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Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disease that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. The disorder primarily impacts older adults, although early-onset Alzheimer’s can occur in people under 65. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s range from mild to severe, dependent on how far the disease has progressed. Some of the main signs of cognitive decline in a person due to Alzheimer’s include…

• Confusion – being confused about simple things, such as where they are and what time it is
• Communication issues – difficulties in holding a two-way conversation with someone
• Continued forgetfulness – forgetting where commonplace items are or getting lost in familiar places
• Inability to complete tasks – being unable to complete familiar tasks they once could do
• Anger outbursts – having sudden outbursts of anger for no apparent reason
• Poor decision making – making poor decisions that are completely out of character
• Social withdrawal – backing away from people they love or activities they once enjoyed.

As the disease progresses, symptoms in a person can become worse resulting in making it increasingly difficult for them to perform daily activities, communicate effectively, or recognize loved ones.

The challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally and physically demanding. Because of the condition’s unpredictable nature, a person’s gradual decline will often require round-the-clock supervision to ensure their safety and wellbeing. This can be overwhelming and challenging for family members who will need to balance care responsibilities with their own personal and professional lives.

How home care services can help

Home care services play a vital role in supporting families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s. These services are provided in the comfort of patient’s homes and can assist in making caregiving less stressful. Care is provided by fully trained professionals that are experienced delivering care and support to individuals with Alzheimer’s. Such home care services can range from basic assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, to more advanced care, including medication management and monitoring for safety.

Types of home care services

There are a range of home care services available in Ontario for families of loved ones with Alzheimer’s. These include…

• Personal Care Services: Which focus on helping patients with daily living activities, such as grooming, dressing, bathing, and feeding. Home caregivers are trained to assist gently and respectfully, ensuring the dignity of the person is always maintained. Home care givers can also provide much needed companionship too; individuals with Alzheimer’s often suffer social isolation due to memory loss and communication difficulties.
• Skilled Nursing Care: Individuals with more advanced Alzheimer’s will often require skilled nursing care as well. Registered nurses (RNs) can provide medical care in a patient’s home, such as wound care, administering medications, and managing any other health conditions.
• Respite Care: Homecare companies can also offer respite care to family caregivers. This service provides temporary relief for those caregivers, allowing them time to rest, recharge, or attend to personal matters. Respite care services can be arranged for a few hours, a day, or even overnight, giving family members peace of mind that their loved one remains in safe hands.

Benefits of Home Care for Alzheimer’s Patients

There are several main benefits for Alzheimer’s patients receiving care services in their own homes. These include…

• Being in a familiar environment: Being in a familiar home setting can help reduce anxiety and confusion for those with Alzheimer’s. The comfort of their own surroundings can assist in improved mental well-being and provide a sense of security.
• Receiving personalized care: Home care services offer a very personalized approach tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each patient. This individualized care plan can adapt to the evolving care requirements that Alzheimer’s presents.
• Improving quality of life: With home caregiving services focused on enhancing daily living, patients can enjoy a higher quality of life. Activities, routines, and care plans are designed to engage and stimulate cognitive functions, promoting emotional and mental health.

Closing thoughts

Home care services offer a compassionate and effective solution for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families. By providing specialized care in the comfort of the home, these services help maintain a sense of normalcy, independence, and dignity for those affected by the disease. You can find out more about Alzheimer’s at the Alzheimer Society of Canada information portal website.

For over 40 years Selectacare has been providing care and support to Alzheimer’s patients and their families. If you feel you need extra help for a loved one please call us today on one of the numbers below. Alternatively, please complete our quick online enquiry form and we will reach out to you!

In our last article we looked at the role of Personal Support Workers, and how across Canada there continues to be a growing demand for their services. Much of this demand comes from seniors with care requirements, who choose to retain independent living in their own homes. Having a Personal Support Worker’s assistance at home can greatly enhance a senior’s quality of life. In this article we list some reasons why…

Personal care

An elderly person may find it increasingly difficult to undertake certain aspects of their personal care at home. Home caregivers can step in to help with all aspects of personal care and hygiene, including bathing, dressing and grooming. Assistance with these matters can be a great relief and comfort to an elderly person, as well as helping them maintain their dignity and independence.

