The Caregiver Show 2017

CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

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A RESOURCE DAY FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

RESOURCE GUIDE

+SELF-CARE TIPS

CAREGIVING FOR SENIORS

CAREGIVING FOR KIDS

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

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Words of support...

B

eing a family caregiver is a balancing act. Today, almost eight million Canadians balance their work and personal commitments with caregiving duties for their children, parents, and friends on a regular basis.

While it can feel like walking a tightrope, the compassion, understanding and efforts of family caregivers enable loved ones with acute or chronic health issues to live with dignity.

We created the Caregiver Show (now in its fourth year!) to recognize

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all that you do as caregivers. We have great respect for the role you play and hope you will use this day to learn about the resources, services and products available to aid in your caregiving needs and have the opportunity to connect and form bonds with other caregivers – building your own networking group.

The Caregiver Resource Guide is filled with articles offering help and advice especially for caregivers, as well as resources you may find beneficial in the future. Please take this guide home with you and keep it

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handy; we created it with your busy schedule in mind.

Thank you for participating in the Caregiver Show. I w elcome your fe e dback and can be reached anytime at rwhite@metroland.com I wish you all the best in your caregiving journey.

Ronit White, Manager of Strategic Partnerships

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

A RESOURCE DAY FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

BROUGHT TO YOU BUY:

C AREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE The 2017 Caregiver Resource Guide is a specialty magazine published by Metroland Media Toronto.

Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

Any reproduction of this publication in whole or in part must be approved by the publisher.

For further information regarding all our products, please call us at 416-493-4400.

Mailing address: Metroland Media Toronto 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON M2H 0A2

Publisher

Manager of -Strategic Partnerships

Dana Robbins

Ronit White

General Manager

Regional Director of Creative Services

John Willems

Katherine Porcheron

Regional Director of Advertising

Editorial Design

Anne Beswick

Tasha Zanin

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

HELP & ADVICE

Coping

as a family caregiver

I

ndividuals are born into the world SIGNS OF CAREGIVER STRESS requiring the care of their parents • Feeling overwhelmed or constantly and other adult guardians to grow worried and thrive. These adult children, in • Feeling tired most of the time turn, may end up providing care when • Gaining or losing a lot of weight their parents reach senior age or face • Becoming easily irritated or angry an illness or disability.

• Losing interest in activities you used Becoming a to enjoy family caregiver • Having frequent frequently is a headaches, bodily People who tough choice to pain or other physical experience make. It requires problems caregiver patience and Some caregivers time, and can be even resort to drugs stress can be emotionally and and alcohol to selfvulnerable m e d i c a t e, w h i c h physically taxing. to changes can lead to further I t ’s n o t issues. To avoid the uncommon for in their own potential pitfalls caregivers of any health of caregiver stress, age to feel stressed individuals should and burned out a l w ay s p u t t h e i r by the demands needs first and find of caregiving.

The Mayo Clinic says people ways to alleviate the added stress of w h o e x p e r i e n c e c a r e g i v e r caring for a loved one. s t re s s c a n b e v u l n e r a b l e t o These suggestions for self-care are changes in their own health . just a start.

DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECTION It isn’t possible to maintain a patient attitude and get everything done perfectly each and every day. People are not perfect and mistakes will be made. Do not punish yourself if you lash out or simply need a break

EAT HEALTHY As anyone who has dealt with a hungry toddler can attest, failure to eat well and frequently can result in an emotional meltdown. Be sure to always make time for nutritious meals. This will help keep up energy stores and enable you to better cope with caregiver stress.

PAY ATTENTION TO MOOD CHANGES Anxiety or depression can sneak up on you when you least expect it.

Ask for help if you feel your tasks are becoming too overwhelming. Seek the

HELP & ADVICE

CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

help of a doctor if changes in mood, sleeping patterns, appetite, and the like become noticeable.

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS Getting a break from caregiving and setting aside time for yourself can increase patience levels and the ability to bounce back from stress. Whenever possible, have a friend or another relative step in for you so you get a break. Explore resources available for professional aides to come and take some of the responsibilities off of your shoulders.

Being a caregiver can be a rewarding, but challenging role to play. Caregivers should keep their health a priority. — MS

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for seniors and people with special needs

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hile disasters and emergencies affect everyone, their impact on people with special needs is often compounded by a reliance on electrical power, elevators, and accessible transportation — all of which can be compromised in these situations.

