Can you live well after a diagnosis of dementia?

Robin Meyers, 
Director, Community Support Services & Personal Support Services

Like many, my husband and I never thought we would have to think about life with dementia, but when he received a diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia – Probable Alzheimer’s three years ago at the age of 57 suddenly we did. I often think about the day we heard the diagnosis and what it felt like; it is incredibly difficult to describe. There was a part of us that was relieved to finally know after three years of seeing specialists what it was, but I can’t pretend our lives haven’t changed.

The person who shared this information with us was compassionate. My husband was told to go get his affairs in order, stop doing financial work, and get counselling, but what seemed to be missing in this advice was about the things we can do to live well.

I recall coming home from the appointment, walking in our door, and my husband saying, “So I guess that’s it.” When he was ready to, we talked about how we would work to live with dementia/Alzheimer’s.  I encouraged him to tell people about it and he noticed it got easier each time he did. We accepted it more.

Over the years of working with people living with dementia and their families I learned from them that we needed to have the right attitude about how to support each other following a diagnosis of dementia to be able to live our best lives.

How has dementia changed our lives?

• We have to try to be more patient with each other (this is easier and harder on different days)
• Travel is more challenging
• Social events are more challenging
• Fatigue is a real thing
• It can be lonely and isolating
• Routine has become more important than ever
• Daily life changes (increased frustration, changes in confidence)
• Some people don’t know what to say or do, so they pull away – people feel sad for us. (We don’t want or need that.)
• It affects more than just the person living with dementia; your whole family lives with dementia
• We use technology more than ever, such as Amazon-Alexa, Apple products and wireless speakers
• We have met some amazing people we likely otherwise would have not met
• We have support of our families, friends and colleagues and others

What can communities, family, friends and co-workers do to support living well with dementia?

A big part of a person living well with dementia comes from his or her support system. Encourage a focus on the things that a person can do rather that the things they might need help with. It helps to talk openly and work to accept the diagnosis and support from those around you (families, community, colleagues) – not only for the person living with dementia, but also their care partners. 

• See the person, not the diagnosis
• Encourage education about living with dementia
• Ensure the voice of the lived experience stay present in planning. To do this, create ways that a person living with dementia or their care partners can be present in working groups – consider timing of meeting, location, last minutes changes or long meetings.
• Change the messaging at time of diagnosis and ensure it includes suggestions on how to live well
• Form and use peer support groups
• Tax benefits that are real and take into consideration the real needs
• Make technology available and show people how to use it to improve autonomy and independence
• Create standards in training of staff
• Change the language around living well with dementia
• Fully fund Dementia Strategy (including the voice of lived experience in planning)
• Hobby for flexible & sustainable funding not just for organizations or programs but for families (self-directed funding)

Here we are three years after diagnosis and we are living well with dementia. My husband and I (with support from our families, friends and workplaces) signed on to be advocates for Alzheimer’s Society of Canada on their campaign to reduce the stigma that exists around a diagnosis of dementia.  You can see our story here and the story of others https://ilivewithdementia.ca/. My husband has been able to continue to work, to drive and to be an active advocate, only recently changing to part time work.

We travel, spend time with our children and grandchildren, show patience with each other, take breaks when we need them and help to change the way people think about a person living with dementia. When we signed on to be partners in life we signed on to support each other. My role does not change just because of a diagnosis. We have supported and cared for each other for years and plan to continue to do this.

What can you do to live well after a diagnosis of dementia?

• Create a routine
• Write lists, keep things in the same place, use technology (if it helps)
• Have patience and take breaks
• When the person living with dementia is speaking don’t interrupt (they may not be able to recall)
• Visit often and consider shorter visits with fewer people
• Laugh
• See the person not the diagnosis
• Help family and friends accept when plans gets cancelled because today is just not the best day
• Encourage the person living with dementia not to isolate themselves and stay actively engaged
• Try a day program or support group (online or in person)
• Share – Tell people and share the diagnosis. It makes it easier for you and helps people see living with dementia differently.
• Accept changes as they come (this is easier to write down that is to do)
• Eat well, stay active

My husband is my person and Alzheimer’s doesn’t change that. We are in this together and we will do our best to live the best lives we can. We try not to look over our shoulder and accept changes as they come with as much grace and understanding as we can.  It’s important that our community, friends and government help us to do that. We work hard each day to live our best lives. My husband often says, “You can live with dementia, but you do have to live like you’re living the diagnosis”.

