To say that seniors are at high risk of depression is an understatement. 1 in 4 seniors live with a mental health challenge (e.g., depression, anxiety, or dementia), and according to the National Seniors Council of Canada, “studies show that the lack of a supportive social network is linked to a 60% increase in the risk of dementia and cognitive decline; while socially integrated lifestyles protect against dementia”.[1]   Luckily, it has also been proven that seniors with many social relationships lead longer and healthier lives, highlighting the need for social cohesion and connection in our later years of life.

The most common cause of senior isolation is widowhood, shrinking social networks, and children and grandchildren moving far away. According to the Government of Canada, other critical and often preventable factors that heighten the risk of seniors feeling and being socially isolated include:

• Living alone or living with a spouse but serving as their caregiver
• Being 80+, Aboriginal, new immigrants or LGBTQ
• Experiencing health issues (particularly Alzheimer’s, dementia and chronic illness)
• Disconnection from children and family (or not having any)
• Inability to access transportation
• Living in a low-income household
• Lack of access to or awareness of useful community support services
• Fear of accessing community support services
• Housing instability
• Fear or falling, incontinence or other issues that may prevent them from engaging with community members

Knowing that social connections can and do improve overall happiness in seniors’ everyday life, here are the top 4 ways to maintain and create new social connections:

1. Volunteer: The Journal of Gerontology completed a study concluding that elderly people who volunteer experience higher levels of happiness and overall well-being. These volunteer activities not only create social and community connections, but also ignite a sense of purpose and achievement for the volunteers.
2. Exercise Classes: Senior group exercise programs led by trained and certified instructors can serve the dual purpose of helping seniors stay healthy while also introducing them to a whole new community of friends.
3. Learning Something New: Learning a new skill is proven to improve cognition, but it comes with the added benefit of introducing seniors to a whole new community of friends, mentors and teachers while doing so.
4. Live in a Retirement Home: Since living alone is a key indicator of senior loneliness and depression, retirement living can improve socialization and connection. Lifelong friends, partners, and chosen family are often found in retirement living communities.

If you, or a senior in your life, is looking for ways to create new social connections, visit our website today at www.carefor.ca. There you will find information about our two retirement homes in Pembroke, Carefor Civic and Carefor Mackay as well as  resources and more information about our in-home care services.

The Government of Canada provides a wide range of income support systems to seniors upon retirement. While the Canada Pension Plan is accessible to all individuals over 60 who paid into CPP at some point in their working life, other programs such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement have more stringent eligibility requirements. Each of these programs can help low-income seniors financially survive the cost of retirement. The amounts available to seniors through Canada’s retirement income programs are dependent on the specific financial circumstance of each applicant. This blog provides the definitions and application links for the Canada Pension Plan, the Old Age Security Pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor Benefit.

 1. Canada Pension Plan (CPP):

The Canada Pension Plan retirement pension is a taxable monthly benefit designed to replace some of your income when you retire. The amount of this depends on your average earnings and how much you paid into the plan. If you qualify, you will receive the monthly benefit for the rest of your life.

 Eligibility Requirements include:

• You are at least 60 years old (but the standard age is 65)
• You have made a at least one valid CPP contribution in your lifetime.

Learn more about the Canada Pension Plan and Apply. 

 

2. Old Age Security (OAS):

At 65, those who meet the residence requirements can receive this modest monthly benefit. The amount you will receive for this benefit is calculated based on how long you have lived in Canada after you turned 18 years old. Payment rates can change to reflect the current cost of living based on the Consumer Price Index. The Old Age Security benefit is considered taxable income and, in some cases, Service Canada may automatically enroll you in the OAS pension. As of July 2022, Seniors aged 75 and older will see an automatic increase of their OAS pension by 10%.

Learn more about the Old Age Security Pension.                                      

 

3. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS):

At 65, people with low or no other income beyond OAS may qualify for an additional monthly benefit called the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Low-income individuals who are receiving partial OAS can also apply and receive GIS to make up for their reduced OAS pension. It is not taxable. 

Eligibility Requirements include:

• You are 65 or older
• You reside in Canada
• You get the OAS pension
• Your income plus the income of your spouse/common-law partner is below:
  • $25,728 if your spouse/common-law partner receives the full OAS pension
  • $46,656 if your spouse/common-law partner does not receive an OAS pension
  • $46,656 if your spouse/common-law partner receives the Allowance

Before applying for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, ensure that you have completed all your annual tax returns to date and that you have already applied to OAS.

Learn more about the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Apply. 

 

4. Allowance:

If you are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to receive the Allowance benefit.

