Caregiver Solutions Magazine

05/11/2024

There are many strategies to reduce one’s stress level— exercise, relaxation techniques, restorative sleep, music, social support…but did you realize that people who have regular gratitude practices are healthier, happier, and have better relationships?

By Dr. Elaine Dembe There are many strategies to reduce one’s stress level— exercise, relaxation techniques, restorative sleep, music, social support…but did you realize that people who have regular gratitude practices are healthier, happier, and have better relationships?  Research studies h...

25/10/2024

Money matters

Here are some steps to follow to maintain financial fitness.

$ Free up funds – if you’re not saving the way you’d like too, look for ways to reduce spending.

$ Build emergency savings – aim for at least 3 months of essential outgoings in the event of emergency.

$ Avoid excessive borrowing – take steps to manage debt that you have currently and see where you can cut back or consolidate debt.

$ Save for the future – start your retirement savings as early as possible.

$ Protect what matters – take out insurance cover your assets.

$ Be cautious of scams or fraud – online financial fraud is on the rise, be cautious and question all emails asking for money, ask trusted others to be on the safe side.

24/10/2024

Stubborn parents?

Many adult children struggle with their mums and dads who want to maintain their autonomy and aren’t making the healthiest decisions. You’re not alone. Experts suggest you:

• Try not to push, nag or harangue them
• Be sensitive and stay calm
• Timing for discussions is everything
• Make an effort understand their motivation
• Don’t beat yourself up. You can only do so much.

23/10/2024

7 Tips to calm yourself down

Meditation isn’t for everyone but for some it, decreases stress while improving the ability to concentration. You can also try several other techniques:

1) Visualize a place of peace for yourself.

2) Colour to help reduce anxiety.

3) Drum to promote calm and help harmonize within yourself.

4) Cloud gaze to help focus but also help your creativity and imagination.

5) Use a walk to reduce stress and improve cognition.

6) Morning pages: download this app to help get your brain moving.

7) Watch painter Bob Ross videos, his soothing voice can calm and trigger ASMR reactions.

02/10/2024

Canada Cares is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Recognition and One Wish Awards! We're honouring the dedication of family caregivers and healthcare professionals across the country, with up to $10,000 in financial assistance available.

Nominate a deserving caregiver today and help us celebrate their incredible and selfless work. The deadline is December 31, 2024.

One Wish Awards of up to $10,000 plus recognition awards are available to support amazing caregivers!

28/09/2024

Fatigue is one of the major things that I see. People reaching the end of the rope in terms of their patience. Some of this is related to fatigue, because if you’re constantly tired from being up all night with the person with Alzheimer’s disease, how can you possibly be patient with them even t...

09/09/2024

Supporting a person with dementia requires time and energy. While it can be a rewarding experience, it can also be demanding and stressful. Knowing and recognizing signs of stress in yourself is key. If the following symptoms occur, call your doctor or contact your local Alzheimer Society for help.....

23/08/2024

Sometimes by choice, and other times by chance, many of us live alone. Regardless of our circumstances, there can be a heightened risk for loneliness, declining health and personal safety issues. Hence, there is often concern expressed by others and sometimes worries we have ourselves.

By Rick Lauber Sometimes by choice, and other times by chance, many of us live alone. Regardless of our circumstances, there can be a heightened risk for loneliness, declining health and personal safety issues. Hence, there is often concern expressed by others and sometimes worries we have ourselves...

02/08/2024

As the saying goes, you’re only as old as you feel… but there are various labels and terms that come with aging that are passé and some that are au courant. Here are a few of the more common phases and buzzwords that our editorial team have pulled together to help you navigate

As the saying goes, you’re only as old as you feel… but there are various labels and terms that come with aging that are passé and some that are au courant. Here are a few of the more common phases and buzzwords that our editorial team have pulled together to help you navigate… Senior citizen...

01/08/2024

I grew up with my identical twin, who was an incredibly loving brother. Now, one thing about being a twin is, it makes you an expert at spotting favouritism. If his cookie was even slightly bigger than my cookie, I had questions. And clearly, I wasn’t starving.

I grew up with my identical twin, who was an incredibly loving brother. Now, one thing about being a twin is, it makes you an expert at spotting favouritism. If his cookie was even slightly bigger than my cookie, I had questions. And clearly, I wasn’t starving. When I became a psychologist, I bega...

