Resources

Ways to prevent falls for Comox Valley residents

It never ceases to amaze me the number of community resources and programs that are available in an area of interest. Falls prevention programs are no exception! Although not comprehensive, the following list is a good starting point for seniors and family caregivers on what’s available in the Comox Valley and other resources online. Fall-proof Read more…

BC Housing program helps low income seniors make homes accessible

A big thanks to BC Housing for responding to my column on falls and the elderly by providing details on a new program for low-income seniors to make home modifications for continued independence. Would a new ramp, handrails or walk-in shower help you maintain your independence at home? BC Housing’s new Home Adaptations for Independence Read more…

BC Housing program helps low income seniors make homes accessible

A big thanks to BC Housing for responding to my column on falls and the elderly by providing details on a new program for low-income seniors to make home modifications for continued independence. Would a new ramp, handrails or walk-in shower help you maintain your independence at home? BC Housing’s new Home Adaptations for Independence Read more…

Fall prevention for seniors

Elaine hasn’t slept well for the past week, so when the phone rings at 5:30 a.m., she doesn’t wake with a start. She’s not surprised when the person on the other end is the night care support worker at the assisted living facility where her Mom lives. This is the fourth call from the facility Read more…

Caregivers need vacations too!

I woke up today and realized we are into August! Many of our clients and their families are enjoying summer holidays and I’d be remiss if I didn’t re-run a column on planning a vacation and ensuring your loved one’s care is also being planned and looked after. It isn’t particularly easy for caregivers to Read more…

Tips for avoiding sibling rivalry when caring for aging parents

I’m delighted to have Frances Ferguson, a registered clinical counsellor in the Comox Valley, offer strategies for siblings to work together in caring for aging parents. Frances brings over 15 years of experience helping individuals and couples to solve problems and make decisions, improve communication and set and reach personal goals. Fifteen years ago, Cheryl, Read more…

Sharing the care: Tips for siblings caring for aging relatives

  I have a wonderful brother. Mind you, he wasn’t always wonderful. In fact, I didn’t put him in the “wonderful” category until he was married and had a few kids under his belt. Up until that time and depending on the circumstances, he was either in the “awful,” “overprotective” or “suspiciously being kind for Read more…

Would you go skydiving without a parachute?

You make plans on a daily basis — plans about where you want to live, plans about who you want to marry — your career, your life. Have you planned for what would be important to you if you aren’t able to make decisions for yourself about your medical care? Who would you want to Read more…

Love live the aging goddess – six ways to live a long and successful life

I am an aging goddess. Well, that’s according to the Victoria Goddess Race committee. In fact, I am one of 1,000 aging goddesses who partook in the inaugural Victoria Goddess 10K run last Sunday. I thought the term “aging goddess” was much more complimentary than the reality — “slightly overweight, seven minutes slower but wiser Read more…

Taking care of the caregiver: avoiding caregiver burnout

  One of the main reasons family members take on the role of caregiver is because they love their aging loved ones and they want to help them with a better life and prolonged independence. Sometimes though, the rewards of caregiving are outweighed by the stress, physical and emotional work, which invariably leads to burnout. Read more…

Helpful Videos

Caregiver Consultations: How We Help Frail Elderly Parents

Long Distance Caregiving

“You are amazing! What I tried to do in 2 months, you did in 1 week. You’ve helped us navigate the system, made sense of Mom’s disease, and gave back her independence and control. Thank you for making such a difference in Mom’s life and giving us, her family, complete peace of mind.”

– Mike G., Nanaimo, BC

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