Public Safety Canada offers these tips for seniors and people with special needs: 1. Create a personal support network of at least three people who can help.

Ensure they are aware of your needs (such as prescription medication) and how to operate any equipment you may require.

2. Make an emergency contact list with the names and phone numbers of your personal support network, doctors, neighbours, etc. Keep a copy of this list handy and share it with your personal support network.

3. Familiarize yourself with all escape routes and the locations of emergency doors and exits in your home.

4. Have a panic button installed in the building where you work or live so that you can notify others of your whereabouts if you need assistance.

5. Create a basic emergency kit tailored to meet your specific needs. Some basic items to include

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are prescription eyewear and footwear, copies of all medication prescriptions, an extra supply of medications (if possible) and vitamin supplements, latex-free gloves (to give to anyone providing personal care to you), extra dentures and cleaner, and a list of all medical supplies and equipment related your medical condition. You may also wish to include special devices such as canes, walkers, lightweight manual wheelchairs, hearing aids, breathing apparatuses, blood glucose monitoring devices, and whatever batteries or other supplies are needed to operate them.

6. If you have a pet or service animal, bring it with you in case of an evacuation and have an emergency plan for your animal as well. In your emergency kit, include food and other items for your pet or service animal. — www.newscanada.com

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

HELP & ADVICE

Managing mealtime

How bulk cooking can make meals easier

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ealthy meals can get lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.

Convenience may win out when caregivers are short on time, and it’s hard not to be enticed by the ease of fast food or the lure of frozen foods.

While these options are certainly fine on occasion, there is a more nutritious solution for time-crunched families.

Planning is a big part of enjoying a home-cooked meal, and cooking in bulk can help families enjoy more home-cooked meals. By thinking ahead about meals, you can more easily enjoy home-cooked meals than if you were to wait until the last minute

to think about what’s for dinner.

If bulk cooking is a foreign concept, the following are some resources to help you along.

1. Get started by browsing cookbooks, online recipes or speaking with friends and family members about their favourite meals, especially those that may be popular with younger eaters. Concentrate on a specific meal each day. Dinner is the meal many families hope to share.

Make a list of the ingredients that go into your family’s favourite meals, selecting recipes that use many of the same ingredients.

2. Wait until you have a free schedule and ample time to go to the store to shop for all of your supplies.

Have a list on hand and check off each item as you find it. Cooking in bulk also means you can buy in bulk. Very often bulk-size foods are discounted, saving you both time and money. Shop for the staples that are needed for most meals, including fresh herbs, cheese, spices, oil, and whatever flavourings your family finds most appealing. Large bags of rice and potatoes also are handy to have available.

3. Take advantage of warehouse club membership fees or manufacturer or store coupon deals on multiple buy specials. Buying jumbo-sized packages of food makes more sense when you intend to cook in bulk.

4. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer, as you will need plenty of room to store your ingredients, and later, your prepared meals. Figure out when you will be doing the cooking so you know what will need to be refrigerated or frozen once you return from the supermarket.

5. Establish a dedicated cooking day. Many bulk cookers cook on the weekend.

6. Gather all items that need to be chopped or sliced and set them aside. Leave ample time to chop or slice, which can take a lot of time.

Use all of your available cooking resources, such as the grill, stovetop, oven, and slow cooker, at once.

Then just drop the ingredients in as necessary.

7. Have plenty of freezer-safe storage containers on hand. Divvy up the meals into containers and label clearly. Now each day of the week you have a fast meal that can be heated up in no time. Fresh bread and a salad may be the only other components you need.

— MS

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informed health 5 tips oncaremaking decisions for children

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nderstanding health informa- want answered.

• This can include report cards/ tion and treatment options • List the questions in the order of Individualized Education Plan, is important when making importance. homemade charts, etc. health care decisions for children • Do your research before the • What has been happening with with special needs. appointment so you can discuss your child since the last visit?

1. Make sure you have the support your child’s choices for treatment. • Have there been changes in your you need so you can understand Ask the doctor or clinician to child’s health, medication, behavthe health information. name other possible treatment iour, sleep patterns, etc.

• If English is not your first lanroutes.

5. If you don’t understand what was guage, or you are deaf, ask for an 3. Bring your child’s medical informasaid, ask the doctor or clinician to explain again. interpreter. tion for the doctor to see.

