November 2, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Flu Season – Prevention Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

As we move through October and into November, we are entering the cold and flu season in Ontario. The temperatures drop and the amount of vitamin D we are receiving decreases as our daily sunlight minimizes incrementally. These factors, compounded with the cold and flu season, hinder our body’s natural defenses and compromises our immune system. Seniors are especially vulnerable to the cold and flu season as their immune system becomes weaker with age. As well, those who are caregivers for seniors are affected by their vulnerability to the cold...

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October 26, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Tips to Help Seniors During Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings time, first conceived by Benjamin Franklin, changes our schedule to suit our preference. The primary purpose of daylight-saving time is to enjoy more of the daylight, so we either ‘fall’- back or ‘spring’- forward depending on the time of the year. As we move into autumn, we ‘fall’-back to utilize more sunlight in the morning, rather than in the evening. As lovely as it is to see the sun shining when we leave the house, it comes at the cost of our evening light which leaves us late...

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October 12, 2020 by Carefect Admin

Dealing with Loss of Appetite in the Elderly (Part 2)

Last week we discussed the possible medical and non-medical causes of appetite loss in the elderly. It is critical to address any medical conditions by working with your family doctor, or specialist and creating a plan of care that specifically addresses your elderly loved ones individual medical needs. A personal care worker can be of great assistance in regards to keeping medicine on an organized routine and supporting physical therapy regimens. Aside from doctor-prescribed health routines, there are a few techniques you can experiment with to see if there is...

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March 23, 2015 by Carefect Admin

When an Elderly Loved One Resists Your Care

Caring for an elderly loved one may be a difficult task, especially if your loved one is resistant to care. As people age, their cognition begins to decline, and they may not be totally in their right mind whenever they need care. This, among other medical and emotional issues, may cause your loved one to be resistant to you or anyone caring for them. If this sounds familiar, then keep reading to learn why your loved one may be resistant, and how to care for them anyway. What Causes Resistance...

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January 15, 2015 by Carefect Admin

Common Home Care Problems and Solutions

If you are your elderly loved one’s main caregiver, then you may come across a few common problems during their care. If you do have issues caring for them, then it does not mean that you are failing as a caregiver. In fact, the majority of caregivers run into either health or financial issues during their caregiving career. Here are a few common issues that caregivers tend to run into when they begin caring for a loved one or a friend. Keep reading to find out the issues and learn...

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January 5, 2015 by Carefect Admin

Caring for a Senior with Multiple Sclerosis

Being a caregiver for any senior may prove to be difficult and incredibly stressful. However, if your elderly loved one suffers from a neurodegenerative disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS) then the challenges you face on a daily basis may be heightened. Caring for seniors who suffer from MS can be hard for both your loved one and you. MS is a degenerative disorder that is characterized by the loss of muscle control and function. Depending on how severe your loved one case is, they may have issues with mobility,...

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December 25, 2014 by Carefect Admin

What Non-Medical Home Care Services Include?

If you live far away from your elderly loved ones then you may wonder if they are receiving all of the help they need, especially if they live alone. As seniors age they may find it more difficult to complete everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and finishing the laundry. While they may not need medical care, they may still benefit from non-medical home care services provided by personal support workers coming to their home and pitching in with a few chores. Personal support workers are caregivers who can come...

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December 22, 2014 by Carefect Admin

Common Myths and Misconceptions about Home Care

In today’s society, much of the elderly population is choosing not to go into a nursing home or an assisted living facility once they grow older. Instead, many seniors are opting to stay in their own homes and hire caregivers. Caregivers come with a variety of skills and can help your loved ones care for themselves both personally and medically. Caregivers can run errands, prep meals, finish laundry, or provide a variety of medical care to your loved ones. They also can come to your loved one’s homes as frequently...

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April 14, 2014 by Carefect Admin

Dysarthria (Slurred Speech) in the Elderly

Slurred speech, or dysarthria, is a common disorder that affects much of the elderly population. The condition occurs when the muscles of the mouth, face and throat become weakened and stop working properly. As people age, they begin to lose muscle mass all over their body. Most elderly people lose most of their muscle mass from their legs, core and arms. However, it is possible to lose muscle mass in your chest, face, and mouth. If you lose muscle strength in these areas than your speech and your ability to...

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March 31, 2014 by Carefect Admin

Multiple Sclerosis: Definition, Causes, Types and Symptoms

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that targets a patient’s central nervous system. This disease can vary in severity and type. In total, there are four different types of MS. Anyone at any age can develop the disease; however elderly people do have a slightly higher risk for developing this disorder. This article will cover the causes, types and symptoms of MS so that you can be prepared if you or your loved one is diagnosed with this disease. Definition and Causes of Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is...

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