CAREGiver of the Month: December

Our CAREGiver of the Month for December 2012 is Josie!

Here at Home Instead Senior Care we look for CAREGivers that are reliable, professional and compassionate with our clients. We can always count on Josie which is why we choose to recognize her as our last CAREGiver of the Month for 2012. She answered a few questions about being a CAREGiver:

What was one of your favourite moments with a client?

My favorite moments with clients is when I make them smile. My heart is full of joy if I see them happy and satisfied with the services I've rendered.

What advice would you give to a new caregiver?

The important thing that I can give as an advice to all new in this kind of work is to be truthful, patient, dedicated in everything they do and maintain a professional relationship with clients. Treat clients with full respect, dignity, understand their needs and give the best care that they can.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?

It was my profession as a nurse in my home country and with the experiences I've gained in my work that leads me in this field. I am passionate about making a difference, I love and I enjoy rendering utmost care to the sick and needy and to see that they are recover promptly.

Thank you Josie for all your hard work!

Be a Santa to a Senior

Caitlin and Brian busy doing deliveries for Be a Santa to a Senior last week. In the past week over 700 gifts have been delivered for isolated and/or low-income seniors in the community to have a gift to open on Christmas. We'll also be taking gifts to a couple local hospitals to bring some joy to seniors who have to spend their Christmas in the hospital.

 Thank you to all the generous Winnipeggers who make this program possible!

CAREGiver of the Month: November

Our CAREGiver of the Month for October 2012 is Minerva!

Minerva goes above and beyond to show that she genuinely cares. She’s very rarely says “no” and is dedicated to her clients.

What has been your favorite moment with a client?
My favorite time with a client is during our daytime trip every Tuesday (to the park, mall, or museum). I him that it’s our date, and he replies with a smile and comes with lots of enthusiasm.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?
I decided to become a caregiver because I have a passion to care for people especially the seniors/elderly. I’ve always loved to work with seniors/elderly even back home in the Philippines. I think of them and treat them as I would my own parents.

What advice would you give to a new CAREGiver?
My personal advice to a new caregiver is to give a personal touch to your work. Also more importantly have a lot of patience and add some TLC (Tender Loving Care) to every client we handle.

Thank you Minerva for all your hard work!

ALS Conference

 

We were at the 7th Annual Conference on ALS Friday at Victoria Inn. The conference was an opportunity to learn more about ALS, the ALS clinical relationships, collaborations, share ideas and listen to comments from clients living with ALS about their care needs. For more information on the ALS Society of Manitoba visit, http://alsmb.ca/

 

CAREGiver of the Month: October

Our CAREGiver of the Month for October 2012 is Cindy!

Cindy is very accommodating when it comes to meeting clients requests. On many occasions she's gone that extra mile to meet a client’s wishes and for that we are thankful to have a CAREGiver like her.

What has been your favorite moment with a client?
I don't have one particular favorite moment, as each moment is special. Some of those special moments with my clients are going swimming, shopping together, telling jokes and laughing until we cry and singing in the car while going for a drive. Listening to stories of their childhood and growing up can be a real history lesson. Also, being there with them while they are at a difficult appointment is rewarding. The most special moments are the smiles I see from my clients.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?
I was looking for a career change, and having looked after family members, I decided to try being a caregiver. Now, at the end of my day, I go home with a warm feeling in my heart knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life. With that, I know I made the right choice in careers.

What advice would you give to a new CAREGiver?
Be yourself and treat your clients as you would like to be treated. Have a positive attitude, be happy and most importantly, smile - it's contagious.

Thank you Cindy for all your hard work!

National Do-Not-Call-List

Caitlin, our Community Service Representative, has been out in the community giving presentations on Senior Fraud Protection this month. According to the federal government (Public Health Agency of Canada), telemarketing fraud is one of the most common types of crime committed against older adults. Telemarketing fraud comes in many forms but usually involves merchandise or investment scams.

One thing we suggest to is for people to add themselves to the National Do-Not-Call List (DNCL). The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has a national DNCL that limits the number of unwanted calls from telemarketers.

