Après avoir souffert d’un accident vasculaire cérébral, le mode de vie d’Eli a radicalement changé. Tout à coup, il a eu besoin de types de soutien dont il n’avait jamais eu besoin auparavant, ce qui a entraîné plus de pression sur son soignant.

« On ne sait jamais ce que cela va vous coûter quand vous vieillissez », dit-il.

Mais avec l’aide de programmes financés en partie par de généreux dons, Eli a pu trouver quelque chose qui correspondait à ses besoins.

Maintenant, il assiste au programme de jour pour adultes Carling deux fois par semaine, qui est l’un des trois programmes de jour pour adultesde Carefor qui donnent aux personnes atteintes de démence l’occasion de se connecter et de socialiser avec les autres.

« Je n’ai jamais mis de l’argent de côté pour des programmes comme celui-ci », dit Eli.

Leur journée consiste à jouer à des jeux, à faire de l’artisanat, à faire de l’exercice, à socialiser et à profiter d’un repas.

Ces programmes nécessaires qui sont en forte demande aident non seulement des personnes comme Eli à obtenir le soutien dont elles ont besoin, mais ils donnent également aux aidants une pause bien nécessaire.

« C’est une bénédiction », dit Heather, la fille et soignante d’Eli, au sujet du service de relève. « Si nous n’avions pas cela, papa ne serait pas à la maison et il serait isolé. » Lorsque la santé d’un être cher se détériore, les aidants sont souvent jetés dans un monde compliqué, ne sachant pas comment accéder à des programmes qui peuvent les soutenir.

Le Carling Adult Day Program est l’un de ces programmes. En plus de simplement donner une pause aux aidants, cela les aide à maintenir la relation qu’ils ont toujours eue avec leur proche. « En tant qu’aidante, cela me permet d’avoir une entité distincte et crée nos lignes afin que nous puissions toujours être père-fille », dit Heather.

Pour en savoir plus sur le programme de jour pour adultes Carefor Carling, cliquez ici ou envoyez-nous un courriel à info@carefor.ca.

After a day of preparing and serving food, offering physical support, and performing other caregiving tasks, the sound of Carefor RPN Tina Cuerrier knocking on the door has William breathing a sigh of relief. For his mother, Anna Mae, it’s peace of mind.  

It has been a few years since William R. Lacroix was the primary caregiver to a loved one who required Carefor support. The first time was when his wife, Holly, was diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Tina cared for Holly during her final days. But when his mother’s health took a turn for the worse last year, he urgently needed Carefor’s help again.

Although requiring support from Carefor is not the sign of the best of times, our programs and services are there for individuals and families when they need it the most. When seniors are feeling a heightened sense of social isolation, stress, and anxiety during COVID, Carefor staff are a ray of light during this period of darkness.  

Helping seniors when help is needed the most

Ottawa seniors face isolation now, more than ever. One fourth of all seniors in Ottawa live alone and many deal with health conditions that require support.

Anna Mae Lacroix lived independently for many years and was in good health for decades. However last year, after her granddaughter was concerned by a bump and cuts on her feet, they went to the hospital, and several tests later found that she had severe bladder problems. Shortly after that, more health issues followed. After being discharged from the hospital, she desperately needed continued care and support. To keep mom safe at home, William stepped up and welcomed her to live with his family.

“I am at 24/7 care here. If it wasn’t for my son, I wouldn’t be alive,” Anna Mae says, “And if it wasn’t for [Carefor], I’d have no quality of life.”

In-home nursing has given her comfort, health, and safety, especially during COVID. Every time Tina arrives, Anna Mae describes it as an extended family member walking through the door – one who is attending not only to her physical wellbeing, but also her mental. 

“They’re family, they have a minute to sit and listen,” she says. “They’re keeping people sane.”

But home care support isn’t only a lifeline for clients, it’s also a lifeline for caregivers: « It’s the people at home who need the help to take the pressure off,” Anna Mae admits. “When Tina arrives, it gives my family a break.”

Caregivers are doing more, with less

Families are putting in the extra effort to keep their loved ones at home. It’s estimated that 8 million Canadians care for a family member, and COVID-19 has decreased supports available to them.

“I just can’t do it all by myself … It’s overwhelming,” Williams says. “You’re constantly aware of the person that’s in need. If you’re not aware, then you realize that you’re [the one] in need.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put extra pressure on families in how they’re able to support their loved ones. The support and training home care staff need go beyond ensuring physical wellbeing, but also making sure that families don’t burnout.

“Compassion and understanding beats everything else. You have to be able to get that and that’s what makes the difference with home care, “William attests. “Knowing I have Carefor there as a resource makes a big difference on my mental state and how I can care for my mother.”

Home care means caring for everyone in the home       

Home care nurses like Tina bring help, caring and connection giving seniors and families peace of mind. 

“Being a 24/7 caregiver takes its toll,” Tina says. “It changes people’s role in the family, adding more stress and anxiety. That’s why I’m here. So that people like William don’t have to just be a caregiver but can also be a son.”

