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.

Climate change is increasingly affecting everyone, but older adults are particularly vulnerable to its impacts. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and floods, are also increasing. These changes pose significant risks to older adults, who may have pre-existing health conditions, reduced mobility, and limited access to resources, making it harder for them to cope with and recover from these events.

One of the most immediate threats from climate change for older adults is extreme heat. Heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and severe, can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and exacerbation of chronic conditions like heart disease and respiratory problems. Older adults may be less able to regulate their body temperature and might not sense temperature changes as acutely, increasing their risk of heat-related illnesses.

Additionally, older adults are more likely to be isolated, which can compound the dangers of climate-related disasters. For instance, during hurricanes or floods, they may find it challenging to evacuate quickly due to physical limitations or lack of transportation. Moreover, social isolation can mean that they are less likely to receive timely help from neighbors or community members during emergencies.

To protect themselves from the adverse effects of climate change, older adults can take several proactive steps. First, they should stay informed about the weather and have a plan in place for extreme events. This includes knowing the nearest cooling centers during a heatwave or evacuation routes in case of a flood or wildfire. They should also prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies like medications, water, non-perishable food, and important documents.

Another crucial step is to maintain social connections. Staying in touch with family, friends, or neighbors can ensure that someone is available to check on them during extreme weather events or emergencies. It’s also important for older adults to discuss their specific needs with their healthcare providers, who can offer advice on managing health conditions during extreme weather.

Finally, making homes more resilient to climate change is vital. This could involve installing air conditioning, securing windows and doors against strong winds, or elevating electrical systems to prevent flood damage. For those with limited financial means, seeking out community resources or local government programs that provide assistance in home modifications can be beneficial.

In summary, while climate change presents significant challenges for older adults, by staying informed, preparing in advance, and fostering strong social connections, they can better protect themselves and enhance their resilience in the face of a changing climate. Carefor’s health and wellness clinics in Ottawa and Eastern Counties can offer support to seniors on how to protect themselves against climate change

A recent study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, published in JAMA Network Open, has provided compelling evidence on the impact of television watching on healthy aging. The study, which analyzed data from over 45,000 participants reveals that prolonged television viewing is significantly detrimental to aging healthily.

Healthy aging in this context is defined as living to at least 70 years old without major chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, or physical and mental health issues. The study found that every additional two hours of TV watching per day was associated with a 12% decrease in the odds of achieving healthy aging. Conversely, replacing two hours of television watching with light physical activity increased the odds of healthy aging by 6%, while substituting it with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity boosted the odds by 28%.

Dr. Molin Wang, the study’s senior author, emphasized the importance of replacing sedentary activities like TV watching with more active behaviors. Even light physical activities, such as routine household chores, can positively impact longevity and health. The researchers also highlighted that individuals who replaced TV time with sleep, particularly those not getting the recommended seven hours of sleep, saw benefits in healthy aging.

The study underscores the broader implications of sedentary lifestyles on aging. Prolonged periods of inactivity, such as sitting for extended hours while watching TV, contribute to various health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. Furthermore, sedentary behavior often accompanies other unhealthy habits like consuming junk food and poor sleep patterns, exacerbating its negative effects.

Experts like Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, note that sitting for long periods is particularly harmful due to associated behaviors. Watching TV often involves snacking on unhealthy foods and social isolation, both of which can further deteriorate health. He suggests incorporating movement into daily routines, such as using standing desks or taking frequent breaks to walk around, to mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged sitting.

In conclusion, the study strongly advocates for reducing TV time and incorporating more physical activity into daily life to promote healthier aging. This shift can lead to significant improvements in longevity and overall well-being, highlighting the crucial role of lifestyle choices in the aging process.

One thing that makes the Ottawa Valley unique is the staying power of its residents. There’s something about being “from the Valley”. People take pride in it.

In communities stretching throughout Renfrew County, including towns and the rural areas in between live just over 100,000 people. In Pembroke, the percentage of residents who are above 65 is 26%. For the rest of the country it’s 20%.

Some might say it’s a good place to grow old. But is that the case for everyone? If you have means, then okay. But if you’re living in a fixed income as are many elderly people in Renfrew County, the increasing cost of living is diminishing their ability to afford basic essentials such as transportation, food and housing.

This leads to a chain effect with limited access to food and healthcare preventing people from being able to continue living in their homes. As a not for profit charity, Carefor’s role is to help bridge the gap for seniors to community services and affordable living.

Access to Health Care

Carefor’s non-urgent medical transportation picks up seniors and transports them to their medical appointments. With Renfrew County having no public transit system and private alternatives being limited and costly, Carefor’s transportation program provides a more affordable alternative to allow seniors to get to the places they most need. Without access to medical appointments, elderly people might not as well have them, increasing the likelihood of hospitalizations.

