With what we hope is the last of winter, behind us, and the warmer spring days on the way in this month’s blog we ask the question “Are you ready for spring cleaning?” and give tips and tricks to work your way through the ups and downs of cleaning and decluttering your home this spring.

Little Steps Win the Race

Sometimes when looking at the road ahead spring cleaning can be a daunting task. There are windows to clean walls to scrub, shelves to dust, and not to mention all the paperwork we pile on our desks. It is best to try and look at the major spring clean as a series of small tasks.

Not sure where to start? One cloth in front of the other, or top to bottom, working your way through the hardly used areas and moving on to places you spend the most time. The important thing to remember spring cleaning does not need to be done in one day.

Leave the heavy lifting to some else

Like most of us, you may want to move bedroom furniture or change up how the couch is in the living room. Though it may have seemed manageable by yourself in the past it is best to ask a friend or loved one for help. Often times we can forget how heavy an item is and moving it can result in injury.

It is important to stay safe while spring cleaning to prevent any major injuries. Ask a friend or family member to help move those hard-to-maneuver objects or hire a professional who will come and clean and move furniture.

Ding! Ding! Don’t forget the detectors.

With daylight savings time coming up on Sunday, March 12th many use this as a reminder to change, test, clean, and update any smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. 

These often-forgotten items in homes help keep you and your family safe. Like moving heavy objects often these detectors are often in hard-to-reach areas. Do not hesitate to ask a neighbor or friend to help change batteries and inspect detectors around the home.

Get Rid of Clutter

We are all guilty of having those dump rooms or junk drawers or maybe a closet that is full of clothes that no longer fit or have not been worn in a while. Though the items found in these areas of the home may hold some value it is important to keep control of the number of things we hold onto.  It may not seem to be a nuisance, however some items in these piles can become overwhelming and become fall and or fire risks limiting the space one can move around in one’s home.  Not to mention the possible risk of hygiene and health issues when these piles make it difficult to clean in and around common rooms.

Studies have shown that tackling and organizing these areas in our homes have proven to help, regulate emotions, improve focus, and create a sense of balance and control of our lives.

Included in Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Retirement Home’s all-inclusive pricing are many helpful services which help our residents feel at home in the Ottawa Valley. With laundry and light housekeeping, our residents no longer have to worry about the day-to-day stresses of keeping a home clean. Along with those services our lowest in the Valley all-inclusive pricings also includes nutritious meals, a full activities calendar, help with medications and the security of knowing help is there when you need it.

If you or someone you know is interested in knowing more about Carefor Retirement Living please contact us at 613-732-9993 ext. 3223

For 126 years Carefor has existed largely due to the passion, commitment and skill of women who have seen the need for quality home and community care in their communities and taken it upon themselves to provide it. They have given so much of themselves for others, and in so doing have helped inspire generations of girls and women to seek a path for themselves while helping others.

This International Women’s Day we spoke with the longest-serving staff in each of our three regions about why they joined Carefor (then VON), why they’ve stayed and how their jobs have changed through the years.

OTTAWA: Grace Carpenter, Registered Nurse, 36.75 years

When Grace Carpenter started as an RN at Carefor nearly 37 years ago it was a very different place. So different in fact that it wasn’t even Carefor; it was the Victorian Order of Nurses. More than Carefor being different, providing in-home nursing was especially so: “All the things we have now we take for granted,” she says. “We didn’t have cell phones. We’d have to go into the office two times a week to plan the week with all the other nurses. I’d spend forever on the phone…When I was at a client’s house, I’d borrow their phone to call my next client. It’s just the way it was.”

She moved to Ottawa from New Brunswick after university, starting at the Civic Hospital in 1986. “I couldn’t stand it,” she remembers. “I hated the 12-hour shifts, the shift work and working nights…I was new and low on the totem pole. I saw myself having to be there for many years so knew I had to go.” While studying nursing in New Brunswick she did a placement with VON and really enjoyed home care so after a year at the Civic made the switch and hasn’t looked back.

When asked what has kept her working in home care with Carefor for nearly 37 years, she says, “I love my clients. When you visit a client, you’re all theirs…My supervisors are wonderful. There’s ongoing training and support. I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to learn. They build their training into our work so we can be better and more proficient in our field.” She also speaks about the flexibility her work has afforded her in raising her young family going from fulltime to parttime to casual back to parttime.

