Everything is online now. Banking, messaging, shopping. It’s easy to forget that the online world isn’t always a safe place. Scammers and viruses can come from the most unexpected places, so here’s a few tips to follow to keep you and your loved ones safe while online.

1. Research
   
   The most important thing to do is research. Always make sure the website you’re using is genuine. You don’t want to accidentally give out sensitive information to a scam website.  You can check if the site you’re on is trustworthy by looking at the address in the top bar. The https:// should have the “s” that shows it’s safe. There can also be a small padlock icon to indicate the site is secure before the https://.
   
   
2. Don’t Give Out Personal Information
   
   Next, never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Scammers can be clever and they will try and persuade you that they’re a legitimate company. Unless you know or trust the site, never give out your personal information, especially your credit card number.
   
   
3. Don’t Click on Links from an Unknown Email Address
   
   You should  never click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar email addresses. Unless you know the sender, or you are expecting something, don’t click the link or open anything because there could be a virus or spyware that will harm your computer or device and steal your information. You should always know who the sender is before you click a link or open something.
   
   
4. Don’t Click on Pop-Up Windows
   
   Never click on pop-up windows on your computer or devices. They can lead to dangerous websites that can give your electronic device a virus. These windows can also claim your computer is infected with a virus. Be aware that no legitimate company will ever tell you that your computer has a virus.
   
   
5. Have a Multi-Step Login Process
   
   When creating any kind of online account, you should use a multi-step process and create a strong password. Some of the login steps can include having a confirmation email sent out, or a code texted to your phone. Most importantly, you want to have a strong password. You can always write down your password on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place if you have troubling remembering it.
   
   
6. If Your Device Has a Virus, Ask Someone Trustworthy for Help
   
   If you suspect your computer or device is infected with a virus, never allow someone to access it remotely. Take your device to a local technician or call and have a trusted tech expert look at it for you.
   
7. Make a Checklist
   
   It can be hard to keep up with so many things to watch out for online. Making a checklist you look at every time you receive a suspicious email or enter an unknown website can help you and your loved ones avoid scammers and viruses.

Retirement can be more stressful than you think. You might be wondering how you can stretch your money so you can still enjoy all the things life has to offer. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to do this.

1. Research Your Insurance Company

One of the first things you can do is look into your insurance company. Are they giving you the best deal you can get? Not all insurances companies are right for the job of managing your house and car expenses. Finding the one that’s right for you may help you reduce what you spend.

2. Create a Financial Plan

Another way to save money is to create a financial plan. A plan will help you manage what you have and how to make it work from month to month. The plan can also help you prepare for the future and manage your investments, insurance needs, and taxes. The Government of Canada offers an income calculator that will help you start the process.

3. Use Your Senior Discount

A senior discount is another great way to stretch your budget. From stores to public transportation, you can use it to get a lower cost for the same quality service. Most places in Ottawa accept a seniors discount for anyone 50 and older.

4. Look for Sales and Deals

Not only is a discount handy, but keeping an eye on sales is also a great way to save your money. Watch out for sales in grocery stores, drug stores, and retail stores to get more for less on groceries, toiletries, gifts, and electronics. You can also keep an eye on gas prices and find places with the cheapest gas near you.

5. Switch to Streaming

In a time where most things are available on streaming services, it might be a good idea to cut your cable. You can spend too much money on a service that you only use to watch one or two channels. Many streaming services offer hundreds of shows and live coverage of sports and events for a lower cost. Switching to one of these streaming services is another way to save money while still being able to watch your favourite team.

6. Consider Moving to a Carefor Home

Last but not least, you  can always find a home with the Carefor Civic Complex or Carefor Mackay Centre. They are affordable retirement homes in the Ottawa Valley where you can spend your time doing what you love without worrying about cost. They offer a place for low-income seniors to live when they can’t live at home. To learn more, visit carefor.ca/services/retirement-living/

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. By following just a few tips and tricks, or looking into one of Carefor’s retirement homes, you can greatly reduce your costs and find a way to live without worry.

Carefor is part of the Mesa Project which is led by The County of Renfrew to deal with Renfrew County’s current homelessness, mental health and substance use issues. The goal of the Mesa Project to help people in Renfrew County transition to secure housing while receiving wrap around supports to help them overcome substance use and mental health issues. The County of Renfrew has successfully applied for a HART (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Hub which will be located in the vacant wing of the Mackay Centre to the left of the main entrance.