Mobility assistance

Seniors with mobility issues may find the most common tasks difficult to do in their own homes. Home caregivers can provide whatever mobility assistance is required, for example transferring an individual from their bed to a chair, using mobility aids, even helping someone as they take their daily walk.

Help with housekeeping

Maintaining a clean and organized home may become challenging for a senior. A home caregiver can step in to help with light housekeeping duties, such as washing up, cleaning and laundry. A clean, tidy, and comfortable home helps lift someone’s spirits and contributes to enhancing their quality of life.

Companionship

Loneliness and social isolation are issues that many seniors can experience in their own homes. Home caregivers not only play a part in providing firsthand care and support to seniors but can also provide much-needed companionship too. This emotional support can play a huge role in improving mental health and overall well-being.

Better health outcomes

Having one-on-one care from a home caregiver can have a hugely positive impact on a senior’s life, as the caregiver’s attention is solely focused on them. The caregiver can keep a close eye on the senior’s health, make sure that they eat nutritionally rich meals and adhere to any medicine and health routines that have been prescribed by professionals.

Lifestyle continuity

A big benefit of having home caregivers is that seniors can continue living their lives, not only in their home, but socially too. Being able to keep connections with their local community and friend groups can be hugely important in maintaining mental well-being. Home caregivers can also accompany seniors outside the home to these social engagements.

Providing stand-in support

Many seniors rely on family members to assist with their care and support. This can lead to seniors feeling over reliant on those family members that are imposing their needs. This is where home caregivers can assist to give family members some respite and alleviate any guilt that seniors may be experiencing.

Tailormade care

Each senior will have their own individual care requirements. Perhaps they just need assistance with getting up and getting ready in the morning, or maybe they need some extra assistance at times to temporarily alleviate care duties from family members. By using home care services, caregivers can be there exactly when help is required to perform whatever care and support activities are needed. A homecare provider can tailor make a care plan that fully meets the unique requirements of an individual.

Closing thoughts

The above demonstrates the many ways that home caregivers can enhance the quality of life for seniors; allowing them to retain their lifestyle and independence. Caregivers can provide so much more than standard care to seniors, but much -needed companionship too. Their role not only assists with physical help, but emotional well-being too.

If you have found the above interesting and feel like you need a little extra help living at home, call Selectacare today on one of the numbers below. Alternatively, please complete our quick online enquiry form and we will reach out to you!

The majority of our amazing caregiver team here at Selectacare are Personal Support Workers, or PSWs for short. Home care companies like us recruit Personal Support Workers to enable us to deliver home care and support services to individuals across the GTA who require assistance because of their age, illness or disability. In this article we take a closer look at the role of a Personal Support Worker, what duties they perform, the qualifications they require to do their job in Canada, and where they can work.

Typical PSW role:

Personal Support Workers provide a range of care and support activities to individuals in their own homes, or in the long-term care facilities they are residing in. Their role is not to be confused with Registered Nurses, who follow a different education path and scope of practice. Typical care and support duties that Personal Support Workers undertake can include the following…

• Assisting with Activities of Daily Living – where individuals need help with all aspects of personal care and hygiene, toileting and dressing.
• Help with mobility – where individuals with mobility needs require help getting in and out of bed, sitting and standing, walking and general movement.
• Help with meals – assisting individuals at mealtimes when needed, including the preparation of meals.
• Companionship – many Personal Support Workers also provide much needed companionship and emotional support for individuals they care for.
• Adhering to medication routines – assisting individuals follow and comply with any medication routines prescribed by health and medical professionals.
• Help monitoring health – assisting individuals monitor health issues and reporting concerns to necessary health professionals.

Training requirements for a PSW:

Individuals interested in a career as a Personal Support Worker will typically undertake a PSW program. These programs are widely available across the country at certified colleges and other institutions. Candidates will need to successfully complete an 8-to-9-month course, which covers both practical elements in clinical settings and classroom work. The exam at the end of the course will depend on which province or territory the individual is keen to seek employment in.