Today she’s part of the South-East nursing team but remembers driving her old VON car through North Vanier having to pull a muffler off on the streets of Rockcliffe. “It wasn’t great branding with the VON logo on the site,” she laughs and remembers how nurses had a fleet of cars and a mechanic on staff to keep them on the road. While much has changed, her spirit for providing care to her community’s vulnerable in their homes has remained constant.

PEMBROKE-RENFREW COUNTY: Angela Mulligan, Supervisor, Dietary Services, 23.75 years

As one of Carefor Pembroke-Renfrew County’s longest-standing employees, Angela Mulligan has seen so much and has been part of so many residents’ lives. “I remember the day I applied over 20 years ago I walked my way to the Civic Complex retirement home and handed in my resume to Mary McBride and I remember leaving thinking ‘just give me an interview’ and within a week I was hired. I had been working at a local convince store and raising my daughter. I needed a change to better support my young family so applied to Carefor”.

Having started as a dietary team member Angie was able to apply and get the position of cook giving her more hours, which led to the position she has had for eight years as the Supervisor of Dietary Services running both dietary teams at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Centre.

When asked about the impact her job has on residents, she responds, “I think of the team mentality we all have here working at Carefor. For example, we all had to shuffle from Civic to Mackay Centre and a couple of other hotels when we had a fire at the Civic Complex. Every single staff member put in the extra time and effort to keep the resident’s spirits up and make sure they continued to live their best lives. It’s moments like those that make you feel grateful that you are part of a team that cares so much. Even seeing the dietary teams setting the tables specifically for each individual resident is something that shows how much our staff cares about the residents.”

Having been part of the Dietary team for over twenty years Angie has seen and helped many of the incredible and resilient residents that call Carefor Home.

EASTERN COUNTIES: Caroline Rooney, Supervisor, Nor-Dun Seniors Support Centre, 29.25 years

Caroline Rooney’s career at Carefor started over 29 years ago while she was a volunteer for VON’s Meals on Wheels committee. She remembers, “When the opportunity came up to work for VON, I opted to apply for the job. My mom had been a nurse so it was pretty special that I had the opportunity where I could work for an organization of nurses. At the time it was a part-time secretarial and part-time cleaning out the building because there wasn’t enough for full-time hours, so it was a combination of both roles.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my years with Carefor and learning the many aspects of the various jobs. I was very proud to be part of an organization that had such a wide range of services to offer clients.”

Caroline says that her favourite part of working with Carefor has been the opportunity to meet with clients, caregivers, and families, and often seeing them through till they’re moving to retirement or long-term care. “You see firsthand the whole continuum of care and being able to help them from the beginning to end for what we’re able to offer them for programs and services.”

Over the years, she has changed positions at the Carefor Nor-Dun Centre as they came available. “I started as a cleaner and secretary, and eventually over time moved into a supervisor position. Although the role came with more responsibility, Carefor supported me along the way with different training opportunities. I work with a very supportive management and site-level team, and really embraced being part of an ever-evolving team approach.”

 

 

 

 

Having a healthy diet and cooking healthy and affordable food during these winter months can be a challenge for seniors living in the Ottawa Valley. With the snowy weather pounding on into February you can feel lost not knowing where to get nutritious meals or not wanting to go that extra mile and cook a full meal when you are alone or living with your partner.

Here are some tips on keeping meals easy in the winter months.

Eat the Rainbow

Try to eat lots of colors and make your meals appealing. Try substituting regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, or mini baby potatoes. Trying red or green onions instead yellow onions. Add spinach to your cream sauces. Just make sure you are keeping overall nutrition in mind.  

Keep it Fun

Go on a culinary adventure and travel the world in your kitchen. With YouTube videos, food blogs, and the food network at your disposal, dig in and try new recipes from Europe, Asia or South America. Many of these recipes are nutrient-dense and full of flavors. You never know you might just find your new favorite food.

Go to Flavor Town

Many seniors find they lose their sense of taste later in life, so pump up the seasoning without adding more salt. Try cooking with lots of herbs and spices, as well as try avoiding salt or use low-sodium spice blends.

Healthy Eating at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Center and the Ottawa Valley

Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County has many healthy meal options for local seniors and seniors living at Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Centre. While living at Carefor retirement homes our residents are treated to an all-inclusive meal program that features nutritious options for each meal three times a day. Set in a communal dining hall where many social connections have been made and are also encouraged.