• Find out who you can call if you • Take a list of all medications and • Ask for everyday examples. have questions after the appointdosages with you.

• Ask them to draw you a diagram ment. Write down their name and • Take a list of doctors and contact or show you a picture that will contact information for future information with you. help you understand better. use.

• Bring copies of medical test • Ask if they have information that • Take the time to make your own results, blood work results or you can take home and read or notes and to understand the x-rays. This includes reports from have someone explain to you.

— Holland Bloorview Kids information. other doctorsor agencies.

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HELP & ADVICE

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Every child has the right to an education, regardless of a disability or special need. But getting the best schooling could take a bit of work.

The first step is choosing the right school for your child’s needs.

According to the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), there are five main factors you should consider when choosing a school.

DECIDE WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS

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tips to help your special needs child succeed in school

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

TEST OUT THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

BE COMFORTABLE WITH COMMUNICATION

The right school will feel welcoming Before sending your child to any and inclusive. Make sure children with school, make sure the teachers, princispecial needs are properly cared for. pal and assistants are open to communicate. You must also be comfortable MEET THE PRINCIPAL communicating with them, should The principal will help determine any concerns arise. important aspects of your child’s Once you’ve chosen the right school, schooling. He or she is responsible for your work is far from over. You’ll need implementing an individual education to make sure your child gets the best plan (IEP), should your child require learning experience by creating a team one. Ask if he or she is experienced in to support him or her. Speak with helping children with special needs. those who will be involved in your Has there been proper training? child’s care and education.

When meeting with school profesMEET THE TEACHERS sionals, try to include your child’s Your child may see multiple teachers, health care providers, social workers including one who specifically teaches or assistants. They can help explain special education. Make sure all of your your child’s condition or disability and child’s teachers communicate. They address any challenges. If they aren’t should be working as a team to give able to attend, ask for a letter that does your son or daughter the best care. Ask the same. Make sure teachers know what training they’ve had for special if any aspect of school will be more needs and disabilities. difficult because of the disability or

health concern. Also, tell school staff which situations warrant an immediate call to you.

Consider meeting with the school’s guidance counsellor and nurse as well.

They may be able to assist you when it comes to choosing the right path for your child or meeting his or her medical needs. The school will need to know of any medications taken throughout the day. Ask what the policies and procedures are when it comes to medical treatments.

Look for a support group to help you make important decisions. Advice from others may make the process easier on your family.

Getting your child the best education won’t be easy, but it’s worth it.

Try to understand the system before challenging it and partner with the teachers and principals who see your child each day. Stay positive and advocate for change.

— Sarah Lennox with files from SickKids

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

6 ways it can be prevented

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edication management is an important issue for seniors and their families. Failure to properly manage medications can threaten the lives of seniors, highlighting the emphasis families must place on ensuring seniors take their medications in strict adherence to their physicians’ instructions.

Polypharmacy, or the taking of multiple medications for different conditions, can be a potential health hazard for the thousands of seniors who must manage health conditions with prescription drugs. Harmful drug interactions are a result of the confusion that can arise when seniors take multiple medications at the same time.

A 2012 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information estimates that nearly two thirds of seniors had claims

HELP & ADVICE

Medication mismanagement for five or more prescriptions, and more than one quarter of seniors had claims for 10 or more drug classes.

Medication confusion is one risk, but older adults also metabolize medications differently than young people. As a result, they may be more susceptible to overdose or other ill effects. Families looking to help seniors effectively manage their medications should consider the following tips.

1. Keep a running list of medications.

Maintain a list of all medications being taken, noting both prescription and over-the-counter medications and any supplements and herbs. Provide a copy to any new doctors you visit and any new pharmacies you patronize.

2. Use pill sorters. Medication sorters can keep medications organized and eliminate some of the personal error in medication management.

Organizers have daily slots and may also differentiate between nighttime and daytime medications.

3. Understand why each medication is being prescribed. Ask your pharmacist and doctor to explain why each medication is prescribed.

This information should be printed on the prescription label. Some drugs designed for one symptom may actually be used to treat other issues as well.

4. Ask for help. Some seniors may benefit from friendly reminders from a loved one regarding when to take certain medications, especially if they need to take multiple doses throughout the day. Cognitively impaired seniors may require the services of a visiting nurse or another caregiver.

5. Recognize that not all medications are right for seniors. Some drugs pose a high risk of side effects or interactions, while others are less effective. Discuss alternatives with your physician if you are prescribed one of these medications.