People may register their residential telephone number for free by phoning 1-866-580-3625 or online at www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/insnum-regnum-eng. You must call from the number you wish to register and your number will remain on the list for 5 years.

A attendee at one of the recent presentations said, "I've put myself on this list and the number of calls did go down but I still receive some unwanted calls." So keep in mind that when you register on the National DNCL, you will receive fewer telemarketing calls, but there are some exceptions including:
• registered charities
• political parties and candidates
• opinion polling firms or market research firms conducting surveys
• newspapers calling to sell a subscription
• organizations that have a business relationship with you, for example: you’ve done business with the organization in the last 18 months or you’ve inquired about the organization's products or services in the last 6 months.

Also, whether or not you're registered on the National DNCL, you can reduce the number of telemarketing calls by adding your number to individual telemarketers’ do not call lists. For more information on Senior Fraud Protection visit ProtectSeniorsFromFraud.com or call our office at 204-953-3720.

Memory Walk Awards

Julie with her children Daylon and Danica at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Memory Walk Awards on September 20. We were happy to learn that Home Instead Senior Care was the winner of the Spirit Award for Top Community Team!

Danica, with the help of her brother, raised $972 dollars by going door to door and asking for donations. She walked for her grandma and all of our Home Instead Senior Care clients affected by Alzheimer's Disease.

Thanks to everyone who supported or team by either donating, walking or simply giving words of encouragement! We hope you can all join us again next year!

Grocery Shopping Tips

In a previous post we shared 10 Warning Signs That a Senior Is Not Eating Properly. Dietary issues are a real concern for caregivers and seniors alike.

Meeting your senior loved one's nutritional needs starts with the grocery shopping. Here are some tips to help make your next trip to the grocery store a successful one:

• Make a List - Sit down with your senior and make a list of what she wants to eat that week. This pre-planning can cut down on the time and money you spend at the store.
• Don't shop hungry - Shoppers are always tempted to buy more when hungry, so share a snack before hitting the aisles.
• Review store ads, clip coupons and organize them at home - You'll save money, time and hassle at the checkout stand.
• Invite a friend - Have mom or dad bring a friend along. The resulting companionship makes the task of grocery shopping easier and more fun. If a senior can't shop alone, arrange for a grocery delivery or a caregiver companion to go along for help.
• Sign up for a store's bonus/discount card - Seniors can reap additional savings and take advantage of grocery store specials by signing up for special programs.
• Try store brands - The most costly brands are often placed at eye level. Store brands that may be cheaper and just as good are often placed higher or lower on the grocery shelves.  
• Shop the perimeter of the store - That's where most of the fresh, healthier foods are located.
• Stock up on sale items - Choose only as much as your senior can use in a timely manner. Buy in bulk for quality and value, but serve healthy portions.
• Use your food budget wisely - For the price of a large bag of chips or box of cookies, you can buy a good supply of apples, bananas, carrots, potatoes, peppers and other healthy foods.

CAREGiver of the Month: September

Our CAREGiver of the Month for September 2012 is Mary Rose! Mary Rose is thoughtful and compassionate when she's caring for her clients. She always goes above and beyond and does what it takes to ensure the client is receiving the best possible care.

What has been your favorite moment with a client?
I have many favorite moments and so enjoy being "in the moment" with my clients. Such as being out walking in the park enjoying nature, singing & dancing together, having ice cream - the simple things in life.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?
I am an only child and have always been around older adults and have always wanted to work with seniors and give them the best possible care that I can give.

What advice would you give to a new CAREGiver?
My advice to a new caregiver would be: treat clients as you would like to be treated. Always have a positive attitude, a sense of humour and last but not least, S-M-I-L-E.

Thanks Mary Rose!

10 Warning Signs That A Senior Is Not Eating Properly

Healthy eating is essential for people of all ages, but for many seniors, a well-balanced diet is the key to feeling their best. In fact, nutrition experts consider good nutrition the first line of defense in the fight to stay healthy.

