Symptoms of colon cancer are not always noticeable which is why Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is encouraging all Canadians aged 50 and older to have a “colonversation” with a doctor, friend or loved one. Getting screened for colon cancer is… (Read more)

FACT: Over two million plus North Americans experience adverse drug reactions from prescription medication each year. The caregiver and recipient can play a large part in medication risk reduction by communicating openly with health care professionals, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.… (Read more)

The keys to a healthy mouth for you and a loved one are just a click away. The Canadian Dental Association offers oral health tips and emphasizes the importance of regular exams. Remember, a person’s oral health and… (Read more)

Falls account for more than 50% of injuries and 85% of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors in Canada.
Are you at risk?

1. Have you fallen recently?
2. Are you afraid of falling?
3. Are you taking four or more medications?
4. Do you

… (Read more)

In the last issue of Caregiver Solutions, I wrote about maintaining independence and safety in the bathroom during bathing (please visit www.caregiversolutions.ca to read part one). In this issue, I take a look at personal grooming and toileting.

Personal grooming includes activities such as combing your hair, shaving and brushing your teeth. Painful joints in your hands or difficulties moving your arms or fingers can make these activities difficult. Fortunately, a number of devices are available to make these daily activities easier. Continue reading →

The notion that hospital is the place to run to when you don’t feel well is worth exploring. We might get a wake-up call when we consider the statistics on global outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections and their associated deaths. These… (Read more)

I hear so many horror stories about long waits in emergency rooms. Is there any point in even taking my elderly parents there? How can I be sure they are seen quickly?
It’s important to understand how emergency departments are… (Read more)

Percutaneous devices are indicated for patients who are unable to maintain normal bodily functions as a result of illness or disability and require additional therapy to maintain life. Unlike acute or chronic wounds where the ultimate goal is wound healing,… (Read more)

Wintertime stroke alert
Winter brings with it more than just cold weather—freezing temperatures can raise blood pressure, which may lead to an increased chance of stroke. Elderly people are especially vulnerable to this kind of risk. Check out… (Read more)

Maintaining independence and safety with self-care activities such as personal grooming, bathing and toileting can help promote living independently in the community. These activities occur on a regular basis, so it’s worth investing the time and resources to make them… (Read more)