Try our Frozen meal program today

During the pandemic, Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County partnered with local producer Griffith Farms providing frozen meals to often isolated seniors in the Ottawa Valley. With over a dozen nutritious meal options to choose from as well as soups and desserts, it is quick and convenient for meals to be ordered and enjoyed by members of our beautiful community.

To order frozen meals visit our website at https://carefor.ca/services/frozen-meals-program 

Meal Planning Made Easy With Epicure 

Carefor Health & Community Services is excited to partner with Stephanie from Epicure just in time for spring madness. At the end of February, Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County will be fundraising with Epicure and selling their convenient Weeknight Dinners Kits with proceeds going to help local seniors in our area. These Dinner Kits include five easy meal solutions for even the pickiest of eaters. As an affordable option, try some healthy and adventurous meals including Taco Seasoning, Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Seasoning, Pulled Chicken Seasoning, Crispy and Crunchy Coating Mix, Mac and Cheese Seasoning, and (the best part) Chocolate Pudding Mix. With pick-up available for the week before March Break this kit makes for a great way to meal plan and get the family in the kitchen during March Break.

Epicure Products are:

• Gluten Free
• Nut Free (excludes coconut)
• Free of Corn syrup and hydrogenated Fat
• Free of artificial colors sweeteners and preservatives
• Sugar and sodium conscious
• Made from ethically sourced ingredients
• 90% Non-GMO-Project verified
• 80% Vegan

To order this kit click here or

Contact Andrew at achenard@carefor.ca or 1 (833) 922-2734 x 3237

Finding love can seem daunting, filled with the highest of highs and lowest of lows. On top of that looking for love in later years of one’s life can add even more pressure. Often, we can find ourselves being less social as we age, looking for that one person for companionship.

Although dating methods have changed and can be seen as a younger person’s space with the ever-growing list of apps, websites, and other dating methods, it is still anyone’s game. Studies on marriages in Canada have shown that individuals in the 60-65 age gap have become the largest group of people getting married. Below are some examples of ways to meet that special someone or find that sense of community we all crave as we live on through the later years of our lives. 

Rekindle Old Flames.

Sometimes reconnecting with old friends and getting together socially is the best way to meet new people. The methods of dating may have changed but often it’s our friends that we trust the most. You never know, your high school friend may know the perfect person for you. Worst case scenario you reconnect and get to spend time with old friends.

No Pressure… Slow and Steady

Don’t put too much pressure on any new budding relationships. Often, we can feel we are running out of time to find that one person. Many people later in life have become set in their way and may need the time to slowly let others in and share their lives. Take the time to get to know each other and remember that this time in your life should be spent getting out there and meeting new people while enjoying every moment.

Try Groups

Put yourself out there. Many small communities in the Ottawa Valley have various seniors clubs that offer classes in quilting, photography, cooking or outings. Many seniors join these clubs to meet, mingle and make new friends. The worst that can happen is you leave with a new blanket, photo album, or a new set of recipes to try on your friends and family.

Find a Sense of Community At Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County

Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Center residences are not only safe places for seniors to call home but are also great places to find that sense of community that brings joy into our lives. Residents at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Centre are treated to full monthly calendars with activities designed to foster a sense of community, allowing seniors to meet each other tell stories, and participate in both physical and creative activities.

What’s more, as Carefor Civic and Mackay are the most affordable retirement homes in the Ottawa Valley you’ll have some extra money for those outings with friends, or that special someone. To find out more about safe affordable Retirement Living at Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County click here. https://carefor.ca/services/retirement-living 

I’ve been a physiotherapist for nearly 30 years now. For the first 16 years I worked in private practice treating people dealing with a variety of challenges including those who had been in car accidents, work accidents and people dealing with chronic pain as well as supporting “weekend warriors”.

After that, I spent a few years exploring running my own practice and doing contract work. While I enjoyed the challenge of building up a business and being my own boss, I found it wasn’t as rewarding as I’d hoped.

Then I found home care and Carefor. I stumbled into it, really. My personal circumstances required a steady paycheque and steady hours at the time and Carefor offered those.  I really didn’t know anything about homecare or Carefor.  I soon realized that both were a good fit for me and over the last seven years I’ve seen that Carefor is a people first organization looking to grow through taking care of its people.

Switching to homecare from private practice was a tremendous learning opportunity.  Our clients have a remarkable breadth of conditions that they are managing, so we need a broad base of knowledge to be able to help them. Beyond that, Carefor supported staff development by providing on the job time to be mentored by other staff or providing time for staff to meet to discuss some of the challenging situations our clients faced.