Where a PSW can work:

Once fully qualified in Canada, a Personal Support Worker is then able to apply for positions in various healthcare settings. These typically include the following…

• Providing In-Home Care – where a Personal Support Worker can provide a range of care and support duties to clients in their own home. They may choose to work for a Home Care Company such as Selectacare who offers this service.
• Working in Long-Term Care – where a Personal Support Worker provides care and support to clients in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes.
• Within Hospital Wards – where a Personal Support Worker works alongside other health professionals to deliver care and support. PSWs roles are very much prevalent in rehabilitation, palliative care and geriatric wards in hospitals.
• With Community Health Agencies – where a Personal Support Worker is employed within an organization that provides community healthcare services to individuals.

The Demand for PSWs in Canada

As the ageing population continues to grow, coupled with more and more seniors wanting to receive any care and support they need in their own homes, the demand for Personal Support Workers has been steadily increasing in Canada. Home care is preferred by many seniors as it is a more affordable healthcare option, plus it allows them to continue independent living in their own homes. Personal Support Workers step in to satisfy this growing trend for home care and support.

Selectacare PSWs

Selectacare is delighted to have on board some of the best Personal Support Workers to be found in the GTA. Our core team of PSW caregivers are passionate about delivering the best possible care to individuals. That is why Selectacare has become one of the most preferred homecare companies in Toronto and the surrounding region.

Across Canada there continues to be a growing demand in home care for the elderly. Receiving care from a home care company is understandably a preferred option for many, as it allows a person to continue living in their own home and retain their independence. Home caregivers can provide assistance with a whole range of activities to support and improve the quality of life of elderly people. Many home care companies can also provide caregivers that can accompany clients on appointments outside of the home environment too.

Seniors receiving care at home will still often need to attend outside appointments, such as medical visits, physical therapy sessions or dental check-ups. Often the case, they will also need a family member to be with them for these appointments. Situations occur where family members simply cannot take time off work to accompany their loved ones; this is where home caregivers can step in to help out. Here we look a little closer at the benefits of using home caregivers in these situations.

Enhanced Safety

Caregivers can ensure that clients get safely to and from their health and medical appointments. They can be there to assist seniors that have mobility issues and help out to arrange suitable transportation to and from the destination. Large medical facilities can often be overwhelming to navigate for elderly people, and having a caregiver be there to guide them brings great comfort and less stress.

Emotional Support

Attending any kind of medical appointment can cause worry and anxiety; the presence of a familiar person to sit with and talk to can significantly reduce this. A caregiver’s companionship is invaluable for many seniors waiting for their health appointment, especially if there are potentially long wait times. Just knowing that a caregiver is there can make any health or medical appointment more tolerable for an elderly person.

Communication and Advocacy

At health and medical appointments, effective communication between a senior and their healthcare providers is vital. When needed, a caregivers can help articulate the client’s needs and concerns to ensure that they receive the appropriate care. Additionally, a caregiver can also make note of any advice and instructions the health provider gives to a client. This helps ensure that after the appointment these are understood and followed correctly.

Care compliance

When a family member cannot take time out to accompany a loved one, the health or medical appointment may be cancelled or postponed. Both can have ramifications further down the line for an elderly person, especially if their health condition is being closely monitored by health professionals. Having the option of having a caregiver as a medical escort means that seniors are more likely to adhere to appointment schedules and follow-up care.

Other outside activities

It is not just health and medical appointments – home caregivers can also play an integral part in a senior person’s other outside life activities. Going for walks, visits to the grocery store and attending community groups are just some examples of where caregivers can accompany seniors. Caregivers can provide care, support and companionship in these situations and help make these away from home experiences more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Elderly people often have numerous appointments outside the home that are crucial for maintaining their health and quality of life. When family members are not available, attending these appointments alone can be daunting. Mobility issues, lack of confidence and anxiety are just a few of the challenges they face when facing making visits outside their home. This is where the presence of a caregiver becomes invaluable. Having home caregivers as an alternative solution in accompanying elderly clients to appointments is beneficial for a number of reasons. This includes a person’s safety, emotional well-being, companionship and compliance in receiving health and medical care when needed.