Carefor’s programs and supports for living with dementia

We are fortunate at Carefor to be able to support people in the communities we work in to live with dementia. We have respite programs like the Guest House and adult day programs where people living with dementia can come together while their care partners/caregivers can take time to rest or catch up on a task they need to get done. We also have the beautiful Richmond Care Home, an intimate 16-bed home for women living with dementia. I have worked at Carefor for 10 years and have been lucky enough to work with some amazing teams who support people using our programs to live well every day after a diagnosis of dementia.

At Carefor, we have grown our programs over the years and in the past year two years we have created a day program in Orleans, 50 additional spaces at our existing day programs, and have adapted our program at Guest House to have greater flexibility. In October of 2019, in partnership with Carleton University, we also opened The Club, a day program for people living with Young Onset Dementia. Club members are encouraged to seek a personal connection with others experiencing a similar life experience while being supported in a recreational setting (peer to peer connect is a key component). The programming is flexible and members co-design their day with staff based on their needs, abilities and interests.  Members have access to a wide variety of facilities and activities, such as swimming, badminton, basketball, fitness classes and use of an indoor track for walking/running, additionally programming themes include educational topics, art and music.  Our team supports Club members ensuring meaningful activities, self-confidence and independence.

For more information about The Club, contact info@carefor.ca.

For more information on our journey of living well with dementia: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/yes-i-live-with-dementia-let-me-help-you-understand 

Caring for those living with dementia means dealing with a number of various symptoms and behaviours that can affect their health and safety. One of these symptoms is known as ‘sundowning’. Sundowning describes the feelings of restlessness, confusion, and even aggression, that can be exhibited by dementia patients in the late afternoon or early evening. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, it is thought that sundowning can affect as many as 66% of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Sundowning is most common in the middle stages of the disease, though it can occur at any time. It can be exhausting for the patient, as well as for their caregiver.

Some behaviours typical with sundowning can include:

• Becoming demanding or aggressive
• Experiencing delusions and hallucinations.
• Pacing or wandering
• Doing impulsive things
• Attempting to leave home
• Having difficulty understanding others
• Having difficulty doing tasks that were done without difficulty earlier in the day

Our Richmond Care Home specializes in dementia care so we are well acquainted with sundowning and the impact this has on our residents and staff. In partnership with esprit-ai, a west Ottawa company that uses 5G technology to keep seniors safe, we have been using a system of electronic sensors to monitor the nighttime activities of our Richmond Care Home residents.

The sensors monitor when a resident gets out of bed, moves around their room, or opens the door. This data is sent to esprit-ai, who will analyze it and contact the nighttime staff if required. Having access to this data is incredibly helpful in tracking any patterns of behaviour in our residents, enabling us to adjust their routines and medications accordingly. For instance, if we are aware that a resident has been particularly restless throughout the night, we can watch them the next day knowing they will be tired and at a higher risk of falls.

Our Richmond Care Home is a unique 16-unit residence that caters to women living with dementia. Our staff are knowledgeable about dementia behaviours and are well-trained to provide your mom with the care and attention she deserves. For you, it’s peace of mind that costs far less than most memory care retirement homes. For more information, or to book a tour, please contact our supervisor, Jasmine Sears, by calling (613) 617-2187 or by email at jsears@carefor.ca.

Older adults account for an important and substantial proportion of our society, a number which is only continuing to grow. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian seniors made up approximately 15% of the total population in 2013. By 2036, this number is expected to increase to between 23 and 25%. When our seniors are socially isolated, we miss out on the wealth of experience they can contribute to our society and the impact and loss that is felt can be significant. While social isolation for seniors was already considered a problem prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has only gotten worse over the last few years as we, as a society, have had to keep our distance from others for our own safety.

The effects of loneliness on seniors

The older population are especially susceptible to loneliness and social isolation due to a number of factors including declines in mobility and health, loss of loved ones, and oftentimes geographical separation from their families. Isolation can be especially detrimental to their health as socially isolated seniors are shown to have a higher risk of negative health behaviours including drinking, smoking, poor eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle. They can also have a higher risk of falls and a higher likelihood of being admitted to hospital.

The emotional effects of loneliness on seniors can go beyond just feeling sad. Isolated seniors have been shown to decline quicker mentally than their more social counterparts. Other negative mental health repercussions of loneliness can include cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia, as well as feelings of depression and low self-esteem. 

How can loneliness be overcome?

