Visiting Angels

Home Nursing and Personal Care Provider in Niagara, Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville

1-877-239-4397
nurse@visitingangels.ca
 
Canadian Owned & Operated
Head Office: St. Catharines

Home Care or Facility Care? It’s An Important Choice

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It’s been shared to our Blog before – but it’s worth another post!

Choosing the right type of care for your loved one can differ for everyone. Though it’s a daunting task, looking at these tips it might seem a whole lot simpler:

DO:

  • Take what your loved one wants into consideration.
  • Talk to multiple home care providers and facilities.
  • Ask your loved one what they feel their needs are.

DON’T:

  • Make decisions without asking your loved one if they have the ability to make for them self.
  • Choose the cheapest company just because their rates are lowest.
  • Only consider home care or facilities.

Home care or a facility? This is the question…

If your loved one is adamant they want to stay in their own home, sometimes the best decision is to allow them to with the aid of home care. Those who need round the clock medical care and are in a position where they should always be close to a doctor or medical staff should likely be moved to a health care facility.

The benefits of Home Care:

When it comes down to it, the best choice is the one both your loved one and family agree on. Home care allows your loved one to maintain much of their independence by providing them aid in doing everyday tasks. If they feel uncomfortable leaving their home for a care facility, we’d recommend trying home care first.

Visiting Angels provides your family member in the home a higher level of care. It’s important for people to maintain their sense of personal independence. With the help of a professionally trained in-home caregiver, our clients can enjoy their activities with safety and confidence. Our services also give family caregivers a much-needed break and a chance to relax and recharge.

Our home support services include:

  • Companionship
  • Meal preparation
  • Grocery shopping
  • Light housekeeping
  • Laundry and ironing
  • Personal care
  • Walks
  • Assistance with personal hygiene
  • Feeding assistance
  • Help with activities of daily living

To learn more about our Home Care and Personal Care Services, please Click Here.

Experience the Visiting Angels® difference!

Give us a call at 905-685-4242 or email nurse@visitingangels.ca.

We look forward to hearing from you!

For more tips and information, be sure to follow us on our Social Media accounts: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

How To Prevent Elders From Being Scammed

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Scam artists unfortunately prey on seniors with money.

Why are the elderly more likely to become victims of a scam? AgingCare.com says they are vulnerable to scams because they tend to be too gullible, live alone and don’t have someone watching over their finances. Loneliness also plays a role, as elders are often grateful to have someone to talk to and don’t suspect that the “nice man” on the phone may be preying on them.

You may wonder… can anything be done about elderly scams? Caregivers can take some steps and identify red flags and help protect the elderly from scam artists, according to the Better Business Bureau.

These include:

  1. Becoming more involved with seniors financial decisions.
  2. Not allowing a senior to give out their personal information, such as banking information, credit card numbers or social security numbers.
  3. Telling a senior not to do business with someone who does not provide written information about his or her company.
  4. Visiting them regularly, asking about phone calls they have received and checking their mail box. Lots of junk mail may indicate an elderly person is on the “sucker list.”

To see the full list, Click Here.

Resources:

Marlo Sollito – AgingCare. How To Prevent Elders From Being Scammed. Retrieved from: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/prevent-elderly-becoming-scam-victims-138455.htm

For more tips and information, be sure to follow us on our Social Media accounts: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

Summer Activities for Seniors

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Looking to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather?

Having a picnic, gardening, hiking and photography are just some of the outdoor activities perfect for seniors! Read more below…

Picnicking – A fun spin on outdoor eating, picnics can be hosted in backyards, on patios or in public parks. A popular picnicking destination in the region is along the Niagara River Parkway in Niagara Falls. Easy outdoor games are great senior activities to include, such as horseshoes, Frisbee or ring toss.

Botanical Gardens – Gardening is an all-time favourite outdoor activity. The Niagara region is home to the Botanical Gardens, located at 2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls. Strolling through the beautiful gardens makes for great exercise as well. There’s also a butterfly conservatory and a café on-site, so it makes for the perfect day trip for seniors!