6. Keep a medication diary. Record any side effects that occur and how the medications make you feel.

Always bring up issues promptly with a doctor.

Proper medication management can help seniors avoid drug-related accidents or worse. — MS

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

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Appointment companions patients are nervous about the potential outcome of their visits. Bringing a companion along means that both people are actively listening. Together, the information they’ve heard can combine to provide a full account of the visit.

TAKING NOTES Companions can jot down important notes about the appointment, such as dates and times for follow-up visits, medication advice and any other instructions that may be forgotten once the patient leaves the office.

Companions can later translate the jargon-heavy language of a physician into an understandable language the patient can fully understand.

MEDICAL HISTORY

5 ways a companions can help at the doctor

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isits to a physician are just one step people make in an effort to improve their well-being.

While it’s important that everyone visit their physicians at least once a year for a checkup, seniors may need to see their physicians more frequently than other age groups.

When visiting the doctor, it is easy for anyone to miss important components of what the doctor is saying, and it’s just as easy to misunderstand certain instructions or medication information. Seniors who bring companions along to appointments with their physicians can reduce the risk of misunderstanding advice or diagnoses given by their doctors.

Many seniors still living on their

own take a companion with them to their routine doctor’s office visits.

Companions are typically spouses, but they can include children or other family members as well.

Patients may find there are many advantages to bringing someone along to an appointment. And companions may want to learn more about patients’ goals at each appointment prior to going along so they can prepare and know how to help during the appointment.

LISTEN People tend to forget at least half of what they hear in the doctor’s office, says the Archives of Internal Medicine.

This tendency may be increased when

Sometimes a companion can be a useful resource, calling a doctor’s attention to a patient’s prior hospitalizations and illnesses. Companions can even call attention to any medications the patient is currently taking.

SERVING AS AN ADVOCATE Very often a companion can operate as a patient advocate, clarifying questions or getting further information out of a doctor if the patient is hesitant to ask. If the information isn’t clear, the companion can raise red flags or ask to have the instructions put in a different light.

TRANSLATION Sometimes patients need companions who speak their native languages when their physicians do not.

People are learning that bringing a family member or friend along to doctors’ appointments can be a smart way to make the most of doctor/patient interactions.

— MS

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

HELP & ADVICE

Putting the ‘medical’’

in medical cannabis

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ot too long ago when people obtain. What does this mean for you, a talked about pot, weed or caregiver? Likely it means confusion. marijuana Confusion about the (all non-scientific safety and legality of Canadians of slang terms) they medical cannabis, all ages are confusion about its were talking about an illegal drug typirole as a therapeutic using medical cally used to get treatment, and more. cannabis to high. Now, after The sheer amount of treat dozens a century of proinformation available, of symptoms hibition, things particularly online, is have chang e d: overwhelming and under the Canadians of all frequently inaccurate guidance of ages are using or, at best, incomtheir medical medical cannabis plete. Many patients practitioners to treat dozens of may think that the symptoms under dispensary down the the guidance of street is providing a their medical practitioners; research- safe product to help treat their illness, ers continue to discover and refine when the truth is they are putting their the medical benefits of the plant; health at risk. and legislation is making it easier to Minimizing risk to patients is at

the heart of the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) in use today. These regulations restrict the production and distribution of medical cannabis to Licensed Producers (LPs), who are highly regulated to ensure quality and safety. All LPs must test their products for microbial and chemical contaminants, as well as pesticides, and if any are found a recall may be issued.

At a minimum, LPs must utilize Good Production Practices (GPP) as the basis for the manufacturing process, and some, such as CanniMed, go a step farther by using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). GMP guides the strict standards required by pharmaceutical companies in Canada, and ensures the best, most consistent product for our patients.

In practice, what all this means is

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

that the dispensary down the street offers products that have not been grown under the strict standards Health Canada requires. Neither do those products provide the level of safety or consistency that patients receive from LPs. The regulations that exist, and our commitment to exceed beyond the standards they require, are why patients trust us with their health. A cancer patient with a compromised immune system doesn’t have to worry that cannabis tainted with salmonella

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might negatively impact their health.

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Life’s brighter under the sun Joshua Eppel Tel: 905-537-9283

joshua.eppel@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/joshua.eppel 1 University Avenue, Suite 201 Toronto, ON M5J 2P1

Receiver

Downsizing?