One obvious way to combat loneliness is to maintain interpersonal relationships and stay socially active within the community. For seniors who have mobility issues, however, this can be especially difficult. Social programs, such as those that involve volunteers visiting the homes of house-bound seniors, are especially important in giving them a friendly face to talk to.

At Carefor much of what we do is to help seniors reduce the isolation and loneliness that often comes with aging.

In Eastern Counties: Our five seniors support centres in Winchester, Lancaster, Alexandria, Finch and Ingleside offer numerous programs such as congregate dining to help seniors stay connected and share a meal together. Click here to learn more.

In Pembroke-Renfrew Country: Carefor offers numerous programs in the community including our Friendly Visiting and Frozen Meal Delivery to help isolated seniors know a friendly face is only a phone call away.

In Ottawa: Loneliness is a common product of living with dementia. Our day programs and Guest 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 respite programs are a great way to reduce loneliness.

Building our identities, individually and together

Trevor Eggleton, 
Manager, Communications, Marketing, Fundraising 

I have two daughters quickly approaching adolescence. It’s interesting to watch them play with their developing identities. This is normal for any child of this age, in any culture. The questions of “Who am I?” and “Where do I fit in in this world?” may not be something they articulate but you can see these questions permeate nearly everything my kids do.

Modern technology in the form of social media and games has both altered and enhanced this experience beyond anything I knew as a child. Platforms like Snap Chat and House Party allow them to play with their identity not only within their minds, but also in connection to their culture in a completely new way. Their phones are a constant link to the culture of youth that I myself engaged with in the hallways of school or by watching MuchMusic (yes, I am dating myself). As they grow and explore their identities and their culture, you can see how the two are inextricably linked. You can’t have one without the other, but which comes first?

The same is true in organizations. Is an organization’s identity born from its culture or vice versa? And is there a difference? I believe there is. Identity is how one sees him or herself; culture is how that identity aligns with the identity of those within a group. The collective ‘I’.

Carefor staff know that the work they do is essential to the people and families we support. Staff have an identity of themselves as professionals and see their work as valuable to the clients and the larger community we serve. But as an agency that offers nearly 40 different programs and services across Eastern Ontario, that collective ‘I’ is more of a challenge to create when there’s such diversity of service and geography. 

To help our staff connect their professional identities to one another we have been sharing stories internally of the impact of their work with the goal of creating a collective identity as an impactful healthcare organization. The hope here is that even if the story isn’t about them or their program, each staff starts to feel a sense of connection between their own identity and their colleagues’.

Creating a culture is a deliberate activity and involves connecting the dots between staff, programs and geography. Historically Carefor has operated in three distinct but connected regions: Pembroke-Renfrew County, Ottawa and Eastern Counties, each operating  fairly independently of one another. Over the past few years, Carefor’s leaders has been taking great strides to create a one-Carefor approach where we speak more often, both internally and externally, with one voice. From this is born a sense of connected identity, which aims to create a cohesive culture.

Carefor is a not-for-profit. It is also a charity. Many don’t know us as either. If you ask our clients many might assume that we’re a government agency. The path that brought most of our clients to us is that they saw a doctor who contacted the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), who in turn contracted us to provide them with a PSW, nurse, OT, PT, adult day program, meal program or transportation service, etc. When Carefor enters a client’s life, we want them to know we are different. We are a not-for-profit home and community care organization that raises funds to help fill needs within our communities. We want them to know we are here for people, and use donations to adapt, strengthen and extend our programs and services to those who need them most.

To effectively raise money an organization must create and promote a charitable identity. This identity is similar to a company’s brand but goes further and deeper, asking people to make their relationship supportive in nature, rather than transactional. To in essence join the organization in achieving its goals. Effective brands and organizations do more than just tell the what and the how of that. As Simon Sinek says, they “Start with why.”

An organization’s charitable identity promotes the ‘why’ an organization raises funds and how it will use those funds to benefit the lives of others. Successful charities do a great job of drawing the line between the donor and the beneficiary. They also do a great job of promoting that line so the donor sees themselves as an active part of the story and solution. I believe to be successful at fundraising, an organization must do more than build a relationship with its donors, it must also cultivate a culture of giving inside the organization, at all levels.

Having worked for several not-for-profit organizations in my career, I’ve seen first hand the discomfort that programmatic staff often have with being part of the fundraising process. Many bristle with the idea of going out “cap in hand” as that’s not part of their job description. Although they may see the benefits of donations, they tend to view fundraising as someone else’s responsibility.  

