Home Care Assistance Archive

by: Home Care Assistance, 10:00am June 15^th, 2018

What if you could have one little protein changed in one of your genes and no longer have to live with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease?

Is it really possible? Can it be true? There seems to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Researchers at the Gladstone Institute....Continue Reading

by: Tim Thomas, 10:00am June 15^th, 2018

Home Care Assistance is growing again! With our main office in Westmount and satellite offices in Pointe Claire and Laval, we are now launching our second storefront location in the new and modern Carre Lucerne shopping center near Decarie and highway 40 in the Town of Mount Royal....Continue Reading

by: Home Care Assistance, 10:00am May 10^th, 2018

Many people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can live at home for many years, especially in a household with support from family or private caregivers who can ensure their safety and take care of things like cooking and general household chores. Yet the behaviors that emerge when someone has dementia can frighten or...Continue Reading

by: Kim Isings, 10:00am May 10^th, 2018

In Quebec, once a bank or investment advisor is made aware of the incapacity of their client they stop honouring the Power of Attorney on file even if it has an incapacity clause. Read on to understand why and what to do about it...Continue Reading

by: Cheryl Pop, 10:00am March 19^th, 2018

We all want our loved ones to be safe as they age, especially if they live alone and are physically or mentally challenged in any way. But even if they are just “aging” and not as capable as they once were, there is cause for concern. At the same time, we want to respect their independence and their wishes which often run...Continue Reading

by: Corrina Masson, 10:00am March 20^th, 2018

Learning to cope with the changes that a loved one experiences following the diagnosis of dementia can be a major stressor. We learn to adapt to the new realities and to the day to day. A major area of change, can be the way in which one expresses intimacy and affection....Continue Reading

by: Gina Roberts, 10:00am February 15^th, 2018

Nearly 1 million Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the progressive neurological condition that destroys eats away at memories and other brain functions. And while its symptoms, like memory loss, all center in the brain, experts are beginning to look at how...Continue Reading

by: Maxine Silverman, 10:00am February 15^th, 2018

Winter months can be rough on most however, there are more risks this is particularly true for older adults given their fragility. With a decrease in sunlight and an increase in extreme cold weathers, older adults are more at risk for falls and...Continue Reading

by: HCA Montreal, 4:00pm January 15^th, 2018

Most people prefer to age in place. If you have a beautiful and gracious home that you love, why leave it? Yet common features in many homes - steep stairs, “classic” plumbing fixtures, even hardwood floors - can actually make life less comfortable, or sometimes even dangerous, as we get older...Continue Reading

by: HCA Montreal, 4:00pm January 15^th, 2018

Communicating effectively with a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging and difficult. As the disease progresses we need to expand our capabilities to meet our parent, partner, or friend exactly where they are in an appropriate and loving manner. A person with Alzheimer’s experiences good days...Continue Reading

by: HCA Montreal, 4:00pm December 15^th, 2017

This month, we take a moment to recognize a very special caregiver who, this September, celebrated one decade of service with Home Care Assistance. We want to say a special thank you to Effie Rodaros for her dedication, professionalism and the heartfelt work that she...Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, 4:00pm November 14^th, 2017

Falls are the leading cause of injuries and death in the elderly due to poor balance, decreased muscle mass and bone strength. These factors increase the risk of fractures, especially in the hip. This is why modifications in the home are so important...Continue Reading

by: Tim Thomas, 4:00pm October 18^th, 2017

The last thing that anyone wants to contemplate is the possible death of a loved one. It is no different for us at Home Care Assistance, especially when it comes...Continue Reading

by: Corrina Masson, 4:00pm September 18^th, 2017

On October 1st, we celebrate International Senior’s Day which is our opportunity to thank our parents and all seniors around us for their important contribution...Continue Reading

by: Corrina Masson, 4:00pm August 25^th, 2017

With August comes the end of the summer season and the beginning of the back to school rush. For some, this time is filled with excitement, but for many in the sandwich generation it can cause a great deal of stress. The term “sandwich generation”...Continue Reading

by: Home Care Assistance, 4:00pm May 25^th, 2017

All is well until something happens, and then what...You’ve been admitted to the hospital and you and your family find out, from your doctor, that you can no longer live at home alone. Life has put a little hurdle in your way and you don’t know what to...Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 3:00pm May 25^th, 2017