Research conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care franchise network supports the important role healthy eating plays in successful again. The caregiving network found that 62 percent of adult children in the U.S. and 57 percent in Canada caring for an older adult said their senior had three or more nutritional risks including:

• Three or more prescribed or over-the-counter drugs per day
• An illness or condition that made the senior change his or her diet
• Having lost or gained more than 10 pounds in the past six months without trying

A variety of issues, from medications and illnesses to memory problems and physical constraints, can jeopardize a seniors ability to maintain a balanced diet. Seniors may find grocery shopping difficult, feel uncomfortable in the kitchen or lack the skills necessary to maintain a well-balanced diet.

So how do you know if your senior's nutritional needs are being met? These 10 warning signs are red flags that may signal a potential problem:

1. Loss of appetite - If your senior has always been a hearty eater but not longer eats as he or she used to, it's time to find out why. Underlying illness could be the root cause.
2. Little to no interest in eating out - If your loved one has always loved eating out at a preferred restaurant but no longer shows interest, dig deeper to determine the problem.
3. Depression - Change in appetite is a classic sign of depression. Be sure to follow up with a physician if you suspect depression may be the problem.
4. Sudden weight fluctuation - A weight change - losing or gaining 10 pounds in six months - is another sign that something could be amiss.
5. Expired or spoiled food - Check the refrigerator for expired or spoiled food. Seniors could be "saving" food until it's no longer safe. Make sure the food is labeled with the date in large letters and numbers.
6. Skin tone - Observe your seniors's skin tone. If your loved one is eating properly, their skin should look healthy and well-hydrated.
7. Lethargy - If your loved on has regularly been active and enjoyed taking walks but suddenly becomes lethargic, encourage a visit to the doctor. Poor nutrition could be to blame.
8. Cognitive problems - Seniors who live alone might forget to eat. Dementia and cognitive problems can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Quick intervention is vital.
9. More than three medications - Medication can influence both appetite and weigh. Check with your senior's doctor to find out if medications could be the culprit.
10. A recent illness - Illness or a hospital stay could make a senior stop eating. Keep tabs on your loved ones recovery, making sure reliable help at home is available.

CAREGiver of the Month: August

Our CAREGiver of the Month for August is Sandra! Sandra shows all her clients compassion and truly shares her heart. Her kindness is evident to all the individuals she has worked with.

What was your favorite moment with a client?
Conversations with my clients are amongst my favorite moments. I enjoy learning from them, listening to them, hearing about their past, their accomplishments and their dreams. Simply being a good listener, being empathetic and really caring about the client often give me the biggest smiles. Those moments are very special.

One moment in particular was the first day I worked with a client who had a BiPAP machine. It was my first day and I was nervous about working with the equipment for the first time. When it came time to work with the BiPAP mask my client encourage me with gentle words, telling me that I could do it and that nothing would go wrong. He made me comfortable and said that if I could master that mask, I could do anything. He gave me one of his smiles, we laughed and I did it.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?
I decide to be a caregiver because I took care of my mother, who had Parkinson’s disease, when I was very young girl until her death. She was my inspiration to be a caregiver.

What advice would you give to a new caregiver?
You must keep an open mind, be adaptable and be reliable. You need a big heart and a big smile every day.

Read and study information about the client’s needs, their disease or disability and inquire about things you might have in common. Use your training and your education and always keep learning.

Thank you Sandra for all your hard work!

Returning Home Post-Discharge

Do you know a senior who is being discharged from the hospital and could use some extra help getting home? Our Home Safe Service and Returning Home Service can help!

 

Home Safe Service:

• Home Instead Senior Care phones hospital for confirmation of date/time/logistics
• Caregiver arrives at appointed time and place to pick up patient
• Escort patient home and get settled (bathed, dressed, etc.)
• Shop for groceries & medications
• Conduct safety check of home and prepare for occupancy
• Light Housekeeping , sort mail and review phone messages
• Meal Preparation
• Medication Reminders
• Call family contact to notify of assignment completion
• Option of having a Nurse Practitioner conduct a visit within 72 hours of return to assess client and ensure medical issues are resolved or being properly maintained

Returning Home Service:

The care one receives during the first 30 days at home after discharge from a hospital or other healthcare facility is vital to ensuring their long-term recovery. Often mistakes made in medications, missed follow-up medical appointments, poor nutrition and dehydration, and lack of safety preparation in the home are the issues that can lead to readmission.