Hiking – It’s important that the elderly get their exercise! The Niagara region is home to numerous locations perfect for hiking, such as Decew Falls or Short Hills in St. Catharines, and the Niagara Gorge in Niagara Falls. Make sure to bring a water bottle and comfortable shoes. With the sun out and shinning, it’s important to wear sunglasses and pack some sunscreen as well!

Photography – With digital cameras becoming more and more popular, why not get out there and improve your photography skills? Booklet guides (found in your cameras box) will teach you how the camera works and how you can save your images. The Niagara region is packed with places to take some beautiful photos, such as Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Dalhousie in St. Catharines and of course, the Niagara Falls.

Check out http://www.elder-one-stop.com/outdoor-elderly-activities.html for more outdoor activities!

Resources:

ElderOneStop. Outdoor Elderly Activities. Retrieved from: http://www.elder-one-stop.com/outdoor-elderly-activities.html

For more tips and information, be sure to follow us on our Social Media accounts: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

The Healing Power of Pets

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For the elderly who live alone or in group facilities, pets can not only increase physical activity, but also help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help them learn!

According to Dr. Jay P. Granat, tomorrow can be vary scary for an older person. It’s said that dogs and other pets live very much in the here and now, not worrying about tomorrow. Pets can also reduce depression and lessen loneliness, as it’s often been said by older pet owners that their lives have become much less lonely having a pets companionship.

Not only do the elderly benefit, but pets do too. Since most of the adopters are retired, they have lots of time to devote to a pet that may have been previously unwanted. To read more, check out the full article on Aging Care’s website: www.agingcare.com/articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

Resources:

Barbara Ballinger. The Benefits of Elderly Owning Pets. Retrieved from: www.agingcare.com/articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

For more tips and information, be sure to follow us on our Social Media accounts: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

Special Report: How to Stay Out of a Nursing Home Forever

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Not many things terrify ageing adults more than the two words, “nursing home.”

According to a recently released report from Health Radar & Newsmax Health, feared most by the elderly is the loss of independence, strangers caring for them, and the inability to live at home. When seniors are forced into nursing homes, these fears combine to become reality.

In this special report, you’ll find some good news. You will learn how you, your spouse, or your parent are not doomed to live out life’s remaining time in a institutional environment, being cared for by strangers. In a nursing home, you’ll be given the tools to remain safe, active, and independent. You’ll also discover how you can age peacefully in your own home.

Once you understand the unique problems faced by the aging population, it’s simple to implement the solutions to this nursing home nightmare.

To read the full report, Click Here.

Resources:

Nancy Reynolds (2018). Newsmax Health. Retrieved from: w3.healthradarreport.com/Health/RDR/LP/Radar-Stay-Independent-Intl?ns_mail_uid=7257262&ns_mail_job=1793174_05162018&s=al&dkt_nbr=010101w4jjl0

For more tips and information, be sure to follow us on our Social Media accounts: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

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Now’s the time to prepare yourself or senior friends and family members for the upcoming summer months.

Summer is a time of fun, relaxation and BBQ’s for most people… but it can also be dangerous for seniors if the proper precautions are not taken. Here’s a list of Summer Safety Tips that seniors and their caregivers can use to ensure an enjoyable summer!

  1. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER – Dehydration is most common in seniors as they lose their ability to conserve water as they age. It’s important to drink water often and have some for those summer drives and outdoor events.
  2. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER – Be sure to clear out your winter wardrobe and dress for summer! Wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes to help feel cooler and more comfortable.
  3. WEAR SUNSCREEN, HATS & SUNGLASSES – The elderly need the extra sun protection to help keep them healthy, so remember to apply sunscreen before going outside. Hats are also a great idea and wearing shades can protect eyes from harmful UV rays and preserve vision.
  4. KNOW WHO TO CALL – Remember to have a list of emergency phone numbers. This way, the right people will be called in case issues arise and to help medical problems from getting worse.
  5. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR – Call your doctor and make sure any medications you are prescribed won’t be affected by the higher temperatures. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, some medications can be less effective.