Having a loved one in the hospital can be extremely stressful, but that stress gets amplified once they have been discharged. We are, of course, happy that our parent is returning home but it also raises many questions. Who will be there when Mom gets...Continue Reading

by: Sandra Daoust, 2:00pm April 20^th, 2017

Most of us have our eyes checked on a regular basis and aren’t too bothered by the idea of wearing glasses. Why is it, then, that we have such a negative view of hearing loss and hearing aids? They are both sensory deficits, but one is much more easily accepted than the other. And it’s not because hearing...Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm April 20^th, 2017

We hear it all all the time, “I can hear fine, if only people stopped mumbling”, or “I don’t need a hearing aid, I can hear well enough to cope” or “they are so uncomfortable and look terrible”. Most people who have had difficulty hearing, and finally get tested, have probably had an...Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm March 21^st, 2017

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic common gastrointestinal disorder that involves mostly the large intestine. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by a miscommunication between the brain and the gut, as well as gut sensitivity, and changes to the intestinal flora. Although IBS can be embarrassing and...Continue Reading

by: Mélanie Doré, President of Agence d’Hébergement Doré, 3:00pm March 22^th, 2017

Your father has been hospitalized or lives at home and is affected by a cognitive decline. The doctor has just announced that he will be declared inapt, because he can no longer take care of him or manage his daily life...Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm January 13^th, 2017

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.”...Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm November 17^th, 2016

Most men are not aware of what the prostate is, or what it does, until they experience problems. The prostate is a small gland that is part of the reproduction system, it is the size of a walnut, and it sits under the bladder but in front of the rectum. As well, it envelops the urethra, which is the tube that passes out of the bladder...Continue Reading

Dr. Marilyn Fitzpatrick, Partner at Medipsy Psychological Services, 1:00pm November 17^th, 2016

I used to have the memory of an elephant. I remembered the names of people I met at parties and things I had to get done by Tuesday at noon. These days, I go through a fair size package of post-it notes to get through the month. As we age, we often have more difficulty remembering things the way we used to when we were.....Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm October 17^th, 2016

Seniors, aged 65 or older, as the largest consumers of medications and often take multiple types. Proper medication management and preventing possible adverse side effects, is critical when caring for the elderly. Unfortunately, because of the large volume of medications prescribed by physicians combined with the use of other supplements and vitamins, overmedication and drug interactions are common.....Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 3:00pm October 17^th, 2016

Fall is a beautiful time of year with the colorful leaves, crisp air and pumpkin patches popping up in towns near and far. Even when the weather starts to get colder, there are plenty of activities that people of all ages can enjoy.....Continue Reading

Vignon Guézo, Chief of the kinesiologist association at Physio Extra, 1:00pm October 17^th, 2016

Physical exercise provides many benefits, such as the reduction of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, depression and more. According to the World Health organisation, in order to regain an active lifestyle, it is recommended to engage in physical activity,....Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 1:00pm September 16^th, 2016

When the time has come to consider hiring a home care agency to support a senior loved one, it is critical to know the level of management the agency will provide. The greatest benefit of hiring an agency is that their operations include the necessary management of personnel and associated bookkeeping and tax considerations....Continue Reading

by: Martin-Guy Bernier, Investment Advisor at Desjardins Securities, 1:00pm September 16^th, 2016

I was asked to write a short financial article that would be of interest to pensioners and the elderly. The first idea that crossed my mind was to discuss the effect of low interest rates on risk-free investments, a subject which immediately struck me as very relevant...Continue Reading

by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 1:00pm August 16^th, 2016

Depression can be confused and misinterpreted for other illnesses, and sometimes the incorrect medications are used as treatment. Older people are at risk for depression and a misdiagnosis can occur due to the fact that the elderly already have other medical illnesses, and display symptoms that can be common to other diseases. As well, many seniors view depression as a...Continue Reading

by: Jessica Smith, Family Care Coordinator at Y des Femmes, 1:00pm August 16^th, 2016

A family caregiver is any family member, partner or friend who, regularly and without pay, provides support or care to an elderly person who has a significant or persistent health problem or loss of autonomy. Often this role is taken on naturally and most family caregivers do not consider themselves as such. They consider that the regular care they provide to the elderly person is part of their role as ...Continue Reading