When our CAREGivers accompany seniors home from a hospital stay, there are a number of warning signs they know look for over the next few days and weeks to avoid complications and make sure the senior is on the road to recovery. You’ll find this list of warning signs helpful as well: Post Hospital Stay Warning Signs

Has your loved one ever been readmitted to the hospital shortly after an initial stay? Is there anything you wish you knew you could’ve done to prevent readmission?

Call Home Instead Senior Care to request our Home Safe Service or Returning Home Services at 204-953-3720

Protect Seniors From Fraud

Many older adults are vulnerable to scams. There are a variety of reasons why:

1. Availability: Seniors are seen as a target because they are retired and less mobile, and at home for the calls. Scam artists can troll for victims because they can call or drop by.

2. Isolation: Seniors are often alone because families move away and sometimes have little or no interaction with loved ones. Some seniors don’t have others to help review large decisions.

3. Loneliness: Because of their isolation, seniors’ friendships often can be limited, and this can make them vulnerable to that friendly cold caller who drops by the house. Some scams are even perpetrated by seemingly trusted people who work to build new friendships with older adults and then prey on their vulnerabilities.

4. Sickness: Chronic health issues mean that many older adults have difficulty maintaining their property. Scam artists know that. A senior may rely on outside sources for help. Unscrupulous workers can bilk seniors out of thousands of dollars for a job that should only cost hundreds of dollars. Dementia can exacerbate the problem.

5. Prosperity: Money is one of the most notable reasons for senior vulnerability. Scammers see them as a supply of wealth that includes homes, property, life savings and other assets.

Fraud is a form of elder abuse. If you have a senior loved one you may want to sit down and talk about scammers, there are many stories and tools at ProtectSeniorsFromFraud.com.

CAREGiver of the Month: July

Our CAREGiver of the Month for July is Pauline!

We really appreciate her willingness to always take on new clients and switch shifts. It makes the challenging job of staff coordinator easier on Alanna when we have a caregiver that says, "yes!"

What was your favorite moment with a client?
My favorite moment with a client is when we build up puzzles together. The best moment is when both of us can't get it right and we laugh at each other's inability to complete the puzzle.

What advice would you give to a new caregiver?
My advice to a new caregiver is that, the job of caregiving requires dedication, time and energy. If you are not dedicated, you will not enjoy your job. I have passion for everyone who needs help and care, so I dedicate my time to these people most especially the elderly and the young. I just love working with them and they need care the most.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?
I have always wanted to look after the sick and those in need of help with their activities of daily living. That was the reason why I decided to become a caregiver. It gives me great joy when I make a difference in someones life.

Thanks Pauline!

Hot Weather Tips for Seniors

The elderly are often the most vulnerable to severe heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Why? Their bodies do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, they are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat, and they are often on a prescription medicine that impairs the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibits perspiration.

If you are a senior or caring for an elderly individual, the following tips, from the local Home Instead Senior Care office, will help them combat the heat:

• Keep a glass of water in every room to quickly and easily access fluids. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Go through the closet and remove all heavy materials, long sleeves and dark colors. Store them until fall. If you’re in need of new clothes, check out the latest fashion magazines. Look for short sleeves, lightweight rayons or cottons, and light-colored clothing that reflect the heat.

• Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day. Fill up your bird feeder in the morning and water the lawn at night. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

• Put down that broom! Save household chores, particularly washing and drying clothes and operating the dishwasher, for evenings, when the weather is cooler.

• Take a nap during high heat times – between 3 and 5 p.m. in the afternoon, for instance – or find a good television program or movie to watch.

• While you’re napping or enjoying a movie, keep shades down and blinds pulled. Keeping a house tightly closed is more energy efficient.

• Invite your friends over for an iced tea break. Replace coffee breaks with iced tea or lemonade breaks in an air-conditioned spot – not the patio. Staying in an air-conditioned dwelling during hot days is safer.

 • If you don’t have an air conditioner, or if yours is broken, spend the afternoon at the mall. You can shop, get a cool beverage at the food court or go to a movie.