A Selectacare home caregiver can be there as a medical escort to accompany and support you or a loved one to health and medical appointments. We can also be there for you for other activities you want to attend outside the home. Call us today to find out more!

Being a caregiver for a family member can be extremely rewarding and create an even closer relationship with that loved one. On the other hand, the constant pressure of being caregiver can often be exhausting, which can lead to stress and frustration, and subsequently to guilt and sadness. Many caregivers often experience burn-out, a situation where both their mental and physical health begin to suffer. This can leave the caregiver feeling unable to cope with their task in effectively performing care duties.

Recognizing when a caregiver needs help and support is crucial for both their well-being and that of the person being looked after. In this article we look at some of the common tell-tale signs that a caregiver is being overwhelmed by their role and may need some help and support…

Physical exhaustion

Being physically exhausted is one of the most common signs that a caregiver is not coping well. If a caregiver appears constantly tired and is experiencing frequent or recurring illnesses, these are both clear indicators that their body is under too much stress. Caregiving can be very physically demanding, involving lifting and moving activities. Ignoring the signs that a caregiver is physically exhausted can lead on to more serious health issues.

Emotional burnout

If a caregiver finds themselves feeling emotionally drained, isolated, stressed and anxious, they may well be experiencing emotional burnout. Caregiving can be draining on someone’s mental well-being. This can lead on to feelings of frustration, sadness, and even resentment for the person being looked after. It is essential that caregivers keep a check on their mental well-being and acknowledge and address any issues arising.

Self neglect

Many caregivers can easily slip into the pattern of putting their loved ones’ needs above their own. When this happens their personal health and well-being begin to suffer. Common signs of this include the caregiver skipping meals, neglecting exercise, neglecting their appearance and sacrificing sleep. If a caregiver is not taking care of their own basic needs, it’s a sign that they need help. Maintaining self care is a necessity for being able to care for others.

Isolation

Social isolation can quickly creep up on caregivers as they devote more and more of their time to caregiving duties. Over time they can lose touch with friends and other family members, miss social events and feel very much disconnected from their community. All of these are red flags that the caregiver is becoming isolated. Being isolated has a hugely negative impact on mental wellbeing. Maintaining social connections and engaging in activities outside the care environment is essential.

Irritability and anger

When a caregiver finds themselves becoming increasingly irritable and angry, it’s a sure sign that things are not right and that they are becoming overwhelmed in their care duties. Of course, having these feelings can cause the caregiver resentment and affect their relationship with the person being cared for, as well as with other family members. It’s important for caregivers to recognize the signs that they are not coping emotionally, and to seek out help and support.

Work performance decline

Many caregivers will try to balance their care duties alongside any employment they have. This can be particularly challenging and can lead to any combination of the tell-tale signs listed above. When a caregiver cannot cope, there is often a marked notice in their levels of work performance and in increased absenteeism. Luckily, many employers now offer support programs for their employees who are also caregivers.

Health Problems

Both physical and mental health issues only get worse if not addressed. Common unaddressed health issues caregivers often complain about include frequent headaches, back and joint pain, as well as high blood pressure. These health issues can easily escalate to much more serious conditions if not addressed. It is essential that caregivers continue to practice self care by going for regular check-ups with their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

These are the main signs that all is not well with a caregiver, and that they need help and support. Too often caregivers put their own needs second to the person they are caring for. Ignoring their own physical and mental health can lead to burnout, resulting in them not being able to affectively provide their care duties. Seeking assistance is not a sign of failure but a necessary part of being an effective and compassionate caregiver.

At Selectacare we understand how passionate and dedicated family caregivers are. When needed, we can also be there to assist in caregiving for your loved one at any level required. Why not talk to us today to see how we can help both you and the person you are caring for.

As people age, the desire to retain their independence and live in their own home becomes more and more important. Being independent in their own home, surrounded by their personal belongings, provides older people with huge comfort and security. Maintaining independence whatever life throws their way, gives them purpose and provides a feeling of pride and self-worth. Living an independent life means that an elderly person can still decide what they want to do and how they live their life. It provides great dignity to an individual and does not make them feel like a burden to their families.