Food Insecurity

Throughout the Ottawa Valley are seniors who live alone. Many for whatever reason don’t cook as much as they used to. Perhaps it’s not having anyone else to cook for; perhaps a loved one had always taken care of it; perhaps they just can’t get to the grocery store like they used to.

Carefor’s frozen meal delivery program brings prepared meals right to people’s doors so they have easier access to good, nutritious food. “These programs are becoming more and more essential,” says Alice Grenon, Carefor’s Manager of Community Support Services. “We’re not only seeing more seniors in our communities, and with the cost of living, people are struggling to afford basic things that they might have previously been able to.”

Housing Insecurity

The vast majority of people want to age in their homes, but that’s not always the best option for some. With limited supports, many seniors are isolated and age alone. It can be dangerous for many, causing them to seek out other options. But if you’re on a government pension without other sources of financial supports, where can you go?

Many retirement homes are out of range for lower income seniors leaving a gap between them and the other alternatives: hospital, long-term care and homelessness. Carefor’s two retirement homes, Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Centre bridge that gap offering accommodation for people with limited means and options.

What people often don’t see in these two retirement homes are the integrated supports that exist for the residents. “We’re seeing more and more people coming to us with complex physical and mental health challenges,” says Sharon Maye, Director of Retirement Home Services. “Here we offer specialized services such as assisted living and mental health supports that help people dealing with more complex challenges.”

While large buildings, what you can’t see when you look at Civic and Mackay from the outside are the intimate communities and relationships between the staff and residents, and residents with one another. There is a family feel in the homes and people looking out for one another. People understand what each other has gone through and where they’re from, and they help each other feel a sense of belonging.

To learn more about our retirement homes in Pembroke or our community support services, please visit our website.

A lot of people struggle with isolation and feelings of loneliness. Seniors in particular are at risk, with 1 in 5 people over the age of 65 reporting that they lack companionship.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most people had an easier time maintaining their social life. The lockdowns and social distancing during the pandemic disrupted this, and many people had a hard time reconnecting after lockdowns were lifted. This has been especially impactful to seniors, who often lack a means of transportation and are less familiar with virtual socializing.

Social isolation can be very harmful to your health. Studies show that social isolation and feelings of loneliness can contribute to:

• Depression
• Poor sleep habits
• A weakened immune system
• Worsened cardiovascular health

Forging connections with people is essential to your health. Forming community is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling; human beings need it. If you’re a senior looking to build new relationships and don’t know where to start, here are some resources that might be helpful for you.

Public Libraries

Libraries are a great place to meet people and make friends. They’re not just for checking out books; most libraries host social events and clubs as well. In Ottawa libraries you can find writing groups, knitting groups and book clubs, among other things. Look at your local library’s website and there will be a section for clubs and events.

Senior Community Centers

Community centers often host events to get people more involved in the community. Senior centers are also designed to be fully accessible. The activities offered usually include card games, exercise programs and congregate meals. Check out your local community center online or by phone to see what they have to offer.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to reduce isolation and meet new people. You don’t need to come away from the experience with a best friend; it’s just nice sometimes to spend a day among people sharing a desire to make the world a better place. A great place to look for opportunities is Volunteer Ottawa, the City of Pembroke and on the Carefor website, where we’re always looking for people to make our clients’ days a bit brighter.

Connect with family and old friends

One of the great things about the internet is it allows you to connect with people from your past. Whether it be through social media sites like Facebook or sites that help you find friends from your school days, there are many ways to find old friends.

Connect online

For those who might be dealing with mobility restrictions or who live far away from family and friends, the internet is a great way to connect with and find new social networks around things that interest you. Connecting online might be intimidating but luckily there are resources available to support you.

Carefor

Carefor offers several ways for seniors to stay connected. Depending on your location, we have services and programs to choose from that meet different needs. Adult Day Programs for people living with dementia (Ottawa and Eastern Counties), the Companion Program (Pembroke-Renfrew County) and Seniors Group Exercise (Eastern Counties) are all great opportunities to meet new people.

If you cannot access the mentioned services due to a disability, consider checking out OC Transpo’s Para Transpo service or Carefor’s transportation services. Carefor also offers one-on-one social visits that can take place in your own home or over the phone.

Additionally, if you require some extra help around the house with cleaning or personal care, Carefor offers Personal Support and Homemaking Services. These can be more than just some help and can offer social connection.

Finally, Carefor also operates retirement homes in Pembroke and a retirement home for women living with dementia in Richmond in west Ottawa, which allow people who are unable to or choose not to live at home anymore the ability to connect with new friends.