• Put away that meat loaf recipe for the summer and track down new recipes for fruit and vegetable salads. Foods like proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

• If increased use of a central air conditioning system causes higher utility bills that are a problem for your budget, consider purchasing a fan or small window unit that can cool down a home at a lower cost. In fact, window fans provide an effective way to exhaust the day’s hot air during the night.

Salute to Senior Service

Lesley Iredale, a Victoria General Hospital volunteer, has been honoured as the national winner of the Home Instead Senior Care’s Salute to Senior Service award. The grand prize included a $5,000 donation to the Guild of the Victoria General Hospital in honour of Iredale’s longtime dedicated service.



Photo: VGH President & COO Francis laBossière, Lesley Iredale, Home Instead Senior Care Winnipeg owner Julie Donaldson and manager of VGH Volunteer Services Nancy Taggart.

Iredale served as Manager of Victoria General Hospital Volunteer Services for 13 years. Since retirement, she has been a part of the 450-member volunteer program for the past 17 years. She is currently a Gift Shop volunteer, the Manitoba Health Auxiliaries Association representative for the Winnipeg Region, the chair for the Steering Committee, and a member of the Ways & Means Committee. She also participates in all Guild fundraisers.

The Salute to Senior Service program was launched this year to honour seniors’ commitments to their causes and communities. For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care network’s Salute to Senior Service program, visit SalutetoSeniorService.com.

Memory Walk

Some more photos from the 2012 Alzheimer Society Memory Walk on June 14:

 

Memory Walk

Thursday was the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba's Memory Walk and Team Home Instead Senior Care had a great time. Here's a photo of most of our team after their either 3 km or 5 km walk:

 

Team Home Instead Senior Care raised well over $4000 for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. The money raised helps to provide the programs and services for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, their familes and caregivers. It also helps to fund research to find a cure. 

Great work team! We hope to see you all out again next year!

50-50 Rule

In the July issue of Woman's Day magazine there's a two page feature on Home Instead's 50-50 Rule program. The 50-50 Rule is designed to help siblings overcome differences and make the best care decisions for elderly parents with Alzheimer's, dementia and other struggles with aging.

Manage the challenge of Alzheimer's & dementia care by sharing the care plan.

Use this checklist to help you and your sibling better manage the care of your senior loved one.

Identify Your Senior’s Needs
List everything your parent has or needs to remain safe and independent. Consider medical issues, end-of-life care and decisions, and daily living activities, such as grocery shopping, transportation and monthly bill paying.

Research Your Options
Do your homework. Research available resources to help meet your senior’s needs, including your local agency on aging, eldercare services and websites. Check with your church, family and friends.

Divide the Caregiving Workload
Split up the caregiving workload among siblings. Make sure that everyone has input and that responsibilities are distributed as evenly as possible. Flexibility, compromise and open communication are key.

Promote Sibling Teamwork
Set up regular times to communicate with siblings, whether it be weekly phone calls and family meetings, or simple email updates.

The program offers education and support for sibling caregivers. Learn more about Home Instead's 50-50 Rule at solvingfamilyconflict.com or calling our office at 953-3720.

Family Caregiver Education

Our unique CAREGiver training approach for Alzheimer's and other dementia's is part of our CARE program, Changing Aging Through Research and Education. We have been working hard over the past months training our CAREGivers in our specialized CARE program. This classroom training provided them with the tools and techniques to go to every shift with confidence knowing how to manage difficult behaviours as well finding customized activities to make everyday filled with joy and happiness.

We'd now like to share some of these tools and techniques with family caregivers, free of charge. Join us this Saturday for Family Education to help you learn tools to manage behaviours, encourage engagement and care for yourself while caring for others.

When: June 16th, 2012 2 p.m - 5 p.m
Where: Riverwood Square, 1778 Pembina Hwy

Please R.S.V.P to Caitlin at the office by phone 204-953-3720 or email caitlin@homeinstead.com

Memory Walk

Next week the staff at Home Instead Senior Care will be participating in the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba's Memory Walk. We've happy to say that we've already reached our $2000 fundraising goal but now that we've reached it, let's see how far we can surpass it!

You can donate to our team page here.

Also, if anyone is interested in joining our team, let us know! There is still time to register and the more the merrier! The walk is Thursday, June 14 at 5 p.m at the Forks.