Let us take a look at 6 main factors why older people choose to retain independent living…

1: Autonomy and control

One of the primary reasons older people wish to live independently is the value they place on autonomy. Autonomy represents the ability to make one’s own decisions and manage daily activities without, or with minimal, reliance on others. This control over personal life choices is deeply linked to an individual’s sense of identity and self-worth. Losing this control can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression. Continuing to live independently allows elderly people to carry on shaping their lives according to their own preferences, routines, and values.

2: Personal Dignity

Naturally, maintaining personal dignity is another crucial factor in choosing independent living. Many older people do not want to become a burden on their family members or be seen as incapable or vulnerable. Independent living helps preserve a person’s dignity by allowing them to continue performing tasks and engaging in activities that provide them with a sense of accomplishment and usefulness. In turn, these positive feelings contribute greatly to maintaining self-esteem and mental well-being.

3: Health and well-being

Remaining physically and mentally healthy is top priority for many older people; having an independent lifestyle can have positive effects on both of these. Undertaking daily household chores and errands, maintaining a garden or outside space, engaging in daily activities they enjoy, all contribute to physical and mental stimulation. Older people living independently will mostly take responsibility for their own health needs and choose a lifestyle that benefits their health. They will also be more proactive planning and managing medical appointments and following any medication schedules they have been prescribed.

4: Social connections

Being in their own home and remaining in a familiar environment allows older people to maintain any social connections and community ties they have. They know their neighbours, have friends nearby, maybe even participate in local groups and community organizations. These social ties are incredibly important and hold immense value for older people. Healthy social interaction is vital to maintaining mental and emotional well-being, as well as providing a feeling of belonging. Moving away from independent living to a new environment often brings disruption and uncertainly to social connections, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

5: Finances

Remaining financially independent and not being a burden on anyone is often a major concern for the elderly. Many of these individuals will have worked their entire lives accumulating enough funds on which they can comfortably retire. Living independently in their own home will often be the most cost-effective solution to the expensive alternatives of retirement homes and assisted living facilities. Remaining in their own homes, already familiar with the expenses of doing so, provides older people with great security and peace of mind. They know what funds they have, and if needed they can adjust their lifestyles accordingly to meet any restraints.

6: Technology

Many technologies now make independent living much easier. For example, mobility systems such as stairlifts and scooters, and adjustable chairs and beds. Online innovations that allow older people to connect with others quickly and easily: accessing virtual health care appointments, being able to instantly communicate face to face with family and friends and shop online for anything you could possibly think of. All of these technology tools can contribute to making independent living much easier and comfortable for older people.

Closing thoughts…

It is not surprising that older people choose to remain independent in their own homes. There are huge benefits being in a familiar, comfortable and secure environment, being in charge of your own decisions and following a lifestyle and activities you enjoy. Living an independent life can also provide major positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. It also allows an individual to retain their dignity, self worth and value in society. Using technological advancements, older people of all ages can continue being independent and live well in their own homes whilst remaining connected to the outside world.

Selectacare helps older people continue living independently in their own homes by providing a range of comprehensive home care services. Contact us on the numbers shown below to see how we can make a difference to your day!

When it comes to home care, the relationship between carer and their client forms the foundation that facilitates delivery of effective, compassionate, and personalized care. Think for a moment – having a complete stranger in your own home would be uncomfortable enough for you, but when that person you do not know is also there to help you wash and get dressed, well it could be extremely distressing for you.

Reputable home care companies know how essential it is to provide clients with home carers that are friendly, empathic and naturally caring. Home carers that can quickly create a trusting bond with clients helps them in performing their duties more effectively and more satisfactorily for the client. In this article we look deeper into the importance of fostering a strong and positive relationship between home carer and client, and the impact that has on the overall quality of care that is provided.

Establishing trust

The fundamental element of home care is establishing trust. A client has to feel both secure and comfortable with their carers, knowing that they can trust them with all aspects of maintaining their well-being. Trust is of course not built overnight, but achieved through a process of consistent interactions where the client feels respected, cared for and at ease. As the trust relationship grows, clients will feel more comfortable sharing information with their carer, such as their needs, preferences, and concerns.