By Madame Wouf Wouf, 11:00am July 15^th, 2016

How can you resist a kitten’s cute face, a dog’s friendship, the softness of a rabbit’s fur or the silliness of a ferret? Where does the inner peace from the “magic “ of bonding with an animal come from? The answer is simple: animals do not judge! This is the basis of zootherapy...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 11:00am July 11^th, 2016

Heat stroke is one of the summer’s most common illnesses. Hot weather can be very dangerous, and the elderly are especially prone to the perils of heat exhaustion. People 65 years and over do not adapt as well to heat and sudden body temperature fluctuations as their younger counterparts. The ability to notice changes in body temperature also decreases with age. Medica ....Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 11:00am June 27^th, 2016

A stroke is an “ischemic” episode, where there is a sudden disruption or loss of blood supply to a part of the brain. Strokes are usually hemorrhagic or non-hemorrhagic / ischemic. This results in an interruption of blood supply to the brain, therefore causing temporary or permanent loss of thought, movement, speech, memory and sensation. This alters the person’s ability....Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm May 12^th, 2016

Sight is one of the senses that people depend on for information about their environment. Ninety percent of information reaches the brain through the eyes. Age-related changes are serious and develop gradually in the elderly. Visual disorders cause serious problems in every aspect of a senior’s life, and anxiety is usually the predominant symptom....Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm April 10^th, 2016

Oral care is critical to physical and psychological well-being, no matter how old a person gets. When our mouth, teeth and dentures are healthy, we can eat all the foods necessary for proper health and nutrition. As well, oral health affects everyday life through talking, laughing, smiling, social interaction and self image....Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 9:00am March 15^th, 2016

No one wants to talk about it, but constipation is one of the most frequent complaints among seniors. Daily elimination, which should be a painless process, is considered a sign of good health. Constipation, by definition, is “a condition where there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, and is usually associated with hardened feces”...Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance, 9:00am March 16^th, 2016

This dish can be served with steamed broccoli or spinach and brown rice. It serves one and is pretty quick to pull together and packed with flavour.Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 3:00pm February 16^th, 2016

Exercise plays a crucial role in the aging process. Evidence now supports the role that exercise plays in both our physical and mental health. Moderate exercise such as walking, low impact weight bearing exercises, tai chi, and flexibility fitness give seniors a sense of calmness, as well as physical and psychological wellness...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 4:00pm January 8^th, 2016

Urinary tract infections are very common in the elderly and especially in women. Because of the female anatomy, and their short urethra, females are more vulnerable. In the elderly, a sudden change in behaviour is the best indicator...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm December 2^th, 2015

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone needs and deserves a break. The holidays are a special time for families and friends to come together and celebrate lifelong traditions. However, if you’re currently caring for an aging loved one....Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm October 26^th, 2015

It is evident that people are living much longer than they used to. The task of analyzing the physiological, and the behavioural needs of those requiring home care can be complex to friends and family. Everyone involved bears a responsibility and concern that the clients....Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 3:30pm September 22^th, 2015

Our exclusive Balanced Care Method (BCM) is scientifically based on the world’s healthiest living population, the elders in Okinawa, a region in Japan where life spans over 100 years are not unusual....Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 3:30pm August 12^th, 2015

When a person becomes ill or elderly, their requirement for hygiene increases. However, their ability to maintain and execute proper hygiene may decrease or cease. As caregivers...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 1:30pm July 9^th, 2015

Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the alveolar spaces of the lungs. It causes the alveoli in the lungs to fill with infective exudate, and secretions. There are many different kinds of pneumonia. The elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 1:30pm June 12^th, 2015

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful and effectively kill cancer cells. At the same time, they harm and kill healthy cells as well. There are multiple chemotherapy drugs, that, depending on the dosages and the treatment, have varying side effects. Since cancer increases with age...Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance, 4:30pm June 2^nd, 2015

Most of us think of home as a safe haven -the place we feel most comfortable and at ease. For the person with dementia, though, the home can pose several hidden hazards. You can help your loved one avoid falls by...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 1:30pm May 13^th, 2015