Resources:

  1. Gillian Kruse (2017). 12 Safety Tips For The Elderly. Retrieved from: www.care.com/c/stories/5444/12-summer-safety-tips-for-the-elderly/
  2. The Care.com Team (2017). 10 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors. Retrieved from: www. ca.care.com/articles/seniors/10-summer-safety-tips-seniors/

For more tips and information, be sure to follow us on our Social Media accounts: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

Tips for the Restless Sleeper

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Do you toss and turn throughout the night? Are you unable to shut your brain off at night? Do you wake up feeling restless? If this is you, you are not alone. Did you know that approximately 40% of Canadians will suffer from a sleep disorder in their lifetime? Everyone knows that life gets busy between work, family, and social responsibilities, there is little time left in any given day to rest. What everyone doesn’t know, is that a lack of sleep over a long period of time can result in serious health risks, such as obesity and heart problems. In the 2015 CBC article, Sleep disorders will affect 40% of Canadians, pose serious health risks, Dr. Frank Ryan addresses this issue the best with stating, “The problem is over time, you incur a sleep debt which you can never fully repay.”

In order to try to payback some of that lost sleep, consider the following tips:

  • Establish a routine – Keeping up with a daily bedtime and wake up schedule will help cycle your bodily functions and energy levels throughout the day.
  • Magnesium supplements – Help to balance the nervous system, which helps your body calm down and unwind after a long day.
  • Chamomile tea – has an increased level of glycine, which is a chemical that relaxes muscles and acts like a mind tranquilizer.
  • Exercise regularly – Try not to exercise any later than 4 hours before bed. The extra added movement during your day will help to tire out your mind and muscles. Your body will need and crave sleep to refuel and reenergize for tomorrow.
  • Limit your caffeine intake to mornings and early afternoons – The long-lasting effects of caffeine range from person to person. To minimize the amount of caffeine lingering in your body during the evenings, try to follow a 2 pm cut-off time.
  • Lavender oil/plant – Lavender has been shown to decrease one’s heart rate and blood pressure, which could potentially put you in a more relaxed state. Studies show that those who sniff lavender before bed had a more deep sleep and felt more vigorous in the morning.
  • Open a window – Yes, it can be as simple as that. Fresh air produces an almost sedative effect on the body and relaxes the mind.
  • Avoid naps – While naps can reenergize your afternoon, they take away from the extra sleep your body needs at night, which can leave you restlessly lying awake.
  • Breathing exercises – Deep breathing helps to relax the mind and de-stress. Focusing on your breathing will help you focus less on the thoughts circling in your head.
  • Stay hydrated – Water is essential for almost all bodily functions, especially brain function. While sleeping, your brain remains active by sorting through the day’s activities and working out stress that you may have. If your body is dehydrated, your brain might not function the same, and therefore you will not be able to wake up feeling rejuvenated and well-rested.

 

For more tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

 

References

Alyssa Jung (2017). 16 Foods That Help You Sleep. Retrieved from: http://www.rd.com/health/beauty/foods-that-help-you-sleep/

Back to Bed (2013). How Water Helps You Sleep Better. Retrieved from: http://www.backtobed.com/sleep/how-more-water-helps-you-sleep-better.aspx

CBC News (2015). Sleep disorders will affect 40% of Canadians, pose serious health risks. Retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sleep-disorder-ubc-1.3294306

Kerry Bajaj (2013). What is magnesium? It’s a miracle mineral! Retrieved from: https://www.bewell.com/blog/what-is-magnesium-it%E2%80%99s-a-miracle-mineral/

National Sleep Foundation (2017). What you breathe while you sleep can affect how you feel the next day. Retrieved from: https://sleepfoundation.org/bedroom/smell.php

The Fears of Aging – A Senior’s Mindset

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Some would agree that the experience of aging is a nerve-racking one at best, with the thoughts of wrinkles, declining health, and the inability to care for yourself as the ultimate finish line. Aging can turn the simplest of everyday activities into dreaded nightmares. Sure there are blissful moments in watching your children grow, succeed and expand your bloodlines, but what most seniors don’t acknowledge are the fears they have about getting too old.