Carefor is one of many partners involved in the Mesa Project. Our role is strictly in the form of housing. Our staff will not provide any care to HART Hub residents who will live in their own secure section of Mackay. They will be supported by County of Renfrew employes or contracted staff. We are still waiting to learn more about the details of the project and will share them as they become available to us.

Renfrew County is dealing with significant issues related to homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges. For all our 100 plus years, Carefor is an organization that has stepped up to help our community’s most vulnerable. We have an opportunity through the resources available to us to be part of a project that will help people in need, as well as our community as a whole. We choose to help.

More information coming soon.

Losing a spouse is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face. The grief can feel overwhelming, and adjusting to life without your partner can take time. While there is no “right” way to grieve, there are steps you can take to help navigate the difficult journey of moving on after such a significant loss.

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve It’s important to understand that grief is a natural and necessary process. There’s no set timeline for how long it should last, and emotions can come in waves. Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, or even relief—whatever emotions arise are part of healing. Suppressing or denying your feelings can prolong the grief process, so embrace the emotional experience, even when it feels intense.

2. Seek Support Grieving is often isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to family and friends who can provide comfort and understanding. If you feel comfortable, consider joining a support group for people who have lost a spouse. Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can help you feel less alone and offer a sense of shared understanding.

3. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health Grief can take a toll on your body and mind. Try to maintain a healthy routine by eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Regular physical activity, even something as simple as walking, can boost your mood and help alleviate stress. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Therapy or counseling can provide guidance as you cope with your emotions.

4. Create New Routines After the loss of a spouse, life can feel unrecognizable. It’s helpful to slowly establish new routines to regain a sense of normalcy. Take small steps, like finding new hobbies, re-engaging with old interests, or creating new daily practices that bring you comfort and purpose. This can provide a sense of control and healing as you adjust to your new reality.

5. Honour Their Memory Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting your spouse. Find meaningful ways to honour their memory, whether through creating a scrapbook, participating in a charity they supported, or continuing a tradition you shared. These acts can help you preserve the bond while allowing yourself to heal.

6. Be Patient with Yourself Moving on after losing a spouse is a long process that takes time. Be kind to yourself and understand that healing is not linear. Some days will be harder than others, but with time and support, the pain will lessen, and you will eventually find a new sense of peace and purpose in life.

While no one can truly replace a loved one, it’s possible to find hope and meaning again. By focusing on self-care, seeking support, and embracing new opportunities, you can begin to heal and move forward at your own pace.

February is host not only to World Cancer Day, but it is also Preventative Health Awareness Month. With these in mind, we want to take a look at the signs of cancer, a disease that 45% of Canadians will be diagnosed with at some point in their lives. 

Cancer is a complex disease with many forms, and its symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the illness. However, there are several warning signs that could indicate the presence of cancer. Recognizing these early signs can be crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving the prognosis. Here are some common warning signs to be aware of:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more without changing diet or exercise habits can be a significant sign of cancer. This weight loss can occur when the body starts to use more energy than usual or when cancer affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

2. Fatigue Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can be a warning sign of various types of cancer. This symptom may be caused by the body’s response to the disease or the tumor itself affecting organs or bone marrow, leading to a lack of energy.

3. Pain Chronic or unexplained pain, especially pain that doesn’t go away or increases over time, can be a sign of cancer. For instance, persistent headaches or back pain could indicate brain or spinal cord tumors, while bone pain may be linked to bone cancer or cancers that spread to the bones.

4. Changes in Skin Appearance Any sudden or unusual changes in the skin, such as new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles, could indicate skin cancer. Skin cancer may also present as sores that do not heal or as changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole.

5. Unexplained Bleeding or Discharge Bleeding that occurs without an obvious cause should be taken seriously. Coughing up blood, blood in the stool, or unusual vaginal bleeding can all be signs of various cancers, such as lung, colon, or uterine cancer.

6. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness A persistent cough that lasts for weeks or a change in the voice, such as hoarseness, could be a sign of lung or throat cancer. If this symptom doesn’t improve over time, it warrants medical evaluation.

7. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits Long-term changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating, could be signs of colorectal or bladder cancer.

8. Difficulty Swallowing Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food being stuck in the throat can be a symptom of esophageal or throat cancer, especially if it persists.