To see which Carefor services are in your area or find more resources, visit our website.

With spring here, it’s a great time to start thinking about developing new habits and routines. Volunteering can be a great way to dive into something new while having a real impact on your community. It’s also an opportunity to make new friends, make good use of your time and challenge yourself. Those who volunteer see many benefits, such as:

Physical Health

Volunteering can be a great way for people over the age of 50 to stay healthy. Research shows that seniors who volunteer see lower rates of physical decline compared to seniors who didn’t volunteer. Getting up and out of the house on a regular basis is good for your body, and volunteering can help you stay active.

Cognitive Health

The same research showed that the benefit wasn’t just to physical health, as cognitive health was also maintained in seniors who volunteered. Volunteering takes some mental effort, especially in planning and organizing. Staying mentally active like this can help maintain mental acuity for longer.

Emotional Health

It feels good to give back. As Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  Often when people retire, they lose a sense of purpose and drive both of which can be maintained through volunteering. What’s all the better is you have the power to choose exactly how you want to help others. It’s also a great way to meet new people and find the joy of connection.

Community Impact

One of the main reasons people choose to volunteer is a desire to give back and help others in their community, and in the process making their community better. Without volunteers, so much of what not for profits do wouldn’t be possible. Whether serving meals or cleaning a park, the impact of your actions will be felt by many.

As an organization that serves thousands of elderly people and those living with disabilities across Eastern Ontario, Carefor is always looking for volunteers to help increase the reach and quality of our programs. We are so blessed with the volunteers that we have but admittedly have struggled to find many after the pandemic.

If you’re curious about how you can volunteer in a way to help make someone’s day brighter whether it be friendly visiting, meal delivery, at our hospice or day programs, go to our website to learn more.

With warmer temperatures creeping in, the natural urge is to spend more time outdoors enjoying it. Everyone wants to feel the sun on their face, tend to their gardens, go for walks, and have those sweet summer moments. While being outdoors and spending time in the warmth and fresh air is good, there are some things that should be considered for seniors spending continual time in warm summer weather. Listed below are some tips and precautions for staying safe while enjoying the summer sun and warmth.

Optimal Time of Day: The best times of the day to be outside are those when the sun will not be shining down directly onto you. For example, if you plan to have an outdoor activity, have it be in the morning, or evening times.

Taking Breaks to Cool Off: If you plan to spend as much of your day outdoors as possible, make sure you have an air-conditioned area close by that you can pop into for breaks to bring your body temperature back down. This will prevent over-heating, dehydration, and exhaustion.

Stay Hydrated: It’s important to remember to stay hydrated if you’re spending prolonged time in the heat. Drinking things like water, clear juices, and other liquids that do not contain alcohol or caffeine. Liquids with caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, they will cause you to urinate more and dehydrate you. For this reason, it is crucial to stick to clear liquids without these contents when spending time in the heat.

Choosing the Proper Attire:  When spending time in the heat, it is important to dress accordingly. This means wearing light, airy, light-colored clothing. This will prevent heat absorption. In addition to this, it is best to wear a wide brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sunrays.

By combining these tips, you will be prepared to safely spend time in the summer sun. Just remember, if after spending prolonged periods of time in the sun and/or summer heat, you feel unwell, please seek medical attention.

As we grow older, maintaining a healthy mind is just as important as maintaining a healthy body. With Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month upon us, there’s no better time to explore the different ways we can keep our cognitive health in check. Aging may bring about a number of changes, but with the right tools and mindset, we can ensure a healthy aging process and prevent cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In this blog, we’ll discuss five simple ways to boost your cognitive health and promote healthy aging and Alzheimer’s prevention.

Control Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Levels

High cholesterol and high blood pressure increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, which can contribute to the development of memory loss, or even different types of dementia. Good cardiovascular health (healthy blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure levels) as well as maintaining a healthy weight is associated with increased cognitive function. This is a key factor in Alzheimer’s prevention.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The things you put into your body make a big difference in your cognitive and remembering abilities. Vitamin-rich foods will maintain and improve cognitive function, while foods that are high in saturated fats can negatively impact memory and other brain function. Following diets such as the MIND (Mediterranean Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) Diet could maximize the positive effects on brain function, and in turn, prevent Alzheimer’s. This diet includes foods from 10 brain-healthy food groups: green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine. It also limits five unhealthy food groups: red meats, butter, cheese, pastries, sweets, fast and fried foods.

Get Regular Exercise

Through regular physical activity, blood flow to the brain is maintained, and in turn, reduces your risk of conditions such as high blood pressure which is associated with developing dementia. By promoting a physically active lifestyle in older adults, one-third of dementia cases worldwide could potentially be delayed. For this reason, it is important to continue an active lifestyle throughout your life, and into the years when dementia is a possibility.