Fear #1 Losing Your License

In Ontario, once you turn 80 years old you are required to renew your driver’s license every 2 years if you plan to continue operating a motor vehicle. By this time in life, you’ve probably thrown all of your driver’s education out the window and have developed some bad driving habits. It can be a stressful experience to re-learn how to parallel park or make a 3-point turn. Without a license, your world becomes much more difficult to navigate for appointments, groceries and family obligations. The fear of losing a license results in a lack of freedom and the need to rely on other means to get around.

Fear #2 Losing Your Memory

General forgetfulness and memory loss is associated with getting older; however the severity may range from forgetting an appointment to forgetting to turn off the stove. The level of concern determines the actions and steps that should be taken to address this issue. Alzheimer’s and Dementia are both diseases of the mind, as they attack your brain function and memory. Failing to remember family, knowledge, and how to function on a daily basis is a fear that many elderly people posses.

Fear #3 Losing Your Balance

Aging for some means brittle bones and poor balance, which insinuates that seniors have a higher risk of falling or tripping. When these incidents happen in public, it makes them feel self-conscious and embarrassed – not to mention the risk of injury. Naturally, the older you are, the longer you take to heal and because of the lengthened recovery time, seniors may have a fear of falling.

For more helpful articles, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Reference

Del Duca (2012). Renew a G driver’s licence: 80 years and over. Retrieved from: https://www.ontario.ca/page/renew-g-drivers-licence-80-years-and-over

Staying Active While You Age: Fitness for Seniors

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It is important to stay active at all ages, but the older you get the more prone you are to attracting illnesses such as, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By incorporating regular exercise into your daily or weekly routine, it can help to decrease the risks associated with aging.

Believe it or not, performing simple activities can help improve your balance, strength, endurance and longevity.

Activities such as walking your pet, taking advantage of local walking trails and water aerobics can help keep your mind sharp.

Some other suggestions would be to incorporate light stretching or yoga to help prevent falls and keep you limber.

Basic strength-training exercises such as squats, light-weighted bicep curls and modified push-ups can help your muscles become stronger.

Adding low-impact workouts such as swimming, cycling or gardening can get you outdoors and improve quality of life.

Always remember to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine and that remaining active throughout your years, not only has physical benefits, but also social and mental benefits.

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Turn Up the Heat: 7 Summer Tips to Keep You Cool

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Here at Visiting Angels Inc. our goal is to help provide our clients with as much independence as possible, to provide comfort and to enhance quality of life. This summer might be a hot one! Therefore, in order to protect our clients from the dangers of the summer heat, we have compiled a list of helpful tips to keep in mind before venturing outside:

  1. Stay hydrated – Always bring a water bottle with you.
  2. Dress accordingly – Hot and muggy conditions may lead to discomfort. Try to wear more lightweight and loose fitting items to prevent clothing from sticking to your skin.
  3. Skin & eye protection – Even on the cloudiest of days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and risk harming your skin and eyes. To avoid this, incorporate sunscreen applications into your daily routine and keep your sunglasses within reach.
  4. Avoid extreme heat – Stay indoors. The summer heat can drain you, therefore to keep your energy level up, try relaxing in cooler conditions such as an air-conditioned room. However, if air conditioning isn’t an option, find an area with circulating fans and minimal lighting to keep cool.
  5. Exercise smart – While exercise is still encouraged, consider switching up your routine by incorporating short walks, taking frequent breaks, and limiting rigorous activity.
  6. Need to cool off quick? Take a cool shower or bath to bring down your temperature.
  7. Watch the forecast – Keep an eye out for heat, storm and wind warnings. The weather is constantly changing, therefore periodically checking the forecast will allow you to plan your days.

For more helpful tips, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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