Home care is allowing thousands of local families to stay together longer. It’s also one of the cheapest and safest ways to deliver and receive care, keeping our loved ones out of hospitals and long-term care homes.

For these reasons, Tina is a huge advocate for home care and has worked for Carefor for decades: “We make a difference in people’s lives … We relieve their stress and anxiety, giving these families a break.”

Carefor home care staff are more than their title. They’re a close friend. A listening ear. A shoulder to cry on. A reason to smile. They’re a ray of light and a sign of hope for thousands of local seniors and their families.

Health is more than just the body. Mental wellness plays a key role in one’s physical wellness. Specialized training allows home care staff to identify issues and support their clients with their mental and emotional struggles such as depression and addiction, which have been heightened during COVID-19. You can help staff receive the necessary training they need now and into the future by donating at carefor.ca/donate.

Community members band together to create second library at Carefor Mackay Residential Complex

Although the provincial government has eased pandemic restrictions, both members of our communities and Carefor staff are still working hard to ensure the health and safety of our seniors.

“COVID-19 has been an exercise in flexibility and creativity, especially for those of us in the recreation field,” Carefor Recreation Coordinator Megan Shepheard explains. “We’ve had to take a lot of our programs and turn them on their head.  Where we were once gathering people together, we are now trying to keep them apart.” 

It’s without a doubt that the pandemic has changed the way we connect and interact with the world, creating a time of heightened social isolation. With that in mind, members of Pembroke wanted to give back to people in their community who need a little more ray of sunshine during these times. 

Pembroke resident Jamie Shaw heard about the efforts of Carefor staff trying to engage Mackay residents and wanted to make things a little easier by donating bins full of books. « I love to read and every book I’ve ever owned means a lot to me. It broke my heart to think of them rotting in a box untouched. Books are meant to be shared and they are meant to be read. I just wanted them to have a good home,” Jamie says.

With such a great quantity of donated books, Carefor staff decided to create a library on the second floor of the building, allowing for more space and seating options. After announcing to the community that they were looking for bookcases, Pembroke residents Chrissie McMillan and Beth Loach Matasich were quick to donate a few. 

Mackay resident Tony Beulow, who was one of the first residents to enjoy reading a book from the library, says he has enjoyed the new selection: “There’s a lot there that I’ve never seen before. I’m working on a box of ten books now, and then I will bring them back and get some more.”

Now thanks to some very generous donors, Mackay residents are excited to grab a book and travel the world through stories in the safety of our new library.

“In the moments when our current situation feels like too much, the residents are able to escape to other worlds through these books,” Megan adds. “This library is a visual reminder that people in the community are thinking of our residents and care for them deeply. I cannot express just how grateful we are to these amazing ladies who took a minute to think about how one small action can do a world of good for others.”

Helen works as a nurse at Carefor’s Mackay Complex in Pembroke, Ontario. Her day to day is making sure Mackay’s 41 residents are looked after – ensuring medications, supporting residents with doctors visits, dealing with any health issues that arise. « You have to think of (the residents) and what they need, » says Helen. « Put their needs before everything else. »

Helen knows that good care is for more than just the body, it’s for the whole person. It’s taking a moment to connect with residents, to « interact with them on their levels, » says Helen.  Watching her do her rounds you can see how she does this effortlessly. A hand on one person’s shoulder, a quick joke and a smile to someone else. It might seem small, but it makes a difference. It helps her connect.

One of the residents, Peggy, recognizes it. « (Helen) is so compassionate and she spreads herself to everyone. » Helen and Peggy obviously have a bond.

The majority of Mackay’s residents are seniors who are largely independent with some need of support. Helen and the rest of the staff at Mackay provide them that help that keeps them living as as active and independent lives as possible.

To find out more about Carefor Mackay Centre, click here or contact infopembroke@carefor.ca.

Deux anciens combattants, Norman McBride et Derek Brown, de Pembroke, en Ontario, ont tous deux servi dans l’armée dans les années 1960, mais sont devenus de bons amis plus de 40 ans plus tard.

Ils se sont rencontrés dans le cadre du programme de visites amicales de Carefor, qui associe un bénévole qualifié à un client de Carefor. L’objectif principal du programme est de fournir de la compagnie.

Lorsque Norman et Derek se sont rencontrés, une amitié spéciale s’est formée tout de suite et a continué de croître au cours des sept dernières années.

Le jeudi, Carefor libère une fourgonnette accessible en fauteuil roulant afin qu’ils puissent se rendre à Petawawa et rencontrer de vieux amis de l’armée.

« Le jeudi est le point culminant de ma semaine », dit Norman, expliquant qu’il fait du bénévolat « pour apporter un peu de différence dans la vie de certaines personnes ».

Non seulement le moral de Derek a été remonté par ce programme, mais aussi par celui de Norman.