Stimulate Your Mind

Keeping your mind busy through a mentally stimulating job or hobby could help your brain to build up a cognitive reserve; meaning that even if you develop a brain disease or other challenges, your brain will still have the ability to function properly. Another way to stimulate your mind is by consistently learning new things and teaching yourself new skills and hobbies. Continuing to adopt new skills and technologies has the potential to reduce or delay the cognitive decline and changes that come with aging.

Socialize More

Staying in touch with, and actively engaging and seeing friends and family has positive impacts on the brain. The stimulation that comes with discussing life and seeing people outside of your immediate circle is beneficial to delaying cognitive decline. Seniors who experience consistent social engagement will have a lower risk of dementia than those with consistently low social engagement.

Carefor offers various programs and services that can assist your loved ones in all the above categories, especially with exercise, socialization, and brain stimulation. Some of these programs include the Adult Day Programs, the Vince Malette Functional Fitness Program, and the Let’s Get Together Program to name a few. To learn more about our programs visit https://carefor.ca/services/respite-services.

These healthy aging tips do not definitively guarantee that by following these guidelines, you will not develop Alzheimer’s. However, if you implement these practices into your daily lives, the chances of Alzheimer’s progression is much slimmer.

Your feet carry you where you want to go in the journey of life. For this reason, it is important to keep them clean, healthy, and taken care of. Keeping an eye on your feet is crucial, especially with seniors as it your foot health can give you early warnings of serious health concerns such as diabetes, arthritis, and poor blood circulation.

Signs of unhealthy feet may include, and are not limited to…

• Dryness and Cracking: which can lead to skin infections, as well as corns and calluses.
• Constantly Cold Feet and Toes: circulatory problems, potentially caused by diabetes.
• Swelling: infection, neuropathic arthropathy, deep vein thrombosis, and arthritis.
• Thick and Discoloured Toenails: nail fugus, injury, and anemia.

Let us help you keep them healthy along the way! Carefor’s foot care clinics are now accepting new clients across Ottawa! There is one location in the East end, and one in the West end.

Our specially trained foot care nurses provide personal foot care including…

• Comprehensive Foot Assessment.
• Cutting and filing of toenails.
• Treatment of ingrown nails, thickened nails.
• Paddings as necessary to improve comfort and mobility.
• Preventative foot care for high-risk clients with diabetes, arthritis, and circulation problems.
• Referral to doctors, podiatrists, chiropodists, or other health professionals as necessary.
• Health teaching.

With foot health, being proactive is essential. This is why we encourage seniors to seek out foot health, and visit Carefor’s foot care clinics, to ensure ultimate safety and health.

 

Locations:

West End Clinic 2580 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2B 7H5

East End Clinic 760 Belfast Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 6M8

 

Contact to schedule an appointment:

Clerical District Coordinator

833-922-2734 ext. 2158

clerical@carefor.ca

carefor.ca

The process involving the transition to retirement living has its complexities. There are multiple variables that require in-depth consideration. To make things a little simpler, here are three key points to pay attention to when considering different retirement home options.

1. Location: Whether you are choosing a retirement home for yourself or a loved one, location is a very important thing to consider. Transitioning into retirement living can be a challenging time, however choosing a home in an area that is familiar or close to family and friends can help to bring ease to the situation.
2. Costs and what they mean: Cost is one of the most important factors to investigate when choosing a retirement home. When discussing costs and various packages, it is a smart idea to review exactly what is covered in the outlined costs. Ask what is not included in the cost and what services may have additional fees. Once the cost break-down is clear, compare it to your monthly “living at home” expenses to properly formulate the decision if the home is a responsible choice financially.
3. Recreation and Socialization: When moving a senior out of their home and into a new environment, it can be natural for them to withdraw and isolate as they may not feel comfortable around new people. Choosing a home with various activity and recreation options that align with your/ your loved one’s hobbies and interests can help encourage socialization and in turn keep you or your loved one from becoming lonely and isolated.

Carefor has three retirement/care homes in the Ottawa region that are in great locations, prioritize affordability and value the importance of recreational activities in the home. The Carefor Civic Complex and MacKay Centre are situated in the heart of Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley. These retirement homes have all the amenities of home with paved walkways, a courtyard, and flower/vegetable gardens at the most affordable prices in the Ottawa Valley.

Richmond Care Home is a unique retirement home for women living with dementia. It is a bungalow style 16-unit home that offers a quiet home-like setting where your mom will get the care and attention she deserves. All around, Carefor has your loved one’s best interests at heart and will ensure they feel at home. To learn more visit: carefor.ca/retirement.