Eligibility Requirements include:

• You are 60-64 years old
• You are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident
• You reside in Canada now and for at least 10 years since the age of 18
• Your combined income annually is under $36,048

Learn more about the Allowance Pension and Apply.

 

5. Allowance for the Survivor Benefit:

One additional benefit is available for low-income spouses and common-law partners of GIS recipients.

Eligibility Requirements include:

• You are between 60 and 64 years of age
• You reside in Canada
• Your spouse or common law partner has died and since their death you have not remarried or become common-law with another person
• Your yearly income is less than $26,256

 

Learn more about the Allowance for the Survivor Benefit and Apply.

Retiring on a budget is challenging but not impossible. Beyond these government support programs, seniors can draw from community groups for physical, mental and emotional support as well as organizations such as Carefor for low-cost retirement housing or free assisted living programs. Contact our team at Carefor today to learn how we can help make a retirement plan with you, or visit some of the recommended resources below to learn more.

Recommended Resources for Low Income Retirement Planning:

Low Income Retirement Planning 2022

Government of Canada Public Pensions

Old Age Security Payment Amounts

Housing needs change drastically for people as they age. Whether the upkeep of your primary home becomes too much work, or you require assistance doing certain tasks, there are affordable housing options available to low-income seniors hoping to retire. That said, the average cost of most bachelor apartments or private rooms in seniors’ residences in Canada (including a minimum of one meal) averages $2,210 per month. For individuals without savings that rely on government pension payments, this may be an impossible number to pay. Thankfully, there are other options. Below, we have outlined the top three retirement housing options for low-income seniors.

 1. Affordable Housing:

Accessing affordable housing is a right at any age but figuring out how to access it can be challenging. The Government of Ontario has a dedicated website to addressing affordable housing across the province, prioritizing the needs of people at risk of or currently homeless. Seniors may be eligible for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, a monthly benefit payment to help certain households that are either living in community housing or on the wait list for social housing to pay their rent.

Learn more about Affordable Housing and Supportive Housing initiatives in Ontario.

2. Aging in Place with Free Assisted Living Services:

Assisted living services are community-based health care services that provide eligible seniors with the assistance that they need to continue aging in place at their homes. Caregiver support provided through assisted living services may include:

• Washing/bathing
• Mouth care
• Preventative skin care
• Transferring/positioning/turning
• Dressing/undress
• Toileting or incontinence care
• Homemaking – including running errands and doing groceries
• Escorting to medical appointments
• Medication reminders
• Assisting with range of motion and in-home exercise

 

Learn more about no cost assisted living services provided by Carefor.

3. Low-Cost Retirement Living:

There are a few affordable retirement residences available to seniors living in Ontario right now. For example, Carefor MacKay Centre is one of the most affordable retirement homes in the entire Ottawa valley. The not-for-profit status of Carefor enables it to reduce costs and provide all-inclusive, low-cost packages to seniors living on a tight budget. Permanent move-ins even qualify for their first month free at the Carefor Civic Complex, and gain access to recreation programs, dedicated staff, community feeling, home-cooked meals and housekeeping.

Learn more about Ottawa’s most affordable retirement home and contact Jennifer to book a tour of the Carefor Civic Complex today at 613-732-9993 ext. 3223 or jstcyr@carefor.ca

When you or your aging parents are working with a tight budget, we recommend sitting down with a reputable financial advisor and determining how to use government retirement income programs such as CPP, OAS and GIS to work within your budgetary constraints or use our recommended resources below.

Recommended Resources for Low Income Seniors:

Canadian Retirement Income Calculator

Budget Planner

 

Being a caregiver is an incredibly rewarding, albeit exhausting role to play. You are on call 24 hour a day, often serving as the lifeline for someone you love and care for deeply. From bathing to preparing meals to engaging in simple mental and physical activities with those in your care, the days can often feel long, tiring and even lonely. Our team of expert caregivers at Carefor has come together to compile this essential resource guide to help those of you pouring your hearts and souls and hours into helping the seniors in your life feel supported, loved and honoured.

Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

1. Keep to a schedule to manage your days and time and daily to-do lists
2. Ask for (and accept) help from family members, friends or in home care services so you don’t burn out
3. Stay active even if it means just taking short walks a few times a day
4. Reduce and manage your own stress with techniques such as yoga, meditation and breathwork
5. Connect with others and speak candidly about how you are feeling in your role as a caregiver. If the feelings become overwhelming, consult a therapist for additional support.
6. Stay present and live in the moment. As a caregiver, we know that any moment could be the last, and reminding ourselves of the value of each minute spent with our loved ones can help us find peace of mind.
7. Start a gratitude journal and try to write down at least one thing you are grateful for each day.
8. Take a break and do something you love.

