Keeping an older adult's mind and body active and healthy can not only prevent frailty, but in some cases, reverse it. Family caregivers assisting seniors play a key role in helping them figure out which activities are enjoyable and beneficial. Use the suggestions below to become more mindful of incorporating activities to enrich all aspects of an aging loved one’s life.
If you or a loved one has a regular route to the grocery store or mailbox, try changing it up to exercise the brain.
Try drinking tea in the morning instead of coffee. If you’re reading the newspaper in the morning and watching television in the afternoon, try switching them around. Make a note of what you and your loved one like and don’t like about the new order.
Use the opposite hand to open doors and brush teeth. Wear a watch or bracelet on the opposite hand. These activities will help the brain re-think daily tasks.
A: Publicly funded healthcare insured by the Canada Health Act generally will not typically pay for senior home care. However, you may be eligible for a variety of subsidized senior support services or tax relief credits. We suggest working with your insurance company and provincial agency to determine what care could be covered for you or your loved one.
A: The answer depends on the individual policy. Talk to the insurance company or agent to find out if the LTC policy covers home care – and, if so, what types of services will be reimbursed.
A: The Veterans Independence Program provides annual funding for home care to qualifying military service veterans. Speak with your local VAC or Service Canada office to find out what financial support programs you or your loved one may qualify for. Your local Home Instead office may also be able to help answer your assistance questions.
A: Absolutely not. While Home Instead is a private home care provider, you can still use your government-funded services in conjunction with ours.
It doesn't have to be summer, and you don't need a big plot of land, to get the feel for gardening. Container pots are easy and fun any time of year.
Fill a clay strawberry pot with potting soil and then fill the openings with favorite herbs. Place in full sun. Check the pot daily and water accordingly.
You can bring some herbs indoors for the colder winter months as long as they have adequate sunlight. This means a southern exposure ideally with about eight hours of sunlight a day. Added bonus: fresh herbs are a delicious and healthy way to add flavor to favorite recipes.
Check out old photo albums. Going through the pictures will undoubtedly jog everyone’s memory and prompt a few stories. While you're looking through those old pictures, let imaginations and memories run wild.
Spend time writing down all the stories next to the photos. Aging adults and family member will treasure them in years to come. For someone living with dementia, capturing these memories is even more meaningful.
Compassionate Home Care