Creating more personalized care

As the client opens up to their carer, communicating their own needs, the carer is then able to model a more individualized care plan that works better for that client. Everyone is different, and what works for one client may not be best for another. As the carer/client relationship evolves, carers will become familiar with their client’s likes, dislikes and habits. The client may also divulge aspects of their past life, which could provide valuable insight into why they react in a certain way. Information gathered by the carer will help them provide a personalized care plan that is both effective and satisfying for the client.

Enhancing emotional and mental well-being

Beyond the physical care they provide, a home carer can play a crucial role in supporting the emotional and mental well-being of their client. Many individuals receiving home care services may also be experiencing feelings of isolation, loneliness, or anxiety. A carer who takes the time to build a genuine relationship and create trust with their client can additionally provide much-needed companionship and emotional support. The carer then becomes more than just a service provider, but a person who actually really cares about their client’s wellbeing. The power of human connection cannot be underestimated: it can significantly improve a client’s overall quality of life and give them a sense of belonging.

Encouraging cooperation and participation

A positive relationship between carer and client will definitely assist in making the client being more cooperative and open to receiving care in their own home. The client will have built trust with their carer and be more likely to embrace and actively participate in their care routines, including following any medical and therapeutic recommendations. A client will see the benefits the carer brings to their home in a more positive light, and that they are there to enhance their quality of life and help them to continue living independently.

It benefits the carer too!

Having a positive relationship with a client will of course bring more fulfilment and job satisfaction to a carer. They perform their home care duties day in and day out with often many different clients, so being with a client they have established a good rapport with helps makes their caregiving role easier and more manageable. Every job can be challenging and repetitive at times, but those carers who have built meaningful connections with clients will tend to be more satisfied and motivated in their roles. This of course can have a huge positive impact on the quality of care and compassion they provide.

Closing thoughts

Building and maintaining a close trusting relationship between home carer and client is fundamental in providing effective personalized care. As trust builds between client and carer, the client will feel more at ease communicating information that will help the carer provide more tailormade, compassionate care. Having a good relationship with a client can also hugely enrich a carer’s professional life by providing job satisfaction.

Selectacare is proud to have its own core team of wonderful, dedicated home carers. Our home care services are second to none, that is why we have become the preferred home care company in Toronto and surrounding region. Contact us today to find out more about we can help you or your loved one. Call us on 647 192 1770

Many people across Canada experiencing health and mobility issues due to age, a chronic health condition or recovering from surgery, choose to receive the care they need in their own homes. Being in a familiar setting to receive care, living as independently as possible, brings of course huge comfort and security. Receiving care at home is generally more cost-effective than other options too, as it can be combined with care provided by family members and friends.

If you or a loved one is considering home care services, you may be unsure about what activities home caregivers can provide. In this article we look closer at the role of home carers and how they assist with a wide variety of tasks to make life easier. Keep in mind that any home care service will be tailored to the individual needs of the person requiring care. Your chosen home care company will discuss those needs with you and prepare a unique care plan to meet those needs.

Introducing Home Caregivers

Home Carers are professionals that are fully trained and experienced in providing care services to people in their own homes. Because the client/carer relationship is of the upmost importance in providing quality personal care, reputable home care companies will always try to match an individual carer’s personality to that of the individual client.

Home Caregivers are not medical or nursing professionals, but individuals that can work alongside these service providers to assist clients with a wide range of activities to enhance quality of life. These activities include…

Personal Care:

Home caregivers can provide assistance with all types of personal care activities that can make a client feel comfortable and good about themselves, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. Home carers can help a client with walking, sitting down and standing up, as well as getting in and out of bed. When it comes to eating, home caregivers can help in meal preparation to ensure that clients eat healthy and nutritious food regularly throughout the day.

Medical Care:

Home carers can help clients adhere to any important medication schedules that have been put in place. Making sure that medicines are taken properly and on time is of course top priority in both maintaining personal health and following the road to recovery. Home caregivers can also assist clients attend medical appointments outside of the home environment, to hospitals and health clinics, and also to community centres and support groups.