I work with Seniors and their families to make the process of downsizing easier, more understandable, and less stressful.

Call me for all your real estate needs!

Visit my booth at the Caregivers Show

Joanne Kavoulakis-Drakos

Sales Representative, SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor), SMM (Social Media Marketer)

647-702-2255 or 416-495-2271 Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2017.

joannekavoulakisdrakos@royallepage.ca

Terrequity Realty Brokerage

A portion of my commission is donated to Providence Health Care Foundation.

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

E V E R Y D AY L I V I N G S O L U T I O N S

Find a wide range of products and services to enhance your loved one’s comfort and well-being.

• Walkers, Rollators & Scooters • CPAP Products & Consultations • Diagnostic & Therapy • Bathroom Safety

• • • •

Back Care, Supports & Braces Compression Socks and Stockings Mastectomy Ostomy & Incontinence

Earn Shoppers Optimum Points* on eligible purchases* *Restrictions apply. Shoppers Optimum Points cannot be collected or redeemed on government funded portion of products and services. In addition, Shoppers Optimum Points cannot be collected on rentals, services, delivery and third party gift cards. Other restrictions may apply, see in-store and Shoppers Optimum Program Terms and Conditions for more details.

HELP & ADVICE

CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

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Prepare a home

for elderly residents

U

pon reaching retirement age, household. Homeowners with an new retirees may face deciextra room to spare can convert a sions regarding their living room on the first floor of their homes arrangements. Some seniors may opt into a bedroom so seniors won’t to stay put, while others may want to have to climb up and down stairs downsize their homes to save money throughout the day. That ease of and relieve themselves of the burdens accessibility to the primary floor of of maintaining larger homes. the house encourages seniors to be But those are not the only situations active participants in a household. seniors find themselves in. Some sen- If possible, choose an area that is iors realize they can no longer care close to a first-floor bathroom. for themselves without assistance. 2. Take steps to make bathrooms safer.

In such instances, seniors may opt The National Institute on Aging says for assisted living facilities or choose that more than one in three seniors to move in with a relative, such as a over age 65 fall each year, and 80 grown son or daughter. While assisted per cent of those falls take place in living facilities are designed to meet the bathroom. Slippery tile floors the needs of the elderly, young men can make it difficult for seniors to and women welcoming seniors into navigate bathrooms safely, and their homes may need to take on some bathtubs and shower stalls present home improvement projects to ensure additional challenges. Install grab their homes are as safe as possible for bars on bathroom walls and next to elderly residents. toilets to provide support. In addi1. Convert a room on the first floor tion, consider installing a shower into a bedroom. While this may not chair or bench and removable apply to all seniors, some men and shower nozzle in the shower or tub women struggle with stairs as they so seniors can sit down while they age, and that can make it difficult bathe and rinse without having to for them to fully participate in a stand up on slippery surfaces. Make

sure any mats around bathtubs and sinks are nonskid to reduce the risk of falls even further.

3. Install an extra phone line or two.

While kids and adults between the ages of 18 and 50 may never use the landlines in their homes, many seniors still rely on traditional telephones as their primary means of communicating with the outside world. Install extra landlines in your home, including in seniors’ bedrooms, so they can more readily access the phone should they fall and need to call for emergency help. Phones in seniors’ bedrooms may also provide some additional privacy to seniors who don’t want to carry on phone conversations in busy areas of the home, such as the kitchen or living room. Such lines may also reduce feelings of isolation.

4. Prioritize accessibility when storing items. When storing groceries, books, magazines, or other items seniors are likely to use, choose locations that are accessible to seniors.

Avoid storing items on the top shelf of pantries, bookcases or entertainment centres, as seniors with limited mobility may not be able to reach them.

Many seniors move in with their adult children to make their golden years safer and more enjoyable and manageable. Such a change in living arrangements may necessitate some changes on the part of homeowners so they can ensure their homes are safe for seniors.

— MS

Tel: (905) 605-4264 • Fax: (905) 605-4263 Unit 21-7500 Hwy 27, Vaughan, Ontario, L4H 0J2 www.cardinalorthotics.com • info@cardinalorthotics.com

Comprehensive assessments and treatments for a wide range of orthopaedic concerns drawing from over 13 years of experience.

Combining new 3D scanner technology with traditional techniques.

