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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am at 24\/7 care here. If it wasn\u2019t for my son, I wouldn\u2019t be alive,\u201d Anna Mae says, \u201cAnd if it wasn\u2019t for [Carefor], I\u2019d have no quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2013 one who is attending not only to her physical wellbeing, but also her mental. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey\u2019re family, they have a minute to sit and listen,\u201d she says. \u201cThey\u2019re keeping people sane.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But home care support isn\u2019t only a lifeline for clients, it\u2019s also a lifeline for caregivers: \u00ab\u00a0It\u2019s the people at home who need the help to take the pressure off,\u201d Anna Mae admits. \u201cWhen Tina arrives, it gives my family a break.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caregivers are doing more, with less<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Families are putting in the extra effort to keep their loved ones at home. It\u2019s estimated that 8 million Canadians care for a family member, and COVID-19 has decreased supports available to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI just can\u2019t do it all by myself \u2026 It\u2019s overwhelming,\u201d Williams says. \u201cYou\u2019re constantly aware of the person that\u2019s in need. If you\u2019re not aware, then you realize that you\u2019re [the one] in need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The COVID-19 pandemic has put extra pressure on families in how they\u2019re 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\u2019t burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCompassion and understanding beats everything else. You have to be able to get that and that\u2019s what makes the difference with home care, \u201cWilliam attests. \u201cKnowing I have Carefor there as a resource makes a big difference on my mental state and how I can care for my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home care means caring for everyone in the home <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Home care nurses like Tina bring help, caring and connection giving seniors and families peace of mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBeing a 24\/7 caregiver takes its toll,\u201d Tina says. \u201cIt changes people\u2019s role in the family, adding more stress and anxiety. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here. So that people like William don\u2019t have to just be a caregiver but can also be a son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home care is allowing thousands of local families to stay together longer. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For these reasons, Tina is a huge advocate for home care and has worked for Carefor for decades: \u201cWe make a difference in people\u2019s lives \u2026 We relieve their stress and anxiety, giving these families a break.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carefor home care staff are more than their title. They\u2019re a close friend. A listening ear. A shoulder to cry on. A reason to smile. They\u2019re a ray of light and a sign of hope for thousands of local seniors and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"William](\"https:\/\/carefor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/608c03c67e447-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n