Resources

Each year around this time, I write about Family Caregiver Week in B.C. – May 5-11. It’s something I feel strongly about – acknowledging and recognizing the fact that in our province alone we have over one million incredibly giving and devoted unpaid caregivers who provide care and support for loved ones. The Canadian statistics… Read more…

Guest writers,  Dr. Rick Houlgrave, Chiropractor and registered massage therapist, Sean Murphy, provide easy-to-use strategies and tips to manage the stresses of caregiving, both physically and emotionally. Being a successful caregiver doesn’t just require conscientious care for the one you are looking after, but also requires looking after your own health. Caregiving often involves physically… Read more…

  My Mom’s birthday is coming up next month and I’ve realized she’s a year shy of turning 70 years old. It actually alarmed me for the very reason I cause alarm to my friends and clients when I spout off, “If your parents are 70 and over, you need to start talking about future… Read more…

  When my mother had stomach cancer, I flew back to Toronto to give my siblings a reprieve and support my Mom post-surgery. The procedure to remove her tumour was long and very painful. Post-discharge, my Mom experienced severe stomach pains, difficulty sleeping and digestive problems. Heavily medicated (not me, her!) to reduce the pain,… Read more…

  Mr. Smith is caring for his wife of 60 years, and although he’d be pressed to admit it, he’s finding it hard to keep his head above water. His wife has Parkinson’s disease and at the moment, she needs help with bathing, grooming and getting dressed. Mr. Smith loves his wife dearly and is… Read more…

Mr. Smith is caring for his wife of 60 years, and although he’d be pressed to admit it, he’s finding it hard to keep his head above water. His wife has Parkinson’s disease and at the moment, she needs help with bathing, grooming and getting dressed. Mr. Smith loves his wife dearly and is happy… Read more…

  Mrs. Robson is a 92-year-old widow with Alzheimer’s disease. In her younger years, she was a schoolteacher and raised three children. She and her husband married at 20 years old and enjoyed a 60-year marriage. She was an avid hiker, gardener and enjoyed reading. She loves her home, which overlooks a nearby park, and… Read more…

One of the most common questions we hear from seniors (and family caregivers alike) is, “How do I get someone to help me with bathing, medications or getting dressed in my home?” There is more than one answer to that question! For the purpose of simplicity, I’ll start with the program called Home and Community… Read more…

  One of the most common questions we hear from seniors (and family caregivers alike) is, “How do I get someone to help me with bathing, medications or getting dressed in my home?” There is more than one answer to that question! For the purpose of simplicity, I’ll start with the program called Home and… Read more…

Are you confused about what kind of help you or your aging parent is eligible for in the community? Don’t worry! You aren’t alone. Knowing the who, what and how is challenging when you are at the start of any maze. Before entering a maze, it’s helpful to have clues at the start to help… Read more…