It’s essential to understand that these symptoms alone do not necessarily mean cancer. Many of these signs can be associated with other health conditions. However, if you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and further tests to determine the cause. Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

If you have any concerns, be sure to consult your physician. Carefor’s home care nurses offer supports to people diagnosed with cancer in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. To learn more, visit carefor.ca/programs/nursing/

Effective March 31, 2025, Carefor Health & Community Services will no longer be operating our community Foot Care clinic located at 700 MacKay Street in Pembroke.

We encourage you to review the options listed below of providers identified as delivering Foot Care services within the region. Please note Carefor is not listing them by preference, and we are not promoting one provider over another.

1. Valley Orthotics & Foot Clinic – Registered Chiropodist-licensed foot Specialist- Eganville ON 613-312-4335
2. Integrated Health Centre – Pembroke – 613-732-3333
3. Hilary Robinson – Certified Master Pedicurist – 613-281-5175 Eganville
4. Tip Top Toes – Pembroke – 613-401-1867
5. Pembroke Foot Clinic – Pembroke – 613-735-6742
6. Jane’s Mobile Orthotics – Pembroke – 613-735-4007
7. Bipod Footcare & Orthotics – Pembroke Regional Hospital – 613-831-6686
8. Julie’s Community Foot Care Service – RPN, ADFN- Pembroke – 873-354-5578
9. Renfrew Victoria Hospital has a Foot Care Services – 613-432-4851
10. Arnprior Footcare Services – 613-324-1442

If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to us at 613-732-3949, extension 1118.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your foot care journey. We wish you the best in your continued health and well-being. It has been our pleasure to serve you over the years.

by Marcelle Thibeault, Vice-President, Client Care

As a not-for-profit that offers home care, community support services and operates three retirement homes and a hospice, Carefor is unique within the local healthcare landscape.

Carefor’s mission is to meet to our clients’ health needs for high-quality home care and community support services. Previously our motto was, “When there’s a need for care, we’re there”, which speaks to how Carefor developed programs based on filling healthcare gaps in our communities.

One Organization with One Mission

While the programs we created served needs within those regions, it created an organization that operated largely fractured along geographical lines with different programs being offered differently in different regions. By taking the major step of aligning our programs across regions, we are now acting as one organization, making us a stronger and more efficient agency and partner.

Throughout our nearly 128-year history, our not-for-profit status has been a matter of pride as we have known that our entire focus has been on how can best serve the community rather than seeking profit. With the emergence of Ontario Health Teams, the increased competition coming from private home care agencies, and a limited provincial health care budget requiring us to do more with less, we know we must think more like a business – while maintaining the heart of a not-for-profit.

Investing in Client Care

As a learning organization, we’re always asking how we can do things better. Often this question has been asked of the quality of our care. As part of our 2024-27 Strategic Plan, we started asking more questions of Carefor itself and how we can improve our efficiency as well. As part of our Strategic Plan, our Client Care Investment Strategy’s (CCIS) goal is to look at all facets of our programs and services to determine how we can do both things.

Starting with our nursing program, the CCIS explored how we could do things differently to support our nurses’ focus on client care.  We focused on our nursing volumes and our visits per day by nurses. Knowing our need to meet mandated volumes of care, we reviewed the opportunities and barriers nurses face in the providing care in community.

Working with all levels of our nursing and client services teams we adopted a nursing model of care focused on continuity of care and codesigned a geographic team approach, assigning teams in pods which reduced the distance nurses had to travel and ensured each region had a compliment of nursing specializations to ensure the needs of clients in the community were being met.  

Recently, the team codesigned a Skills Day, a first for Carefor, whereby nurses participated in a variety of educational sessions (skills stations).  These were led by their subject matter expert peers and provided our nurses with the opportunity to practice, upskill and achieve their yearly recertification for specialized interventions.

We are using the same LEAN Leadership Methodology that we used for our nursing program for our Personal Support Services. Now that we have a new Client Management System, Alayacare, this is proving to be a perfect time to look at optimizing our orientation and professional development model to best support new hires. We are also diving into the scheduling, payroll and visit verification processes with the goal of maximizing retention of part-time and casual PSWs.  This in turn will reduce rejected visits and the payroll workload burden on clinical managers, achieving greater volumes and setting us up for future growth.