Human beings have a unique asset and that is the ability to rationalize and have free choice. We have the gift of choice, to choose our individual quality of life and as well, of how we are going to die. Palliative care represents the enhancement of quality of life, retainment of dignity, and...Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 11:00am April 15^th, 2015

We're pleased to be a part of the upcoming End of Life Choices Conference organized by Senior's Action Quebec. We'll exhibiting at the show, discussing our services, which include hourly home care, live-in care and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method. The full agenda is included.Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 11:00am March 25th, 2015

Dementia is a progressive loss of mental functioning, leading to memory loss, loss of judgment, loss of personality, physical decline, and decreased or no reasoning...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm March 9th, 2015

Documentation or charting, the wheel of communication, allows caregivers to communicate honestly and objectively about the care they have provided. Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance, 2:00pm February 19th, 2015

Nothing is more comforting than an old-fashioned pot roast. While this dish does take time to cook it is easy to prepare...Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 12:00pm February 6th, 2015

February and Valentines Day in particular gives us the opportunity to tell people how much we love and care about them. At Home Care Assistance, we, as caregivers, are proud to play many rolls in providing comfort, security, and fulfilling the needs of our senior clients and their families. Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 11:00am January 30th, 2015

For seniors to live a full and natural life, it is crucial that they prevent falls and avoid accidents by making the home as safe as possible. It is important to be aware that falls, fires and car accidents are the three leading causes of accidental injury and death among seniors. Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 3:00pm January 22nd, 2015

Results of a recent long-term research studies have pointed to a number of nutrients that many seniors lack, but are especially valuable for senior living. Here are seven "super foods" that are loaded with these essential nutrients. Some of the foods on this list may even surprise you. Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 10:00am January 14th, 2015

Most people who are currently providing live-in care for a parent or relative did not expect to become caregivers. Several would probably even have denied it was possible that it could happen to them. Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 12:00pm January 6th, 2015

We can all fall, however the fall of a senior can have a more devastating impact. Statistically, one in three seniors over the age of 65 falls at least once a year. Women are three times more likely to be hospitalized than men for fall injuries. Men are more likely to die from the injuries. Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 10:00am January 2nd, 2015

NO two home bound seniors are exactly alike. Each person presents a unique set of challenges and issues. However, there are a few problem areas that are common. This post will looks at a few of these challenges and offers suggestions for working in a positive ways toward the resolution of the problem. Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 12:00pm December 29th, 2014

Activities for home bound individuals will vary widely depending on their interests, physical abilities and cognitive abilities. They can be for entertainment purposes only, or they can have a utilitarian function, such as caring for oneself or helping...Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 12:00pm December 24th, 2014

The need for live-in home care starts in one of three ways. It can begin as the result of a sudden illness or injury. It can begin as one of many stages in a chronic disease process. Or it can start as the result of frailties developed over the course of a long life. Continue Reading

By Sandra Daoust, 3:00pm December 22st, 2014

This quick and easy recipe is chock full of anti-inflammatory foods that counteract the chronic inflammation that causes many serious age-related illnesses including heart disease...Continue Reading

By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 3:00pm December 18st, 2014

Live in home care encompasses the physical psychological, social and spiritual care provided to a person (usually a senior) who is largely or totally confined to their home, wheelchair or bed as a result of age, illness or injury. Continue Reading

By Tim Thomas, 5:00pm December 16st, 2014

When you think about a secret second career, you might imagine working parents who are juggling the demands of their children. What you might not realize is that many employees have a different type of second career. Continue Reading

By Maria Licoudis, 12:00pm December 1st, 2014

Bedsores or ulcers are injuries to the patients' skin from prolonged pressure on a particular area. It is caused most often on skin where bony areas are more prominent. Tail bone or coccyx, heels, shoulders, ankles, ears, knees, and elbows are frequently bedsore-prone. Continue Reading

By Timothy Thomas, 3:00pm December 1st, 2014

These muffins are packed with grains and zucchini and are high in fiber, which is a satisfying way to start the day. They freeze beautifully and make for an easy breakfast or nutrient-rich afternoon snack. Continue Reading

By Timothy Thomas, 2:00pm November 28th, 2014

At Home Care Assistance Montreal, we know that the most personal questions are typically the most difficult to ask, especially when it comes to the health care needs of a senior. An advanced directive usually falls into this category. Continue Reading