Emotional and Psychological Support:

Home Caregivers often provide much needed companionship in situations where clients may feel lonely or anxious. Home carers are chosen for their warm empathic nature, which can greatly assist in helping clients to relax and calm down. Home caregivers always try to create a close bond with their clients, which in turn makes clients feel comfortable discussing any feelings or concerns they may have and participating in conversations.

Practical Assistance:

Many clients experience mobility issues and will need help with certain routine household tasks to maintain their independence and a safe and organized living environment. Home caregivers can step in to assist with a number of practical activities in the home, including undertaking light cleaning, doing the washing up and laundry, as well as running errands and helping with grocery shopping.

Respite Care:

Home caregivers can provide temporary relief for any family caregivers. Caring for relatives full time can of course become an extreme burden; having a break from care duties can hugely benefit physical and mental wellbeing. Home caregivers can of course work alongside family caregivers to help maintain the health, wellbeing and quality of lives of loved ones.

In summary…

Receiving care at home is a popular option for many Canadians, and the services provided by home care companies continues to be highly sought after. Home caregivers are specialists in providing a wide range of activities in someone’s home to help clients maintain their independence and physical and mental well-being.

Across Ontario, many individuals will be considering using home care services to assist with their health needs – be it old age, surgery recovery, complex health need or chronic health condition. Receiving care at home is the preferred choice for many reasons – it’s convenient, more comfortable and allows an individual to maintain their independence in their own familiar living space. Receiving care at home is often the more cost-effective option too, compared to moving to a care and retirement residence.

What home care services are available?

For those interested, there are a variety of home care services available to those living in Ontario. These services include…

• Personal Care Services: to assist with all aspects of personal care and hygiene, as well as meal preparation and practical everyday household tasks.
• Nursing Care Services: all types of wound treatment, plus pain, medication and symptom management.
• Physiotherapy Services: to assist in pain relief and management, as well as help with mobility recovery.
• Occupational Therapy Services: to assist in enhancing home safety and implementation of methods to help in daily tasks.
• Speech Therapy Services: to treat speech and language impediments and difficulties, as well as swallowing and feeding issues.
• Nutrition and Dietetic Services: to assist with dietary issues and chronic disease management.

Are services government funded or chargeable?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does cover a wide variety of the home care services, but eligibility of individual cases and what care services will be provided is the responsibility of the Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). Anyone resident in Ontario can apply to have their health care situation assessed by HCCSS. No referral is needed from a doctor or other healthcare provider for this to happen.

What happens if a case is eligible for care services?

If a case is successful, it is referred through to a Service Provider Organization (SPO) contracted to a local HCCSS office. The SPO will allocate a Care Co-ordinator to each case. It is their role to liaise with the client and arrange any agreed services and the frequency of these. Care Co-ordinators are also able to connect clients to any other community services they think may be suitable, such as meal service providers and day programs.

And if a case doesn’t qualify, or partially qualifies?

Qualifying for and accessing publicly funded home care services in Ontario can be difficult. If a case does not qualify for funding, or only part funding, individuals can always explore the possibility of other funding channels. These include…

• Private insurance plans
• Disability Tax Credit
• Medical Expense Tax Credit
• Canadian Caregiver Credit
• Ontario Seniors Care at Home Credit

If funding is still not possible, or only partial funding available, individuals will have to meet the cost, or make up the difference in cost themselves for home care services. Ontario has many private home care service organizations that offer wide ranges of care services available to purchase.

Using a private Home Care Service provider

Selectacare is one of the many private home care companies in Ontario where individuals can purchase home care services. We assess each client’s home care needs on an individual bases and then put forward care plan options for the client to choose from. Selectacare can provide round the clock home care services, or top-up any existing home care frameworks that are already in place. All care plans we offer are fully adjustable to adapt to a client’s healthcare requirements.

In Summary…

Home care services are widely available across the province, with both publicly funded and private services available. All Ontario residents can request to have their home healthcare requirements assessed without any referral. Cases are assessed on an individual basis and may quality to be fully or partially funded. Where cases are turned down, or partially successful, individuals may seek out funding from private insurance plans or other tax credit plans. Where this funding is not successful, individuals have the choice of purchasing private home care health services from home health care organizations.