A word to describe our mindset is investment. We’re investing in our staff through training and technology like Alayacare, the implementation of best practice guidelines, as well as modernizing our physical spaces to create not only a beautiful space to live, but also one that aligns with our philosophy of care.

Connecting Philosophy with Action

Carefor Richmond Care Home is a perfect example of this. We have always believed this retirement home for women living with dementia in south west Ottawa is a hidden gem that offers exceptional dementia care in an intimate homelike environment. By adopting aspects of the Butterfly Model of care, an emotion-based approach to dementia care and by implementing an evidence-based best practice guideline for dementia care (developed by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario – RNAO) we are improving the quality of care for our clients. 

To support this, we are renovating the building to modernize it as well as make it a space that supports our residents’ specific needs. In the end this will make Richmond Care Home a home where excellence of care predominates, and where physical improvements will make the home more appealing in a very competitive space.

Some might say that thinking and operating more like a business pulls agencies like Carefor away from their values of providing exceptional care to all. What we believe is that it will help us provide the best care possible. It helps us explore new ways of working together across programs, bring in capital to help us innovate and support our staff with more training and better equipment. The result is cyclical and therefor sustainable.

Connecting the Head with the Heart

Operating as a not-for-profit in heart is admirable but operating as one without a focus on efficient and effective practice over time is a drain to an organization keeping it mired in ideals rather than best practice.

Our Client Care Investment Strategy is not top down. It is a collaboration with staff, clients and caregivers, pulling from their experiences to help us create the best and most sustainable home and community care agency that we can be.

The Provincial Government has made it clear over the past few years that that collaboration between healthcare providers is the way forward. By calling on the development of Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) which remove government agencies such as the former Local Health Integrated Networks from the centre of care, healthcare partners are working more directly with one another creating programs that put the client at the centre.

Carefor’s not-for-profit status has helped make Carefor a desirable partner in the five OHTs of which we are a part. It is why many of our staff have chosen to join us and have stayed with us for years. However, we see our new Strategic Plan as unifying Carefor along a purpose in a whole new way – one that best sets us on a path for another century.

Despite being nearly 128 years old, in many ways we feel like a new agency – one inspired to take on new challenges with new ideas.

Winter brings beautiful snowy landscapes and festive vibes, but it also introduces hazards like icy sidewalks and treacherous outdoor conditions that can lead to slips and falls. With winter’s challenges come increased risks for accidents, especially for older adults and those with limited mobility.

However, there are several proactive measures individuals can take to prevent slips and falls during the winter months. By staying alert, dressing appropriately, and maintaining safe environments, we can significantly reduce the risk of injury during the colder season.

1. Wear Appropriate Footwear

One of the most essential steps in preventing winter slips is wearing the right footwear. Shoes or boots with good tread can offer much-needed traction on icy surfaces. Look for shoes specifically designed for winter conditions, which often feature slip-resistant soles made from rubber or other materials that provide better grip. Avoid wearing shoes with smooth soles, as they can increase the likelihood of sliding. Additionally, ensure your shoes are waterproof to keep feet dry, as wet shoes can increase the risk of slipping. Being vigilant with this as even stepping out onto the front step to pick up a package in improper footwear can lead to a slip and fall.

2. Clear Walkways and Driveways

Icy sidewalks and driveways are some of the most common places where slips and falls occur during winter. It’s crucial to regularly shovel snow and apply ice melt to keep walking surfaces safe. Shoveling snow immediately after it falls can prevent it from turning into dangerous ice, which is often harder to remove. Ice-melting products such as salt, sand, or calcium chloride can help break down the ice and provide better traction. If you don’t have access to these products, sand alone can offer some grip.

For those unable to perform these tasks themselves, it’s a good idea to hire someone or ask a neighbor for assistance. In addition to removing snow and ice, be sure to check for potential hazards like uneven pavement or hidden puddles that can freeze over and create unseen dangers.

3. Use Handrails and Walk with Caution

If you have steps or walkways around your home, make sure handrails are sturdy and well-maintained to provide support when navigating slippery conditions. When walking outside, take small, deliberate steps and try to keep your center of gravity over your feet. Avoid rushing and always be mindful of icy patches, which may not be immediately visible, especially in shaded areas or at night.

During winter, it’s also wise to keep both hands free from distractions like phones or heavy bags, as this allows for better balance and control. When possible, walk in the middle of the sidewalk where snow may have been cleared or salted more thoroughly.