Our Allied Health team (which physiotherapists are a part of) has almost doubled since I first began to work for Carefor.  It became clear that having a team member dedicated to supporting staff in keeping up to date and adopting best practices was needed, so the Professional Practice Lead (PPL) position for the Allied Health Team was created.  I applied and was selected.

While the position was created to support our team in applying best practices, the role goes beyond that. The PPL also gets to support the staff in pursuing their own professional development goals as well as playing a role in re-thinking how we meet the healthcare needs of our clients in the changing landscape of home and community care in Ontario.

The provision of healthcare in Ontario has suffered through the years through “silo-ing” of supports.  This can be felt acutely in the homecare sector.  I would love to play a role in connecting people and by connecting people, connecting those silos. Jovie Velasco, the PPL for Nursing, and I hope we are that link at Carefor. Through initiatives like interdisciplinary Best Practice groups and Carefor Rounds we can begin to strengthen the connections in the team.  If we have a stronger team, we’ll have better communication within the team and provide better care to our clients.

Taking on the role of PPL within a compassionately run organization has been a revitalizing time for my career.  Just like many other healthcare providers, I found the early days of the pandemic to be a tremendous challenge.   Stepping into this role where I am supporting other healthcare providers and influencing improvements within the organization has re-energized me.  I am no longer counting the years to retirement.

You have worked hard for your money and want to keep it safe. Unfortunately, there are people who want to part you from it and are using new and advanced ways of doing so.

You’ve likely received emails, text messages or phone calls from people or companies pretending to be someone or something they’re not. Often charlatans are easy to spot but there are those who are very skilled at separating you from your money.

Here are some things to consider when receiving an email, text or phone call:

1. Does it evoke emotion? If an email, text or phone call makes you panic it’s likely malicious. Cyber-criminals use fear to get you to take an action, like clicking on a link or opening an attachment. Beware of people creating a sense of urgency or making your feel threatened. They’re trying to get you to act before you think.
2. Is it money related? Is the message saying you owe money to the gas company, CRA, etc? Often scams involve either threats to the money you do have or provide you opportunities to save a lot of money on things you might want. Remember that if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
3. Is it romance related? Sometimes cyber-criminals will prey upon elderly people’s loneliness. Has a message come from out of the blue? Be cautious. These criminals can try and get you to transfer or launder money by offering promises of love.
4. Is the contact information correct? There’s a technique cyber-criminals use call “spear phishing” where they send you an email making it seem like it’s from someone you know. Check the email address? Is it correct? If it seems suspicious, call the person or company to confirm.
5. Trust your gut. If it seems suspicious it often is. Things that are too good to be true, major problems that come out of the blue, these are all ways cyber-criminals get you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
6. Stay informed. Cyber-criminals are always looking for new ways to cheat people out of their money so remember to stay vigilant and to stay up to date on the latest scam trends.

Unfortunately, seniors are often the target of cyber-criminal activity. Using these techniques as well as those found here can help protect you.

Many seniors think, “Who’d want to steal my information?” but there are those out there who do. Elderly people are unfortunately targeted so require extra thought and care to protect themselves, even in a place as friendly as Eastern Ontario. Whether you are receiving home care in Ottawa, community support services in Eastern Counties or living in one of our retirement homes in Pembroke, we want you to be safe.

Don’t be afraid, just smart and cautious as you’ll be surfing safely for years to come.

If you’ve lived in Eastern Ontario for a while, you know that winter comes with its challenges, the main one being how to stay warm. And with the cost of heating going up, how do you do it while not breaking the bank? .

Here are some quick ways we can stay warm through the winter while saving money:

1. Close your curtains. Heat often leaves through windows. Keeping curtains closed, especially at night helps keep heat in.
2. Don’t sacrifice food. Food not only keeps you healthy, it also keeps you warm. Eating less means less body fat which is important in keeping you warm.
3. Close off what you’re not using. Keep doors shut to rooms, seal windows and place towels under doors to keep the warm air where you need it.
4. Change or clean your furnace filter. Make sure the warm air can flow easily and isn’t making your furnace work harder.
5. Add more insulation. If you can afford it, increasing your insulation in your attic or basement can pay off.
6. Adjust your thermostat. A good rule is 17°C when you’re sleeping or not at home and 20°C when you’re home and awake.
7. Decorate for warmth. Make sure your furniture or a rug aren’t blocking vents.
8. Bundle up. We’ve likely said, “Put a sweater on” to our kids when they complained about the cold. Dressing in layers and keeping a blanket handy is a cheap and easy way to stay warm.
9. Check for spaces around windows and doors. Put your hand there. You’ll feel the cold coming in. If you feel anything, use sealant or weather stripping.

