of life, activities may look different. As well, each person will find meaning in their unique way, so discussing their aspirations and ability-level is important when co-constructing a schedule that sets them up for success. Key points during discussions around new hobbies and interests should be to support them in their goals and finding...

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