Category: Independent Living
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The Delicate Balance Of Elder Care: Independence, Safety, And Quality Of Life
As we and our loved ones age, many families face a critical decision: whether to continue living at home or move to a long-term care facility. For adults from midlife onward, these choices carry lasting implications not only for safety and well-being but also for maintaining independence and enhancing quality of life. In a recent…
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The Hidden Strength Behind Senior Care: A Conversation With A Geriatrician
Caring for an aging loved one is a journey that combines challenges and beautiful moments. Whether you’re managing a loved one’s neurocognitive needs or helping them transition to long-term care, the role of a family caregiver is both deeply impactful and emotionally complex. In a recent discussion, Dr. Kevin sat down with Dr. Allison Nakanishi,…
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Using Public Funds To Manage Your Own Home Care In BC
Among the myriad options for British Columbians looking for home care, one lesser-known option is the ability to apply for government funding for private home care under the Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) program. This gives patients, and their families, the opportunity to manage their own home support services rather than relying on…
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The Myth Of Invincibility: Why Senior Men Need Care And Support
June is Men’s Health Month in Canada and it’s important to raise awareness of health issues that men face as they age. According to the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, over 70% of men in our country have unhealthy habits, and 80% are stressed. As a result, many are prone to chronic health conditions and a poor quality…
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Home Support Opportunities In BC
Community care – and especially care of the elderly – is a frequently neglected area of medicine. As a physician, I can recall the “hidden curriculum” of medical school that encouraged students to engage maximally in the exciting areas of acute care like surgery and intensive care. Compared to this, the daily work of caring…
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Confusing Costs Of Public Home Supports In BC
Canadians are justifiably proud to live in a country that believes in equality and in the value of a free and accessible health care system. Although this system is strained for capacity, we should still be proud of our goals and what we have achieved. Despite this, there are clearly some issues when it comes…
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Keeping Seniors Safe Shouldn’t Lead To Isolation And Loss Of Autonomy
In their 2018 book “The Coddling of the American Mind”, Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt coined the term “safetyism” to identify a cultural belief in which safety has become a sacred value. They describe a modern campus culture where young people are coddled and insulated, protected from people, ideas, and opinions that they deem “unsafe”.…
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Types Of Home Care Services You Can Get Through Gravitii
Gravitii requires all care providers to be registered and in good standing with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry (cachwr.bc.ca) or the Alberta Health Care Aide Directory. Health (Home) Care Aides, HCAs, learn various skills to provide quality care to clients in a home setting. These skills typically cover the supportive aspects of medical and…
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Homecare For Companionship: Reducing Social Isolation Among Seniors
It is well known that seniors, especially those dealing with chronic health conditions, are at a high risk of social isolation1. Research shows that around 30% of Canadian seniors are vulnerable to becoming socially isolated2. Those who experience isolation are more likely to suffer from negative health outcomes and a decreased quality of life3. Having…
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The Benefits Of In-Home Care For Independent Living Seniors
Canadians Choosing Independent Living As They Age Home is where the heart is, and as we age, maintaining our independent living becomes more important than ever. Many seniors wish to stay in their homes and enjoy the freedom of making their own choices. In fact, nearly 90% of Canadians prefer to “age in place”—meaning to…