Fighting the Guilt of Taking a Break as a Caregiver

Carefor Day Program Team Leader Carolyn Puderer understands the difficulties of being a caregiver, which is why our respite programs exist. During this period of social isolation, caregivers that were once receiving respite every now and then are now working round-the-clock again. 

“Self-compassion is important,” Carolyn stresses. “Give yourself a break, and don’t shy away from your feelings because they will bottle up and contribute to more stress. We’re in unprecedented times. We all need a break every now and then. So, find something they enjoy and step away, don’t feel guilty, and go find that time for yourself because you’re only able to provide the best care if you’re healthy.”

Keep in mind, doing nothing can also be productive because it gives you time to stop and recharge, otherwise you might experience caregiver burnout.

How to Know it is time to send your loved one to a retirement home

Whether you’ve been caregiving for a few days, a few months or a few years, there are some surefire signs when it is time to let go of your responsibility and send your loved one to a retirement home.

1. The senior is unsafe at home alone and/or unable to eat, use the restroom, walk, and perform basic tasks independently
2. You and your family are unavailable or overwhelmed with your responsibilities
3. Medications are being missed or skipped altogether
4. You or the senior are experiencing social isolation, depression, or addiction
5. The seniors’ living space is in disarray and the senior can no longer practice hygiene
6. Mobility issues, memory or other mental and physical conditions are worsening
7. The senior is getting into dangerous situations when left alone at home (oven on, falls, etc)
8. At home care simply is not working for you and your family
9. You are feeling drained, resentful, and exhausted trying to perform caregiving tasks

Easing the Transition to Retirement Living

Moving and change are never easy, especially in the later years of life when one has resided in their home for a long time. Many seniors, alongside their family members, struggle with the transition to retirement living. Here are some tried and true ways that caregivers can help make the switch to retirement living easier on the seniors they love and care for.

1. Include your loved one in making the decision in the first place, allowing them to feel a sense of control over the choice made.
2. Take a tour of the facility together with your family member and even ask about a trial stay for a few nights.
3. Personalize the space with items, photographs and things that make the senior feel at home
4. Get to know the staff at the retirement facility with your senior and don’t be afraid to ask questions as needed.
5. Attend social and recreational events with your senior family member at the retirement facility in the beginning and encourage them to continue attending so they can build community and make friends.
6. Be patient. Transitions are difficult but worthwhile and the benefits of living in a retirement home far outweigh the drawbacks.

 

Caregivers are the lifeline of our society. Their patience, compassion and love bring light and joy to the lives of their loved ones. But it is a hard job, and when it becomes to taxing, physically or mentally, it is important to know that there are other options available. Carefor provides a safe, supportive, and loving environment for seniors at an affordable rate. Contact our team today to learn how we can help take the load off of your shoulders info@carefor.ca.

Moving and change are never easy, especially in the later years of life when one has resided in their home for a long time. Many seniors, alongside their family members, struggle with the transition to retirement living. Here are some tried and true ways that caregivers can help make the switch to retirement living easier on the seniors they love and care for.  

1. Include your loved one in making the decision in the first place, allowing them to feel a sense of control over the choice made.
2. Take a tour of the facility together with your family member and even ask about a trial stay for a few nights.
3. Personalize the space with items, photographs and things that make your loved one feel at home
4. Get to know the staff at the retirement facility with your senior and don’t be afraid to ask questions as needed.
5. Attend social and recreational events with your senior family member at the retirement facility in the beginning and encourage them to continue attending so they can build community and make friends.
6. Be patient. Transitions are difficult but worthwhile and the benefits of living in a retirement home far outweigh the drawbacks.

Finally, assisted living support programs can be a great introduction to the benefits retirement living. At Carefor, our living services are healthcare services that provide eligible seniors living in Pembroke with the assistance that they need to allow them to continue living on their own for as long as possible. Assisted living services focus on providing support for everyday activities that seniors can no longer do on their own, such as:

• Washing/bathing
• Mouth care
• Preventative skin care
• Transferring/positioning/turning
• Dressing/undressing
• Toileting or incontinence care
• Homemaking

Our program at Carefor also provide safety and reassurance checks and 24-hour urgent response via telephone or in person.

To learn more about the no-cost assisted living services, visit our website today and contact us to learn more. 