 

Another way you can deal with winter on a budget is to winter at Carefor Civic and Mackay Retirement Homes. Located in Pembroke, Civic and Mackay offer winter stays for people who are looking for a break from winter responsibilities.

Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Centre are the two most affordable retirement homes in the Ottawa Valley with all-inclusive pricing. What’s more, a community awaits. With friendly and professional staff ready to make you feel welcome and a group of seniors looking to make friends, Carefor Civic and Mackay are terrific options for someone looking to winter their worries away. Or to stay longer.

If you’d like to know more, visit www.carefor.ca/retirement or call us at (613) 732-9993

 

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/spotlight-energy-efficiency/2020/11/05/winter-coming-top-tips-heat-your-home-for-less/23141 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults 

The end of the year means many things to all of us. Often, we think of time spent with family and friends celebrating the season or thinking of the year that’s been. What the end of the year is also, is a time to start thinking about the upcoming tax season. 

While the 2023 tax deadline isn’t until the end of April, the deadline for donations is on December 31st of this year, which makes it a busy time for donors to get those last-minute donations in. For some it’s an annual tradition; for others it may be the first time. Let’s look at some tips and tricks to help you leverage charitable giving to reduce your taxes.

1. Are you a first-time donor? If so, a first-time donor super credit is available to you. It provides an additional 25% credit on donations up to $1000. You are considered a first-time donor if you have not claimed the Charitable Donation Tax Credit (CDTC) in the past five tax years.
2. Do you and your spouse share a bank account from which you make donations? You can give up to $200 to receive the credit at the lowest tax rate. Donations higher than $200 have the credit calculated at a higher rate.
3. Do you have stocks? When you dispose of shares, you’re usually taxed at the capital gains rate. For example, if you purchased shares for $80 and sold them for $100, you have a capital gain of $20 and pay tax on 50% of that, or $10. But if you donate these shares to a charity, there may be an inclusion rate of 0% if you didn’t receive an advantage for the gift. It may be better to donate your investments directly than sell them to donate the cash, to avoid paying tax on the capital gain. 

If you already have a charity that you give to at the end of the year, that’s great. They’re lucky to have you. Carefor is grateful to those who donate to us, whether one-time, annually or monthly.

 

Donating to Carefor benefits both you the donor and Carefor the charity.  Any cash donation to Carefor received this year and before December 31, 2022, means you may receive as much as 53% back through charity tax deductions. 

For even more impact on your tax savings, stocks, and other publicly traded securities such as mutual funds and bonds may also be donated to Carefor.  This allows you to eliminate the capital gains tax and still receive a tax receipt for the fair market value (this is calculated the day it is received by our broker so a few weeks before the end of December is best).

Of course, we don’t always have a lot of disposable income in December which is why we encourage our wonderful donors to spread out their donations over the year through our monthly giving program.  If you were to donate $100 per month (as an Ontario resident) then your tax credit eligibility is $441.70.

While donations to Carefor can benefit you, the end goal is to benefit seniors and people living with disabilities lead better lives. Donations to Carefor can help significantly with training for our homecare staff; subsidies for seniors who can’t afford some programs and services such as transportation and adult day programs for people with dementia; making sure low-income seniors have housing they can afford; and providing meals to isolated seniors.

We encourage you to speak with your financial planner to find out what is best for you and your family. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Carefor.

 

Disclaimer: This was written as a general article, percentages and tax credit eligibility may differ depending on different financial situations and household income.

A dementia diagnosis can be an extremely emotional time for any family. You may feel relieved in finally receiving a diagnosis to explain recent changes you had been seeing in yourself or a loved one. Alternatively, you may be feeling anxious and scared for what the future now holds. Knowing where to turn for advice and being able to formulate a plan for your next steps can help you feel supported and not alone.

The first and most important step has already been made for you: receiving a diagnosis. Whether you were expecting it or not, the news will likely be upsetting and you may experience a range of different emotions in the days and weeks following the diagnosis. We hope that the information below will help you focus on tangible things you can do to ease your anxieties.