Specialties from “Head to Toe” include:

• •

Cranial Orthoses Protective Helmets (Hard and Soft) Corrective Helmet for Plagiocephaly (baby flathead)

• • • • • •

Spinal Orthoses Thoraco-lumbar-sacral Orthosis (TLSO) Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (LSO) Scoliosis Bracing: Cheneau and Boston Cervical Collars Torticollis Pectus Carinatum Orthosis

• • • • • • • • •

Lower Extremity Custom Foot Orthoses Pre-fabricated Foot Orthoses Ankle Foot Orthoses Clamshell Ankle Foot Orthoses CROW walker Knee Orthoses Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses Hip Abduction Orthoses Shoe modifications and lifts

• •

Upper Extremity Custom Wrist Hand Orthoses Custom Resting Hand Splints

Services may be eligible for coverage through ADP, WSIB, and Private Insurance Complimentary initial assessment with doctor’s prescription

downsizing 8 tips for caregivers

S

o much of your time is taken up with caring for your loved one and that leaves little time for anything else. When you are not “on call,” you are probably so exhausted that all you want to do is put your feet up and…relax.

We get it. Probably the last thing on your mind is downsizing!

But, what if simplifying your home could make caregiving easier?

Here are eight ways to lighten-up and relax: 1. Create a task and share it! Take a task like sorting family photos. A few photos can provide the opportunity for you to walk down memory lane… together. This is one task that can give you new energy and a lot more to talk about!

2. Showcase your treasures.

Remove surplus items from shelves and cabinets, and leave breathing space so your can enjoy your treasures.

3. Less stuff = less to clean.

Clear the clutter and you can exchange dusting and cleaning for relaxing and reading!

4. Recycle as soon as items come into your home.

Read the mail over the recycle bin and eliminate piles of stuff you don’t even need.

5. Prepare ONE meal a week from food in your pantry.

Create space by using up those tins, packages and bags of stuff you’ve been squirrelling away!

6. Start small. Start today.

Like all projects a little goes a long way. Find ways to tidy as you go and save valuable time later.

7. Stop when you’ve had enough. Downsizing is not a race to the finish line. Relax, take your time and remember that the important thing is to keep your home familiar, comfortable and safe.

8. Less is best! Thinking about letting something go? The answer is always…

Less is BEST! — Downsizing Diva

RESOURCES

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23

RESOURCES

CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIES Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca Canada Food Guide www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guidealiment/index-eng.php Eat Right Ontario Speak to a registered dietitian.

1-877-510-5102 www.eatrightontario.ca College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Find family doctors, specialists and surgeons. www.cpso.on.ca

Elizz.

This is an offering of Saint Elizabeth Health Care, a national not-for-profit organization that has been caring for Canadians since 1908. It includes information and advice for caregivers on subjects from advocacy for caregivers to work-life balance. elizz.com Telehomecare Provides health coaching by phone and provides simple-to-use equipment for the home to enable the remote monitoring of vital signs by a specially trained clinician. www.ontariotelehomecare.ca or call 1-855-991-8191.

Canadian Virtual Hospice: Caregiver Video Demonstrations www.virtualhospice.ca/gallery Ontario MedsCheck www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/ drugs/medscheck/medscheck_original. aspx

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS

Canada Pension Plan www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/cpp/ retirement/canadapension.shtml Employment Insurance (EI) Compassionate Care Benefits www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/ compassionate_care.shtml Veterans Affairs Canada www.vac.gc.ca/clients/ Ontario Disability Support Program Find out about income and employment services for people with disabilities.

Website: www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/ programs/social/odsp Phone: 1 888 789 4199 (toll-free)

Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible. — Tia Walker, Author Ontario Ministry of Education http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/ speced.html Ontario Seniors Secretariat.

Features practical resources for caregivers and information on tax credits and benefits. seniors.gov.on.ca Ontario Government Assistive Devices Program www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/ program/adp/adp_mn.html

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

MEDICAL CARE/SYSTEM

MEDICAL CARE/SYSTEM

GENERAL INFORMATION

LEARNING DISABILITIES

Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca Saint Elizabeth: Caring for Family www.saintelizabeth.com/family Health Gateway Find health information and support services for people living with chronic illnesses. www.healthgateway.ca Public Health Agency of Canada www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario www.ldao.ca Extend a Family www.extendafamily.ca

SENIORS CARE Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health www.ccsmh.ca Canadian Association of Gerontology www.cagacg.ca

