Q. How many hours can caregivers work a day? My mother shouldn’t be alone.

A. In most cases, the number of hours a caregiver works in a day is divided by a two-week period of time, rather than per day. This allows caregivers to work three to four 12-hour shifts in one week without working overtime, but also helps maintain consistency with the same caregiver. Continue reading →

It’s in the weekend papers and Boomer magazines—top tips for downsizing and de-cluttering. Useful advice, of course, but what is it really all about? Is it just another to-do list, a rite of passage or a major life event?
In… (Read more)

My little flower
By Aleisha Ricardo
My grandmother was once a great gardener. She had the “greenest thumb” ever. She planted many things but her main passion was planting flowers, and her favourite was the daffodil.
Recently, grandma’s… (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)

1. When should a person move from living alone to a retirement or nursing home?
It is hard to make an exact determination, but one of the main things to be concerned about is the person’s safety when living… (Read more)

A loving touch
By Penny Hathaway
My mother, Katherine Eichenberger, was very ill when she arrived at the Beattie Haven Retirement Community in Wardsville, Ontario. Her health had deteriorated significantly in a short amount of time and her… (Read more)

Q. A homecare nurse visits my dad regularly while we are at work. However, when I ask him what she said, or if she left any special instructions, he always says, “I don’t remember” or “I’m not sure.” How can… (Read more)

Unlike some medical conditions characterized by clear onsets and hopefully adequate resolutions, once dementia is diagnosed, it becomes apparent to those who know what is entailed that there will be a long journey from the time of diagnosis until the… (Read more)

Q. My father-in-law has recently lost a considerable degree of mobility and now requires help with toileting, bathing and dressing. How can we help him retain his dignity? 
A. Be matter-of-fact, not condescending. Be understanding of the change in him.… (Read more)

Tuesday date nights
By Marie Ackman
Tuesdays have always been special for me and my husband Rob because we met on a Tuesday 40 years ago. Since then, Rob has made Tuesday nights our date nights. Every… (Read more)