4. Keep Indoor Areas Dry

Even when you’re inside, winter weather can still create hazards. Wet shoes, boots, and coats can leave puddles on floors, which increase the risk of slipping indoors. Keep entryways clear with doormats that trap snow and moisture before entering the house. Wipe down wet shoes as soon as you come inside and place them in a safe area to dry. Additionally, if you have hardwood floors or tiles, consider placing non-slip rugs or mats to add extra traction.

5. Exercise and Stay Fit

Maintaining good physical health can also help prevent slips and falls. Regular physical activity strengthens muscles, improves balance, and enhances flexibility, all of which help reduce the likelihood of falling in icy conditions. If possible, try exercises that specifically target your core and legs, which are essential for stability and balance. For those who feel unsteady, consider using a cane or walking aid for extra support. If you live in Ottawa and need a little extra help, Carefor’s rehabilitation team can come to you in the privacy and convenience of your own home. Our physiotherapists offer private services to help you maintain strength and our occupational therapists can assess your home to help it stay a safe environment. Additionally, our Personal Support Workers work across Eastern Ontario to offer help for you or your loved one with some of those challenging daily and personal tasks which might result in falls.

Supports and resources in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for your loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia presents unique challenges, particularly when the goal is to allow them to stay in their familiar home environment. With the right strategies, adjustments, and support systems in place, many individuals with dementia can live comfortably at home for a significant period. However, dementia is a progressive disease, and there will come a time when the decision to move to a retirement or memory care facility becomes necessary.

Understanding how to create a supportive home environment and knowing when it’s time for a professional care setting are key to ensuring the well-being of your loved one.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment

Safety and familiarity are essential for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. One of the first steps in supporting a loved one at home is to make the living space as secure and navigable as possible. As dementia progresses, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty with movement can lead to accidents or wandering.

• Modify the Home: Consider removing any potential hazards. This includes securing rugs, removing clutter, and ensuring clear pathways in hallways and staircases. Install grab bars in bathrooms and ensure that lighting is bright enough to reduce falls and help with orientation.
• Simplify the Environment: Label rooms and everyday items like drawers or cabinets to help with memory loss. A large clock with the time, date, and day of the week can help your loved one stay oriented. Using simple, clear signage for bathrooms, kitchen, and bedroom can also reduce confusion.
• Routine and Structure: Establishing a consistent daily routine helps to reduce anxiety and uncertainty. Predictable mealtimes, activities, and sleep patterns provide comfort and allow your loved one to know what to expect.

Offering Emotional and Cognitive Support

Dementia often affects cognitive function, but it can also impact mood, behavior, and communication. Maintaining a supportive and empathetic approach is essential for your loved one’s emotional well-being.

• Clear Communication: As dementia progresses, people may have trouble understanding complex instructions. Use short, simple sentences, and speak slowly. Give them time to process what you’re saying and respond. Avoid correcting them when they make a mistake, as this can cause frustration.
• Emotional Reassurance: People with dementia may become anxious, confused, or upset. Offer comfort through gentle reassurance, touch, and patience. Avoid arguing or trying to “fix” their memory gaps, which could increase stress. Work with them, not against them.
• Engagement and Stimulation: Although their cognitive abilities may decline, individuals with dementia often benefit from engaging in activities like puzzles, arts and crafts, or listening to music. Simple exercises and walking can also help improve mood and overall well-being. These activities help provide a sense of purpose, reduce agitation, and improve quality of life.
• Socialization: Isolation can worsen depression and anxiety in people with dementia. Encourage social interaction, whether through family visits, community programs, or activities at home. Maintaining these connections helps preserve their sense of identity and purpose.

Coordinating Care

The best care comes from family members, but this doesn’t come without effort and coordination. It all depends on who is available and how much time each person can devote to supporting the person living with dementia. Work together to coordinate schedules and duties such as grocery shopping, meal preparation and delivery, etc, and try and maintain consistency in schedules so as not to confuse your loved one.

As dementia progresses, it can become increasingly difficult, however, for family members to provide the necessary level of care on their own. At some point, professional help becomes essential to ensure your loved one’s safety and well-being.