Autism Ontario www.autismontario.com

Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging www.uwo.ca/actage

ABACUS www.abacuslist.ca

Seniors Health Research Transfer Network www.shrtn.on.ca

DOWN SYNDROME Down Syndrome Association of Toronto www.dsat.ca

DIABETES Canadian Diabetes Association www.diabetes.ca American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org/home.jsp

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Seniors’ Care : Home, Community and Residential Care Services for Seniors www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/ programs/ltc/

PALLIATIVE CARE Canadian Virtual Hospice www.virtualhospice.ca

Canadian Epilepsy Alliance www.epilepsymatters.com

Saint Elizabeth Health Care: Palliative Care www.saintelizabeth.com/Caringfor-Family/Caregiving-Information/ Caregivers-Palliative-Care-Guide.aspx

Epilepsy Ontario www.epilepsyontario.org

Changes Toolkit www.changestoolkit.ca

EPILEPSY

Epilepsy Support Centre www. epilepsysupport.ca Epilepsy Toronto www.epilepsytoronto.org

RESOURCES

CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

25

RESOURCES

MEDICAL CARE/SYSTEM CANCER Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca

Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation www. childhoodcancer.ca/

LEGAL

The Law Society of Upper Canada www.lsuc.on.ca/public/a/faqs---lawyerreferral-service/ Power of Attorney www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/ english/family/pgt/poakit.asp

WOUND CARE /CONTINENCE Canadian Association of Wound Care www.cawc.net/ Ostomy Wound Management www.o-wm.com

PEDIATRICS / MATERNAL NEWBORN About Kids Health www.aboutkidshealth.ca Holland Bloorview Kids’ Rehabilitation Hospital www.hollandbloorview. ca/ClientFamilyResources/ FamilyResourceCentre/MychildhasAtoZ

LUPUS AND JUVENILE LUPUS Lupus Ontario www.lupusontario.org/ Lupus Canada www.lupuscanada.org/english/living/ caregivers-professionals.html

MENTAL HEALTH Centre for Addiction and Mental Health www.camh.net Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care: Mental Health www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/ program/mentalhealth/mentalhealth_ mn.html Canadian Mental Health Association www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp

END-OF-LIFE CARE Canadian Virtual Hospice Information and support for living with life-limiting illness, end of life, loss and grief. www.virtualhospice.ca BestEndings Making it easier to talk about and plan for life’s end. www.bestendings.com Quality End-of-life Care Coalition A group of over 36 national organizations concerned about quality end-of-life care for all Canadians. www.qelccc.ca/

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Family Service Association of Toronto Provides social work services to older people and caregivers. Their work includes counselling, group work, advocacy, training and educational sessions on a variety of topics such as aging and memory loss, anger and guilt, how to access community resources, abuse of older adults, etc.

416-595-9618 www.fsatoronto.com/programs/seniors. html Caregiver Alliance of Simcoe County Exists to support informal caregivers and to promote the significance of their role and contribution to health care, social policy and society as a whole and provides a range of services 80 Bradford St. Unit 541, Barrie ON L4N 6S7 705-734-9690 Family Caregivers’ Support Network A service which aims to provide a coordinating body of caregiver services for the public and to use community input, to identify and fill areas of support identified by caregivers 1-888-283-8806 Maintains a peer support telephone line for caregivers of seniors which operates Tues/ Wed/Thurs 1-4 pm.

Alzheimer Society of Canada: Support With services right across Canada, the Alzheimer Society supports people with dementia, family members, caregivers, and health-care professionals. www.alzheimer.ca/en/We-can-help/Suppo rt?gclid=COuY2aKSjrYCFeyPPAodDiAAXA The Friends: Muskoka Parry Sound Caregivers’ Support Network 705-746-5102 info@thefriends.on.ca www.thefriends.on.ca

CANES Home Support Services, Caregiver Support 416-743-3892 ext. 243 canes@canes.on.ca www.canes.on.ca/services/caregiversupport-counselling Etobicoke Services for Seniors agency@ess.web.ca www.esssupportservices.ca Ontario Community Support Association ocsainfo@ocsa.on.ca www.ocsa.on.ca Community Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) A nationally-recognized organization that delivers a continuum of services to meet the changing needs of more than 5,500 York Region seniors and family caregivers each year.

905-713-6596 or 1-877-452-4287 www.chats.on.ca/ Care-Ring Voice Network A free, bilingual and confidential program that connects caregivers and families to information and support through the use of teleconferencing.