My goal as Manager, Communications, Marketing and Fundraising at Carefor is to evolve this mindset and help our team see that everyone in the organization has a role in fundraising. Whether it be passing along stories of clients whose lives were changed as a result of our work, sharing with clients and future donors the good work Carefor does in the community or simply allowing fundraisers to fundraise.  

By sharing and imbedding our charitable identity within our program and services teams across Carefor, we will start to feel the collective impact of our fundraising success, and thus organizational success in achieving our mission. We will see nurses volunteering to tell the story of their work and its impact, directors seeking our support in developing new programs to service those in need and board members picking up the phone and thanking donors. To take fundraising to a place of culture it has to exist within each employee and volunteer’s identity in some small way.

On December 10th, Carefor will host a celebratory Virtual Safe at Home Gala in Ottawa and Eastern Counties and a No Show Gala in Pembroke-Renfrew County. With in-person fundraising events being canceled this year we, like many organizations, have turned to technology to tell our story. The concept is exciting and daunting for an organization that has often found it tough to sing its own praises from the roof-tops. Well, we are ready to change that.

In one evening we will put our collective identity in front of our communities in hopes that our work will mean something special to people. We can only control so much about how people react, but like my children using their technology to promote and define their identities, we’re excited to be building and sharing ours – individually and together.

First and foremost, we want to remind everyone just how important summertime is for our general health. Not only does the nicer weather and daily dose of Vitamin D boost spirits, but the nice weather naturally encourages people to walk, swim, hike, garden and bike, increasing exercise unintentionally! Here are some of our seniors favorite ways to have fun all summer long:

1. Soak in some rays at the beach
2. Try indoor or outdoor swimming and aquatics classes for seniors
3. Gather friends and family for a fun picnic in the park
4. Attend a local farmers market, fair or neighborhood event
5. Take in an outdoor movie in a park
6. Learn Tai Chi or Yoga, often offered outdoors all summer long
7. Go berry picking with friends
8. Take the grandkids for ice cream (and indulge yourself!)
9. Go birdwatching
10. Finally, do nothing! Just relax beneath the warm wind and enjoy ????

Before you head out for your outdoor summertime adventure, remember to do so safely. Wear a sunhat and loose clothing, use sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated to ensure that you can keep having outdoor fun all summer long.

Whatever your age, learning a new skill, craft or game can positively impact your cognition, confidence, and mental acuity. One study in Psychological Science concluded that there are particular skills seniors can learn that will not only keep their minds active, but will directly improve their cognitive function.

The study identifies the value of sitting less and moving more, even if those movements are small and simple. Furthermore, it suggests that learning a new skill is not enough to create long term and sustainable changes in memory and cognitive function. Rather, seniors must continually engage in learning new skills.

“It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something—it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially,” says psychological scientist and lead researcher Denise Park of the University of Texas at Dallas. “When you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone.”

This is especially true for people already dealing with cognitive impairments such as dementia. Often as people age or deal with cognitive decline they remove themselves socially or stop doing things that offer mental challenges, which speeds up mental decline causing a downward spiral.

Offerings such as the Carefor Day Program for those living with dementia, are so essential to the overall well-being of seniors. Not only can trying a new hobby or skill improve brain functioning, but it also serves as a tool to socially connect and integrate seniors into society, new friend groups and communities.

Some particularly powerful new skills to learn in old age include:

• Photography
• Quilting
• New exercises
• Woodworking
• Word/Board Games
• Gardening
• Music

Whether or not activating the brain by learning a new and challenging skill can slow down the pace of aging for the brain is still being studied. What is certain, is that every new skill developed will help increase the value and quality of one’s life and their ability to live, move and enjoy life independently.

The changing face of retirement living: what to consider

Sharon Maye
Director, Pembroke-Renfrew County, Carefor 

As the fastest growing population, aging adults have carved a new identify that is reshaping attitudes on aging. It’s based on wellbeing, being responsible for their own health, and wanting to be in control of decisions about their care including where they receive the care. Specifically, seniors and their care partners value accessible care, high quality affordable housing alternatives, assistance with disease management, senior friendly communities, and the right to live on their own terms.

These expectations present various challenges and opportunities across the health care system as health care providers, including at the retirement residence level, learn how to support this population. In larger cities, organizations have created modern senior living communities/complexes with luxury amenities. While such facilities are available in smaller populated areas, these facilities are not a realistic option of those on a limited income.

“Retirement Living” has taken on many definitions, but is still widely misunderstood. The term is applied to assisted living, retirement supportive care facilities, and senior communities – all health-focused by maintaining a person’s independence. 