Learn more about dementia

Educating yourself about the progression of dementia and how it will affect your loved one’s actions and behaviour will help you create a care plan that preserves their independence and dignity. You can connect with organizations, such as the Alzheimer Society of Canada or The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, to access useful resources and learn more. Share this information with your friends and family members, and other people close to your loved one, to help them better understand the situation.

Explore treatment options

Sadly, there is no current cure for dementia. However, there are medications that can help to slow the effects of this debilitating disease. Discuss treatment options with your loved one’s doctor to learn about the risks and benefits of different medications.

Understand that caregiving can affect your own health

There is such a thing as ‘caregiver stress’, which can affect you both mentally and physically. Recognizing the signs of caregiver stress and taking steps to minimize them ensures that both you and your loved one are well taken care of. Taking advantage of community programs that can support you and provide relief from your caregiving duties can be hugely helpful.

In Ottawa, our day programs and the Respite House offer people living with dementia the chance to get out of the house and connect with other people – to dance, bake and share a laugh. These programs are a great way to reduce caregiver stress by giving you respite.

Reach out to organizations that can help you

Organizations, such as Carefor, can provide assistance to those living with dementia and their caregivers. Our Adult Day Programs offer clients with dementia a chance to enjoy activities designed to enhance their well-being in a safe and supportive setting, while providing respite and support for care partners. Our Personal Support Services also provide help to clients in their own homes with tasks such as personal care, feeding assistance and grooming and dressing. You can find a selection of caregiver resources on our website here: https://carefor.ca/services/care-partner-resources

Build a support network

Becoming a caregiver for someone living with dementia can often feel very isolating. Forming a support network that you can rely on will help to combat this and stop you from feeling so alone. In addition to supportive friends and family members, connecting with dementia support groups or community organizations can provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings.

Plan for the future

Discuss and document plans for the future with your loved one and involve them in all decision-making processes. These could include their wishes for future healthcare and decisions about financial issues, such as legal or estate issues. Help your loved one identify someone who can make financial, legal, and medical decisions on their behalf when they are no longer able to.

If you are no longer able to care for your loved one living with dementia at home, you may need to make considerations for long-term care. Our Richmond Care Home, located 30 minutes outside of Ottawa, is unique in that it caters solely to women living with dementia. Offering top of the line memory care services at an affordable price, we can provide your loved one with the support and care she deserves in a quiet home-like environment. Learn more here: https://carefor.ca/services/richmond-care-home_1 

Did you know that November is Fall Prevention Month? Falls cause 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations, 95% of all hip fractures, and rack up $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs. The numbers look shocking, but the good news is that falls can be prevented when the right action is taken. Arming yourself and your family with the correct knowledge now will help you minimize your risk of falling in the future.

We have put together some useful advice to help you keep your balance and prevent falls:

Protect your eyesight and inner ear

• Have your eyesight and hearing tested yearly
• Use good lighting and nightlights throughout your home
• Remove reading glasses before walking or using the stairs

 Avoid becoming dizzy

• Avoid sudden movements, such as getting up to answer the door or telephone
• Before walking, stand up and pause for ten seconds. Take one slow deep breath before you take a step.
• Talk to your doctor if you think some of your medications are making you dizzy

 Wear proper footwear

• Wear rubber or non-slip shoes that are secure on your feet with laces or Velcro
• Avoid walking in slippers, bare feet, or stocking feet

 Use recommended assistive devices

• Keep your walker or cane close at hand to steady your balance when walking
• Hold onto handrails or something sturdy, especially when reaching to the floor[ET1]
• Carry items in a basket, or on a small bag, attached to your walker
• Apply the brakes[ET2] before standing up or sitting down

 Stay active!

• People who are physically active are less likely to fall
• Ideas for staying active can include short walks around your home, taking the stairs, or standing up and sitting down
• Remember to pick up your feet when you walk

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults in Canada. Approximately 20-30% of older adults fall each year. Knowing how to lower your risk of falling and what to do in the case of a fall are hugely important. Please bear these tips in mind to keep your balance and prevent yourself from falling to avoid injury.

Carefor provides a range of in-home care services for people who have limited mobility and have fallen, or are at an increased risk of falling. Our rehabilitation services include physiotherapy and occupational therapy to assess, evaluate, and treat any issues you may be having that are affecting your balance and strength. Learn more here: https://carefor.ca/services/rehabilitation-services.