How to Prepare Your Home and Your Life for a Parent Who is Moving in With You

Making the decision to have your parent move in with you is no easy feat. There will be a significant adjustment period for the both of you, and there are several factors you’ll have to consider that you likely wouldn’t have thought of if you were living alone or with your spouse or children. While you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your parent is safer under your roof and close by, it’s also important to take these extra steps to ensure that the transition goes smoothly.

To prepare your home:

• Based on the layout of your home, assess whether you can have your parent live on the ground floor to the risk of falling up or down the stairs.
• Slip-proof your bathroom by installing grab bars beside the toilet and in the shower area and place non-slip mats on the floor and in the shower.
• Install a baby monitor in their room, which can be a life-saving communication tool if they’re trying to reach you but are having mobility issues.
• Scan your home for any safety risks, like toys your parent could trip over or sharp edges that could be dangerous if they fall.
• Consider installing a ramp or automatic stair lift if there is a need for them to use the stairs.

To prepare your life:

• – Have a conversation with your parent about how things usually work in your household so that they’re aware of you or your family’s schedule, and any other important elements they should know before moving in, such as when you do groceries or how often you head to the pharmacy. Having an open conversation about lifestyle helps minimize arguments or disagreements later and ensures that both of you are on the same page in terms of goals and expectations.
• – Look at your and your parent’s finances and create a budget that you can work with. Consider that their food and medications may be an extra cost to your household, as will any other equipment or items required for their care. Analyzing finances beforehand reduces the likelihood of any expensive surprises further down the line.

Why Should I Send My Parents to A Retirement Home?

Making the decision to find a retirement home for your parents is never easy and is one that requires a considerable amount of careful thought, as well as the evaluation of several factors. No two situations are the same, and your parents’ situation will always differ from that of your friends’ parents or from anyone else that you ask for advice. To know when it’s the right time to consider a retirement home for your aging parents, look out for these key signs.

1 – They’re no longer able to take care of themselves

Probably the biggest sign that it’s time to move your parents out of their home is that they’re unable to handle basic tasks like preparing their own meals, tidying up after themselves, remembering to take their medication, and showering or bathing. This can get particularly dangerous when considering that they might forget to turn off the oven or could skip taking medication that’s crucial to maintaining their health.

2 – Their cognitive or physical limitations are too difficult for your family to manage

As much effort as you may have put into your parents’ care, sometimes they have conditions that you just aren’t equipped to manage. Whether it’s a lack of knowledge when it comes to your mother’s dementia, or that the only child living within driving distance to your parents frequently works overtime and is unable to be present, you’ll know it’s time for them to enter a retirement home when you can’t provide them with the assistance required to maintain their quality of life. Often children who make the decision to find a retirement home for their parents see the benefit it has on their lives and wish they had made the decision sooner. Your parent may be fully capable of remembering to shower and take their medication, but sometimes they simply need more professional help than that. They could have physical disabilities or illnesses that require 24/7 medical care, including the presence of somebody being around overnight to make sure that they’re supported. As much as you may want to be there for them, you likely don’t have the skills or resources necessary to give them the medical attention they need – luckily, they can give that in a retirement home.

3 – Retirement homes can reduce isolation and loneliness

Aging at home can be isolating and lonely. Despite children’s and family members greatest efforts to visit and be there for their loved ones, prolonged periods alone can lead to depression and other mental health challenges. Should you see signs of depression in your parent it might be time to consider retirement living to improve their mental health. The community that is created within the retirement facility can become an important support for you and your loved one.

At Carefor, we know how momentous of a decision it can be to place your parents in a retirement home and recognize that you likely have many questions to ask to help guide your choice. We have worked with countless families to support them through this transition and educated them on retirement options near them – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today at https://carefor.ca/contact-us. We are always happy to hear from you.

Senior Winter Safety Guide

Every year when the weather turns, seniors face a greater risk of everything from hypothermia to slips and falls to car accidents. This senior winter safety guide is an essential resource for anyone over 65 and caregivers for our senior population.

Part 3: How to Prevent Slips and Falls in Winter Weather

These icy and snowy conditions put us all at high risk of slipping and falling. Occupational Therapists recommend routine exercise year-round to help with stability and balance to reduce falls, but there are some other important precautions you can take, or if you are a caregiver, you can provide for your senior loved ones.

• Ensure that all walkways are clear before you walk. Beware of wet pavements that could be iced over.
• Shovel away snow and salt your walkways at home or hire someone to do it regularly so you can rest assured when icy days surprise you.
• Wear boots with non-skid soles – this will prevent you from slipping.
• If you use a cane, remember to replace the rubber tip (before it is worn smooth)
• Try out an ice pick-like attachment that fits onto the end of the cane for additional traction.
• Clean up clutter on your front porch or yard so that the route from your home to your car or sidewalk is clear and safe all year round.
• Consider carrying some kitty litter or sand in a bag to take with you on your walk and toss on the icy ground in front of you.
• Always bring a cell phone with you so should a fall occur; you can call for help.