• In-Home Caregivers: Professional caregivers can provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. They can also offer companionship and monitor health and safety. Depending on your needs, in-home care can be arranged on a full-time, part-time, or respite basis.
• Community Support Services: Meal delivery and homemaking are two services which can help your loved one maintain their independence and health.
• Medical Support: Regular visits from healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or therapists, can help manage your loved one’s physical and mental health. Specialized care, such as occupational therapy or cognitive rehabilitation, may also be beneficial.
• Support Groups: Caregivers often experience burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue. Joining a support group for caregivers can provide valuable guidance, emotional support, and practical advice on managing the challenges of caring for someone with dementia.

Knowing When It’s Time for a Retirement or Memory Care Facility

While staying at home is often the preferred choice for many people with dementia, there will come a point when the level of care needed exceeds what can be reasonably provided at home. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to explore a memory care facility or retirement home.

• Safety Concerns: If your loved one is at risk of wandering, falls frequently, or struggles with using kitchen appliances or taking medications safely, a more controlled environment may be necessary.
• Increased Care Needs: As dementia progresses, individuals may require more frequent medical attention, assistance with physical needs, or help with mobility. If the caregiving demands become overwhelming, it may be time to consider a retirement or memory care facility.
• Behavioral Changes: Severe behavioral changes, such as aggression, hallucinations, or frequent mood swings, can be difficult to manage at home. If these behaviors interfere with their safety or quality of life, a specialized facility may be better equipped to handle these needs.
• Caregiver Burnout: Caring for someone with dementia can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. If you are experiencing caregiver burnout, it’s essential to consider professional care for both your loved one’s and your own well-being.

Looking for a retirement home

At some point you’re likely going to start looking for a retirement home for people living with dementia. Memory care units in retirement homes are becoming increasingly common as dementia becomes more prevalent in the elderly population. There are many to choose from in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, depending on where you live.

People living with dementia seek familiarity so it is understandable how a family would do everything to keep their loved one at home; however, retirement homes like Carefor Richmond Care Home that offer dementia care have staff trained specifically in supporting people living with dementia. Additionally, homes like Richmond Care Home are designed to support people living with dementia through their layout and décor.

Final Thoughts

Helping your loved one live at home with dementia requires patience, compassion, and the willingness to adapt. By making home modifications, providing emotional support, and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure they live as comfortably and safely as possible.

However, when their care needs exceed what you can manage, it’s crucial to recognize the signs that it’s time for a memory care facility or retirement home. Ultimately, this decision should be based on their evolving needs and the available support system, with the goal of ensuring they receive the highest quality of care in a safe, compassionate environment.

If you decide that the time is right to move your loved one into a retirement home, we hope you take peace of mind knowing that they will be cared for in a secure environment with trained professionals. While it’s never an easy decision to make, a caregiver should also consider their own well-being and know when it’s time to make this move that you’re doing so for the benefit of all involved.

For more information on finding the right retirement home for your loved one, click here or here.

The Client Care Services Leadership team (Directors, Managers, and Supervisors) met on October 9th, 2024 for a full day of Leadership Development with a focus on coming together as one aligned Client Care Services team. 

The goal was to learn from each other, look to future synergies outside of each business line: Ontario Health at Home, Community Support Services & Hospice, and Retirement Homes. 

We reviewed our strategic priorities, each director presented their enabling priorities, and each manager showcased their team, programs, and workplans at a high level.  We quickly identified synergies and opportunities to break silos and work differently together through learning about some in-house expertise that can be leveraged.   We also engaged in a few team-building fun exercises (see pictures) and several self-reflection exercises.  This helped us think about why we work in healthcare and at Carefor.  We wanted to reflect about how we manage the current change environment internally and externally especially that we continue to aim to achieve excellent quality of care/services.  Jessica Peters reintroduced her Client Care Quality Framework to help us anchor ourselves in a methodology that is certain to help us achieve excellent quality client care. 

We received early feedback.  The team enjoyed their day, learned plenty, and left tired yet energized for more days like this !! We all agreed there is a lot of work ahead of us, yet we all have a better appreciation for how we can leverage each other better to help us succeed.  Our leaders have been very gracious in providing early feedback:  “This was the best leadership development I’ve ever participated in!  I enjoyed learning about others’ program presentations and loved that I could showcase my successes.  This was a very engaging session !   

We extend a big thank you to the ELT who sponsored this event and recognized the Client Care Services team needed this to help anchor itself into one aligned team!!