514-488-3673 ext.1556 www.careringvoice.com/contact.php

RESOURCES

CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

27

RESOURCES

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Canada Cares www.canadacares.org

The Family Caregiver Connection, Hamilton A group of caregivers who provide forums for educating and informing the community and caregivers about caregiving needs and issues; offer peer support in groups and via telephone, the computer or mail and pursue fund-raising opportunities to ensure the sustainability of ongoing activities. familycaregiverconnection@yahoo.com www.greaterhamiltonarea.com/ familycaregiverconnection/

Caring for Caregivers Resource Centre Search for caregiver support and support programs by province or territory. www.caringforcaregivers.ca

By Us For Us Guides Guides created by a group of talented and passionate persons with dementia and/or partners in care. www.marep.uwaterloo.ca/products/bufu. html

Ontario Caregiver Coalition.

Lists municipal, provincial, and federal resources for caregivers, as well as caregiver advocacy organizations. One example is advising people in Ontario to call “211,” which provides information about services in our region. www.ontariocaregivercoalition.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association Coping with Stress www.cmha.ca/data/1/rec_docs/403_ CMHA_coping_with_stress_EN.pdf

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

— Dalai Lama

Canadian Caregiver Coalition The Canadian Caregiver Coalition is the national body representing and promoting the voice, needs and interests of family caregivers with all levels of government, and the community through: Advocacy and leadership, Research and education and Information, communication and resource development. www.ccc-ccan.ca/index.php

I WILL

HEAR

BETTER

THIS

YEAR

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS!

CALL TODAY!

Book your no-obligation assessment of your hearing or hearing devices!

Yonge St & Lawrence Ave • 416.488.4422 Bayview Ave & Merton St • 416.482.4333 www.GlobalHearing.ca

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

The Caregiver Show is a special day to inform family caregivers about resource opportunities, a chance to get to know other family caregivers and to simply spend a unique day of rest and special relaxation.

For more resources and information about next year’s show visit www.caregivershow.ca

SPONSORS Metroland Media Toronto www.metroland.com About: Metroland is Ontario’s largest and most successful community newspaper publisher, providing local news and advertising media in Canada’s heartland.

Downsizing Diva www.downsizingdiva.com Phone: 1-866-836-6999 About: At Downsizing Diva, our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of Boomers and Seniors who are downsizing and moving.

Toronto East + North York: 416-757-0319 divas@downsizingdiva.com Toronto Southwest: 416-988-2963 Gerine@downsizingdiva.com Etobicoke + Caledon: 416-818-8249 Brenda@downsizingdiva.com Barrie + Simcoe County South: 647-524-1076 Laura@downsizingdiva.com Brampton + Mississauga North: 416-988-7222 Carol@downsizingdiva.com Burlington + Muskoka: 1-855-444-0719 Pauline@downsizingdiva.com Markham + Unionville + Stouffville: 905-604-0510 Shirley@downsizingdiva.com Newmarket + Aurora + King: 416-809-7679 Rosy@downsizingdiva.com Oakville + Mississauga South: 647-588-7131 Evelyn@downsizingdiva.com

Cannimed www.cannimed.ca About: Cannimed helps people with chronic and terminal illnesses improve their quality of life by providing Canadian patients with access to a standardized and trusted supply of pharmaceuticalgrade cannabis governed by Health Canada.

Giving Back

to the Community As a community-based media group reaching more than 900,000 households, we take seriously our responsibility to support community initiatives that help make Toronto a great place to live, work and play. We support a wide variety of causes including health care and research, social services, education, arts and culture, community festivals, the environment, youth initiatives, volunteerism and much more.

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CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

NOTES Please use these pages to take notes from the show. Perhaps they’re for a phone number or email of a new friend or connection, a new web resource, or ideas you’ve heard about today.

CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

31

NOTES Please use these pages to take notes from the show. Perhaps they’re for a phone number or email of a new friend or connection, a new web resource, or ideas you’ve heard about today.

Your life.

Your move.

The Diva can help you... downsize, de-clutter, organize, sell, donate, dispose, pack, move, unpack and settle into your new home.

We also help executors clear estates.

Call Gail Shields or Karen Shinn for your No-cost, In-Home Assessment!

416-757-0319

Downsizing + Moving Specialists for Seniors

Mention this Caregiver Show ad to receive a 10% discount on your first Diva work session!