If a fall does happen, stay calm. Do not get up right away or let anyone help you up immediately as this could pose risk of further injury. Take a few moments to assess how you are feeling, then if you can safely move, roll to one side, bend your knees towards your body and push yourself up with your arms. If you’re unable to or feel as though it’s unsafe to stand up, call someone or ask a passerby to call for help.

If you feel like you or your loved one requires more regular support to stay safe in the winter, it might be time to consider retirement living, where shoveling, salting, and safety precautions are taken care for you. Contact our team today to learn more about the transition to retirement living.

Senior Winter Safety Guide

Every year when the weather turns, seniors face a greater risk of everything from hypothermia to slips and falls to car accidents. This senior winter safety guide is an essential resource for anyone over 65 and caregivers for our senior population. 

Part 2: Winter Driving Tips

Did you know that adults over 65 are involved in more car crashes per mile driven than those in other age groups? Snow, ice, and dark nights make operating any kind of vehicle in the winter months a scary endeavor.

“In 2017, nearly 30 per cent of collisions reported to the National Collision Database happened on wet, snowy or icy roads. One third happened in January, February, November and December” – Government of Canada

Winter road conditions can be extremely dangerous, and we recommend taking these precautions before hopping in the driver’s seat:

• “Winterize” your car early by putting on winter tires, stocking up on windshield washer fluid, antifreeze and snow brushes and ice scrapers.
• Bring your cell phone anytime you drive, especially in bad weather, while also letting people know that you are heading out.
• Check highway conditions online or by calling 511 before you leave, and if conditions are poor, reschedule your plans.
• Clear all the snow and ice from your car before you head out on the road and get others to help.
• Avoid driving on icy roads and be especially careful driving on highways, bridges. Consider alternate routes, even if it means driving a longer distance, if the more direct route is less safe. Often bigger roads are cleared of snow better than smaller roads.
• Stock your car with basic emergency supplies such as:
  • First aid kit
  • Blankets
  • Extra warm clothes
  • Booster cables
  • Windshield scraper
  • Shovel
  • Tow strap
  • Rock salt or a bag of sand or cat litter (in case your wheels get stuck)
  • Water and dried food or canned food (with can opener!)
  • Flashlight
  • Map (if traveling in new areas)
• Keep an eye on the weather report and temperature. Transport Canada suggests that black ice is present on roads between 4 degrees Celsius and –4 degrees Celsius and can appear on roads, bridges and overpasses all day and night. They also affirm that snow and ice are more slippery at 0 degrees Celsius than at –20 or below!

Bookmark this page and pull it up on the next blustery day so you can review our dos and don’ts’ when it comes to winter driving before you hit the road.

Senior Winter Safety Guide

Every year when the weather turns, seniors face a greater risk of everything from hypothermia to slips and falls to car accidents. This senior winter safety guide is an essential resource for anyone over 65 and caregivers for our senior population.

Part 1: 10 Tips to Avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia

Getting older and feeling colder? There’s some actual science behind that. The older we get, the faster our bodies lose heat and the less likely we are to be aware of how cold we are. As a result, seniors are more at risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature gets under 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and can trigger health problems such as heart attack, kidney problems and liver damage. Many people don’t know that hypothermia can also happen indoors when it’s very cold. Here are the top 10 tips to avoid frostbite and hypothermia in the cold winter months.

Layer clothing: Wear breathable (cotton, wool) clothes, including thermal underwear, undershirt, track suits, sweaters, snowsuits, winter boots, hats, mittens, and scarves.

Cover exposed skin: Exposed skin can become frostbitten in as little as 30 seconds. Always cover exposed skin, especially when wind is a factor.

Keep moving: Try to stay mobile. Stand up and move around to allow circulation to better reach all body parts.

Blankets and portable seat/cushion: Sitting on cold pavement or concrete can increase the risk of hypothermia. Sitting on a blanket or portable seat will limit the risk.

Drink fluids: Dehydration can occur even when the temperature is below freezing. Hot chocolate is a great way to stay hydrated.

Avoid alcoholic beverages: Alcohol diminishes the body’s ability to feel the cold.

Look out for the following signs of frostbite and call 911 if you are experiencing any of these: ale grey, waxy textured skin, numbness, and localized pain, swelling and blistering, and signs of hypothermia such as confusion, lethargy, weakness, apathy, or pale skin colour.