The Change Foundation just published their findings on Ontario Caregivers- a fitting reflection for National Caregiving Awareness month. I have summarized some of their key findings based on a study involving 800 respondents across Ontario: – Canadian family caregivers provide roughly ¾ of all patient care and their contributions to…
November is Make a Will month in Ontario; National Diabetes month and National Family Caregivers month in the States; Osteoporosis awareness month in Canada, and Movember for men’s health awareness. However most fitting for today is Remembrance Day, symbolized by the poppy. Remembrance Day is a significant day in the…
Further to my last week’s blog on ‘getting ready for the final scene’, my lovely 94 year old client died this past Saturday. I really can’t say it was a peaceful death as it seemed to be a very long and difficult journey. She could no longer eat or drink…
While the majority of my work is assisting with the living process, these past few week has been occupied with planning for the dying process. I am currently working with two wonderful ladies who have both been assigned palliative care physicians. One who is lucky enough to be home and…
This was the frantic call I received from a daughter this past Friday. The hospital was discharging her 90 year old mother but had omitted to confirm that services and follow up medical appointments were in place. Now in many cases, this might not be a problem- depending on the…
I had the pleasure last week of being a panelist as part of the Canadian Association of Gift Planner’s mentoring & education breakfast, on the topic of Ethics. When I had previously thought of ‘Gift Planning’ I was only considering the Will component, the gift left to a particular charity,…
What does this mean exactly? Does it mean a greater discount at Shopper’s or at Timmy’s. I don’t think so…… It is actually a reminder to all of us to acknowledge the great contribution made by seniors every day. As boomers reach this milestone, a senior is officially defined as…
In my opinion, dementia is our greatest health crisis. It is a disease that is not based on culture, gender, ethnicity, or social economic background although there is some current research that there may be some modifiable factors. Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia and one that impacts…
Last week, I had the pleasure of celebrating my oldest client’s birthday. She turned 99. We share the same name and she is often inspiration in my day to day work. She and her 94 year old sister live together, have never married and have no other family, other than…
Last Monday was Labour Day which signifies back to school and end of summer. It is a time of new beginnings, setting goals and starting new projects. Today is the first day of the Jewish New Year, another fresh start for those who celebrate. For many who may not attend…
