Category Archives: Long Term Care

Attempting Elder Care Alone Can Lead to Caregiver Burnout

When a loved one reaches a point that they are no longer able to care for themselves, their care may become the responsibility of a relative. It is important that a balance is struck between the life of the senior and that of the caregiver. (more…)

Problems for the Elderly in Hospitals

Many seniors end up in acute-care beds in hospitals and may find their chronic health issues are mishandled, leading to their placement in a nursing home. (more…)

Tax Credits for Caregivers

The Canadian tax system can help alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with caring for an elderly relative. (more…)

September is World Alzheimer’s Month

written by: Brad Michael

The conversation of our aging population and its impact on society seems to be the biggest news items these days…and for good reason. With all the subject matter I have read I found my time spent on the  Canadian Alzheimer Society website the most valuable, The information you will find there is comprehensive, educational and informative. Take the time visit the site. You will be glad you did.

*   In 2010, more than 500,000 Canadians were living with dementia
*   Of these, approximately 71,000 are under the age of 65
*   1 in 11 Canadians over 65 has dementia
*   Women account for 72% of all Alzheimer cases, and 62% of all dementia cases
*   Within a generation, the numbers of Canadians living with dementia will more than double to 1.1 million

(source: CAS website )

Searching For a Light

Article from Your Estate Matters, a Publication of Clark Wilson’s Wealth Preservation Group.

Those of us practicing in Wills and Estates and all other professionals advising upon inheritance issues are very much aware of the  many issues raised by clients afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. We must be constantly aware of capacity issues when taking instructions and those of us who litigate estate issues often must carefully review medical records and secure expert reports  for committeeship applications; undue influence or capacity challenges to wills and in fact in a host of other situations.

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Caring for a Parent

As the Canadian baby boomer population ages, more and more children will find themselves as the principal caregiver for a parent or loved one.  (more…)

A Caregiver’s Guide to Seniors with Dementia

Caring for an elderly loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can often be worrisome and confusing. Understanding and adapting to the changing needs of a parent, grandparent or other senior can be a difficult adjustment and  requires a great deal of patience.  (more…)

Tips for Caring for Aging Parents

In this CNBC.com article by Elizabeth Alterman, we learn of another definition for the burgeoning Baby Boomer Group. “The sandwich generation” refers to those responsible for their parents care while at the same time tending the needs of growing children. As a direct result of the work of Carol Abaya, this term is has been found in the Oxford English and Merriam Webster Dictionaries since 2006. (more…)

Preventing Caregiver Burnout/ Compassion Fatigue

The role of caregiver for an elderly loved one can be rewarding, but can also be physically, emotionally and financially draining.

In this article from Alberni Hospice, the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout, also known as “compassion fatigue” are addressed. While caregiving may not look difficult from the outside, the stress of high expectations placed on oneself and pressure of performing the job alone can lead to sleep deprivation, weight changes, feelings of depression and chronic illness.

If you are responsible for the care of a loved one, read this article to avoid experiencing compassion fatigue. Remember that you are not alone, and that you can avoid feeling worn out by accepting the help of others.

Full story at Alberni Hospice. 

Canada’s Mental Health Week

From May 7 to 13, the Canadian Mental Health Association is promoting Canada’s Mental Health Week. (more…)