Traditionally, retirement homes provided housing, some health care monitoring, food and housekeeping services, and minimal, if any, assistance with personal care. Coupled with people living longer with more complex health issues, it is largely what “maintaining independence” means that has caused a change in traditional retirement living and made the sector a vital partner in the health care system. In many cases, retirement facilities have taken on the role of filling a gap between home and long-term care (nursing homes) as they support individuals who do not want to move to a nursing home.

Today, while some maintain the traditional focus, many residences have changed their admission criteria to align with the aging population and their needs. One only needs to visit a retirement home to see the difference. Depending on the residence’s admission criteria and services, it is not uncommon for retirement facilities to have a people in their 50’s or younger. “Maintaining independence” now means providing supportive care (bathing, full medication administration services, dressing), in order to maintain a person’s ultimate level function.  A person is “independently” mobile even if they require a wheelchair, walker, or scooter.

Care staff are actively managing various health conditions including dementia and mental health illness and providing palliative care.  A more recent evolution has been the utilization of retirement facilities on a transitional basis from hospital to home on a short-term basis. This allows the person to recover to the point of being able to return home safely.

Since retirement homes do not receive any government funding, this change in philosophy can be challenging for facility staff and operators. However, it is positive because it offers another community care and housing option aimed at keeping the person “home” longer while providing care that increases quality of life and physical, social, and mental wellbeing – which ultimately should be the goal for every retirement facility.

What to consider when choosing a retirement residence?

• Do research: Many retirement residences have information packages which outline services and cost. Book a visit for a tour and meeting with someone at the retirement facility. It is always helpful to take a family member or friend with you for support.
• Care Options: Make a list of what care you need and what you can do independently. For example, do you need help with taking a bath but are able to dress yourself? Do you need help getting in and out of bed? Do you require around the clock health care and monitoring? If so, a nursing home may be a better option.
• Affordability: Retirement residences do not receive any government funding. When considering whether you can afford the monthly fee, consider all your “income” sources such as savings, pension, sale of home, investments, insurance, or family assistance. Remember, you won’t be paying for heat, hydro, and groceries like you would while living at home.
• Costs: Ask questions so you understand what is included in the monthly fee. Prices vary depending on room size, level of care, and types of services. For example, at the Carefor Mackay Centre and Carefor Civic Complex, our rates are all inclusive however, in other residence there are extra costs for each service you require.
• Room Options: Many offer a variety of private and semi-private rooms/suites and, in some cases, apartments. Depending on what you can afford, a semiprivate room may be the best choice.
  Short-term stay option: This is beneficial for a trial basis, over the winter months, if caregivers require respite, or if you require extra recovery before returning home following discharge from hospital.
• Staffing: What type and amount of staff are available and when?
• Building and Property: Is the building and property kept in good condition? Is there a sprinkler system in place? What are security features?
• License: Check if the home licenced with the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority.
• Other Considerations:  Recreational activities, meal and dining options, and laundry/housekeeping services.

Most important…if the facility gives you a feeling of worth, dignity, provides client-focused services, a sense of community, peace of mind, and comfort it no longer is a facility but place you can call home.

Learn more about Carefor’s Residential Services in Renfrew County.

Your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia. Now what?

Carole Green, BFA-MT
Program Manager, Ottawa

When you first hear the word “Dementia,” the diagnosis can bring you to a standstill. Generally considered as a disease leading to memory and cognitive processing issues, the term dementia is actually an overarching word for a collection of symptoms leading to brain decline. Once people have a chance to digest the diagnosis, they may not know where to go next. Here are some recommendations that may help:

Health care: Proper medical care can assist you in determining the best course of action and next steps. Treatment of dementia is typically most effective when started early in the disease process, and although there currently is not a defined cure, some medications may alleviate some symptoms for prolonged periods of time.

It is important to be actively involved in health care and personal decisions early in the process. Remember, the person living with dementia may still be able to maintain a sense of autonomy and participate in their own health care decisions and future plans.

Professional Support: Learning more about dementia and different approaches can be important tool for care partners and friends. An important first step, if you live in Ottawa/Renfrew County, is to make a self-referral to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, which can be done can be made online or by phone. They are a valuable resource for programs, services, education, referrals as well as support. A Dementia Care Coach provides individualized support to improve the quality of life of care partners, families and individuals living with dementia. Visit them online at dementiahelp.ca or call 1-888-889-6002. In Eastern Counties, please contact the Alzheimer’s Society of Cornwall and District, alzheimer.ca/en/cornwall. 