11/07/2024

We know managing your finances can be challenging. That's why we have developed the 'Money Talks' financial literacy workbook series. If you haven't had the chance yet, we invite you to review them and share your feedback below. Enter your email address for a chance to win a Tim Horton's gift card!

26/06/2024

13/06/2024

Clean bedding? Many say they sleep better in clean sheets. Guidelines suggest changing your sheets every week and your towels, which get damp and collect bacteria, every few days.

09/06/2024

According to several recent studies, older adults are enjoying active s*x lives:

• 40% of people ages 65 to 80 are still s*xually active.
• 75% claim to still have a romantic partner.
• 54% of those with a partner are still active s*xually.
• 66% say that s*x is important to them.
• 50% or more say s*x makes for good quality of life.

03/05/2024

Leaving home for more than a few days? Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are on the road.

• Clear out the fridge – keep the housed smelling fresh when you come back, no one wants to return to spoiled food.
• Check the windows and door – create a checklist to ensure your peace of mind.
• Set timer or have a neighbour turn on you outside lights – it is a deterrent for any unwanted guests.
• Don’t waste energy – turn your thermostat down and turn off the water for low consumption mode.
• Unplug appliances – it lowers the risk of damage in the event of a power outage.
• Tidy before you go – no one wants to spend a week away to come home to a mess.

01/05/2024

Come join us on Sunday, June 2 from 1-4:30pm. Great Mother’s Day gift, as well as a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with your favorite soap opera stars.

Get your tickets today at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kate-linder-and-friends-sunday-afternoon-tea-canada-cares-tickets-827551608137?aff=oddtdtcreator

Location: PALAIS ROYALE BALLROOM

Address: 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Toronto ON M6K 3C1 (Parking Free)

22/04/2024

Join us for Sunday Afternoon Tea with Kate Linder and friends

Mix and mingle with your favourite soap opera stars. Attend The Young and the Stressless Wellness Workshop with Dr. Elaine Dembe, Spend time in the Sports Lounge and sip and paint with OCAD students in our Art Lab.

Get your tickets today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kate-linder-and-friends-sunday-afternoon-tea-canada-cares-tickets-827551608137

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Location: PALAIS ROYALE BALLROOM

Address: 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Toronto ON M6K 3C1 (Parking Free)

09/04/2024

The Dangers of Hoarding

The Dangers of Hoarding Recognized as a behaviour that becomes relatively more common and progressive with age, hoarding, and its subsequent behaviours, often catches family caregivers by surprise. Expert suggests that holding on to things is sometimes caused by loneliness and fear of isolation alon...

29/02/2024

With heavy snow, treacherous icy sidewalks, and bitter temperatures, it’s easy to understand how many people would prefer to curl up and hibernate inside throughout the winter months. This can be especially true for older adults who can be more at risk of falls, picking up cough and cold viruses o...

27/02/2024

…and more serious winter reminders!

…and more serious winter reminders! All joking aside, there’s a lot of joy to be had during the winter months. However, being outside in the harsh winter weather, can pose as a number of additional hazards for all of us, particularly the older adults. If you’re a caregivers, here is what to wa...

15/02/2024

Thumbs down…to Air Canada yet again for its treatment of passenger, Ryan Lachance, age 44, a White Rock-based stand up comedian who lives with quad spastic cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair. Last month In Vancouver an AC ground crew insisted on transferring him without a lift, despite four requests to get an Eagle lift from his care assistant.

Thumbs down…to Air Canada yet again for its treatment of passenger, Ryan Lachance, age 44, a White Rock-based stand up comedian who lives with quad spastic cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair. Last month In Vancouver an AC ground crew insisted on transferring him without a lift, despite...

13/02/2024

Join Kate Linder & Friends for Mother's Day Tea

06/02/2024

All too often, we find ourselves pushed to the limit with the caregiving responsibilities we have—especially when they’re on top of our already busy work, and family lives.

All too often, we find ourselves pushed  to the limit with the caregiving responsibilities we have—especially when they’re on top of our already busy work, and family lives. H ere’s how to boost your attitude and get a calm, confident start to your caregiving day: Play the hand you’re dealt...