« Nous sommes tous les deux des soldats, nous persévérons ensemble, nous continuons à persévérer », dit Norman. « Peu importe ce qui nous a été traité, nous pouvons parler des choses ensemble et nous remettre ensemble de ces mauvais endroits. »

Carefor compte plus de 900 bénévoles passionnés dans l’Est de l’Ontario. Si vous souhaitez être l’un d’entre eux, cliquez ici pour plus d’informations.

Amener la physiothérapie directement chez les gens

Matthew is a physiotherapist with 26 years of experience. He has been working in the community for Carefor the past 3 years. A typical day for him starts with reviewing paperwork before he hits the road making sure he is ready to see his clients. “With home care, you can be dealing with just about anything,” says Matthew “we are seeing people that are unable to get out of their home for the most part.”

Once Matthew arrives at the home for an initial physio visit, he will assess the individual and their needs along with their environment and any existing equipment. Upon assessment “if it goes really well we might actually prescribe some exercise or some kind of pain management strategies as well,” says Matthew.

The progress of a client is then measured in follow up visits. These follow up visits allow Matthew to see how far the client has come and gives him the chance to adjust exercises for continual improvement. “My job is to help the person help themselves.”

To find out more about our Physiotherapy Services click here or contact info@carefor.ca.

Carefor Civic Residential Complex residents give staff members a special surprise for their work during the pandemic

Making a tremendous impact on people’s lives is something Carefor staff do each and every day, but oftentimes they don’t realize just how far their kindness goes in impacting the people around them.

Residents at Carefor Pembroke Civic Residential Complex gave staff members, from health care professionals to administration personnel, a big surprise.

As lockdown restrictions have eased in the province, longtime resident Todd Sullivan and others wanted to do something special to applaud the bravery and dedication of Carefor staff during the pandemic, and for their continued support as things slowly re-adjust. 

In an effort to highlight their efforts, residents presented an appreciation plaque to staff for the great care they received during COVID-19.

Though changes have been challenging for residents, with an inability to participate in their regular activities, Todd who spearheaded the honour, shared that staff were very understanding and supportive throughout.  In addition, many residents recognized staff for going above and beyond in finding ways to engage them during this difficult time.

« Thank you so much to all staff for everything you have done to keep us safe. It was greatly appreciated by myself and all residents of Carefor Civic Complex. Keep up the great work,” Todd said. 

Staff members were truly humbled to receive the plaque of appreciation. They did not expect special recognition for their work, as they always show up with the residents’ best interests at heart.

That said, they were grateful for the thought that was put into presenting them with this honour. “Staff were both appreciative and humbled by this award, and it was even more special because it was from the residents. We couldn’t be more proud of the hardworking staff during this pandemic. Their hard work and dedication to our residents is truly remarkable, » Care Team Supervisor Jennifer St. Cyr said.

It really goes to show the family-like-bond that is created between residents and Carefor staff at this special residential facility. We are very proud of the work they do each day. 

Our retirement homes in Pembroke are a home away from home for many. Support our health care heroes who are making a difference each and every day.     

BRADLEY CUP IN NAVAN HELPS RAISE MONEY IN HONOUR OF PLAYER’S LATE MOTHER

On March 26th, the Bradley Cup was hosted at the Navan Memorial Centre. This long-standing one-day hockey tournament pits local teams from Navan, Cumberland, Orleans, Sarsfield and Vars for bragging rights.   

As any Canadian knows, hockey is about more than the sport. It’s about connection and community. The Bradley Cup has been a mainstay in the communities east of Ottawa since 1929 with a lunch, a spaghetti dinner, live entertainment in the evening, all while raising money for a local charity.

Every year the money raised by the Navan Lion’s Club goes to a different charity. This year, tournament organizer Frank Boyer approached one of the tournament’s participants, Shawn Dandy, whose family lost their mother, Debbie, in February of this year, about where they would like to money to go.

The Dandy family chose to give the $500 raised to Carefor, who supported Debbie through the last months of her five year battle with metastatic colon cancer. “I can’t say enough good things about the support that Carefor demonstrated in supporting us at home while caring for my Mom in her last few months,” says Shawn. “It provided so many silver linings and allowed us to be by her side 24/7 during the most challenging circumstances.”

“It was an easy decision that the donation from the Navan Lion’s Club via the Bradley Cup go to Carefor because of the level of support we received during the end of my Mom’s journey.  It really felt like they were an extension of our family and that the entire team from doctors, nurses, PSWs, case workers and even delivery drivers bringing supplies during nasty February conditions made everything manageable.  Most of all, my Mom felt the love and support, and that meant the world to us.”

“My dad Wayne, sister Kim and myself Shawn (son) along with spouses and 4 grandkids all are extremely grateful!” says Shawn.

We, at Carefor, are grateful to have been able to offer support to Debbie and the Dandy family through this difficult time. We are also grateful to the Dandy family, Frank Boyer, the Navan Lion’s Club and all the participants of the Bradley Cup for their donation to Carefor, which will go to support nurse training and education to help our nurses offer excellent care to people like Debbie.

If you have an event or idea for supporting Carefor, we’d love to hear it. Please reach out to our fundraising manager, Trevor Eggleton at teggleton@carefor.ca