Support groups and educational sessions, such as the ones offered by the Dementia Society, provide care partners and the person living with dementia with information, support, resources and an opportunity to meet others living with a similar situation. Care partners can learn positive approaches, self-care techniques and how to focus on maintaining abilities for now and in the future.

Care partners who understand dementia and the increased challenges that come with its progression are better able to support the person living with the disease and get the help that’s right for them.

Focus on what’s important: Conversations with key care partners and family after diagnosis can allow the person living with dementia to set priorities based on what is important to them, such as deciding when to stop working, pursuing new goals, or travelling, etc. It can also allow the person living with dementia to make informed decisions about legal, financial and care matters, and make their wishes known to their family and friends.

Care partners can help the person living with dementia focus on the tasks they can still do rather than the losses, which is essential to maximize their autonomy. 

Take Care: Recognize that both the care partner and the person living with dementia are going through a variety of emotions. Feelings of anger, resentment, embarrassment, frustration, fear or sadness are all common emotions. Remember, these emotions are normal and may come and go depending on the day. It’s important to note that when one person is living with dementia, so is their care partner.

Maintaining physical health, trying to stay active, making healthy food choices and spending time with your family and friends, are all very important in maintaining your health. Staying active can help reduce stress, give a much-needed break and extend the ability to provide balanced care.

Encourage advocacy: Underneath the cloak of dementia, the person you remember is still there. People living with dementia can continue to live meaningful lives. Many people living with dementia find that sharing experiences with others living with the diagnosis can be very helpful in reducing the stigma of the disease, validating the sense of loss, reducing loneliness and in encouraging others to reach out for support.

People living with dementia can also make their voices heard to raise awareness about the disease, and the need for quality care and increased funding for research.

Community Support: Community programs such as frozen meal delivery, transportation, in-home personal support, homemaking services, adult day programs and respite are available to provide support to both the person living with dementia and the care partner. Carefor operates over 30 programs across the Champlain region that directly and indirectly support individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

The dedicated staff at Carefor’s adult day programs, respite program and retirement residences always use the term “every door is the right door” when it comes to helping clients and care partners get connected to programs and services. When clients arrive at one of our programs, the staff team get to know them by utilising the Best Friend’s Approach to Dementia Care, an approach that focuses on learning the client’s life story, building rapport and understanding dementia. By utilising this approach, staff create relationships with the clients, and learn additional creative ways they can assist throughout the time the client is participating in our programs.

These programs offer clients living with dementia a chance to enjoy activities of interest designed to enhance their well-being in a safe and supportive setting while providing respite and support for the care partners. Staff also consult with care partners to offer information, support and referrals to other community services and programs, where needed.

For additional information on Carefor’s full range of programs and services, visit: carefor.ca or to see all resources across our region, visit caredove.com/champlaincss. 

McMaster Optimal Aging Portal confirm that “exercise plays an active role in treating depression”, which is a particularly important finding considering that “1 in 4 seniors lives with mental health challenges (e.g., depression, anxiety or dementia) or illness, and 10 to 15% of adults 65 years or older and living in the community suffer from depression.” Not only can exercise prevent depression, but it can also help to reduce stress, improve sleep and improve the overall health of seniors.

Physical activity for seniors does not need to be strenuous to improve mobility, muscle strengthening, flexibility, stamina, coordination, and overall health. In fact, just a moderate amount of daily physical activity can work wonders on the mind and the body. Some benefits of physical activity for seniors include: 

• Increased ability to live independently
• Increased proprioception leading to a lowered risk of falls or fractures
• Reduced blood pressure in seniors with hypertension
• Reduced risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer and heart disease
• Maintenance of healthy bones, muscles, and joints
• Controlled swelling of joints and pain caused from arthritis

Often, the hardest part of exercise for seniors is getting started. Finding a community group, exercise class at your nursing home or a movement practice you can enjoy with friends and family can help ease the fear of starting a new fitness regime. For seniors,  most common types of exercise programs are: 

• Walking, brisk walking or stair walking
• Dancing (which, according to the academic journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, is the most likely form of exercise to reverse the signs of aging in the brain!)
• Water Aerobics
• Chair Yoga
• Resistance Band Workouts
• Pilates
• Tai Chi
• Gardening

Remember, if you or your loved one is just learning a new physical activity, start slow! The CDC recommends just 5-10 minutes of gentle movement to start and to always get a doctor’s approval before starting out a new exercise program.