Thanks to everyone who has helped us in our effort to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Your support is appreciated!

Canadian Salute to Senior Service Winner!

We're very thrilled that the Manitoba provincial finalist, Lesley, was announced as the Canadian winner of Salute to Senior Service!

Lesley will get $5000 to give the charity of her choice along with the $500 she gets from our office for being the provincial finalist. Lesley has chosen the Victoria General Hospital Guild, where she's volunteered for 17 years, as the recipient of the award money.

Nominations were open to seniors at least 65 years of age and who complete at least 15 hours of volunteer service per month. Thanks to everyone who nominated a senior volunteer. The contest received a total of 1548 nominations!
                  
To read more about Lesley, go here.

Meet our owner, Julie!

Julie explains how she and her Home Instead Senior Care team make sure they provide the best quality care possible.

CAREGiver of the Month - June

Our CAREGiver of the Month for June 2012 is Florence Jansen!

Florence has been a CAREGiver with Home Instead Senior Care for two years now and truly exemplifies what it means to 'Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share your Heart.'

What was your favorite moment with a client?
Favorite moment was when one of my clients told me she didn't have a daughter and she felt when I visited her it was like having one.

What advice would you give to a new caregiver?
Advice to new caregivers - be patient and let your clients take part in the activities and conversations you have with them by asking them questions as you may well be the only visitor they will have on any given day.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?
I decided to be a caregiver because I remember the care my mom had from home care when she was still in her own home. I felt there was a real need for some people whose family weren't able to do the little things that make such a difference to our clients lives.

Thank you Florence for all your hard work!

Operation Medicine Cabinet

Thanks to everyone who came out to our first ever Operation Medicine Cabinet events on May 9 and May 24. Also thanks to Tache Pharmacy for partnering with us and St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre and Good Neighbours Active Living Centre for hosting.

We look forward to having more Operation Medicine Cabinet events in the future. Proper medication disposal and usage is an important topic, especially for seniors who's medical needs may frequently change as they age.


Caitlin our Community Service Representative with Scott from Tache Pharmacy



Karen Janzen from the Healthy Aging Resource Team based out of Good Neighbours Active Living Centre



Our owner Julie Donaldson giving a presentaion on the importance of proper medication disposal



Krystal Simpson from Victoria Lifeline

Memory Walk

This year we'll once again be participating in the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Memory Walk. The Memory Walk is at the Forks on Thursday, June 14 at 5:00 p.m.

The Home Instead Senior Care team will be walking with thousands of others throughout Manitoba to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Join our efforts by making a donation or joining our team today! It's free to register but recommended you fundraise a minimum of $25 to cover costs. Your support helps to provide the programs and services for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, their families and caregivers. It also helps to fund research to find a cure.

Daylon and Danica have been collecting for the Home Instead Senior Care Memory Walk team and will be walking for their grandma, grandpa and great grandma. To donate to their page go here.

Operation Medicine Cabinet - May 24

Thanks to everyone who came out to Operation Medicine Cabinet yesterday! A special thanks to St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre for hosting and to The Westhaven for providing the delicious punch and dainties. They use frozen cranberries to keep punch cold so it doesn't get watered down by ice cubes. How smart is that?!

Operation Medicine Cabinet is a one-day community event brought to you by Home Instead Senior Care and Tache Pharmacy encouraging the public to bring in their expired or no longer needed medications to be disposed in a safe, eco-friendly manner.

If you missed the event, don't worry! We have a second Operation Medicine Cabinet planned for May 24 at Good Neighbours Active Living Centre (720 Henderson Hwy) from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Just like yesterday there will be a pharmacist on location to answer questions, presentations, information booths, give-aways and more!

If you'd like more information feel free to call our office at 204-953-3720 or go to our website.

Seniors Housing & Lifestyles Expo

Last Friday Julie and Caitlin were at the 5th annual 2012 Seniors Housing & Lifestyles Expo. The 2012 expo was held on May 4th, 2012 at the Victoria Inn and the event had a great turnout. Home Instead Senior Care Winnipeg was there as one of the Exhibitors and a Bronze Sponsor.

The goal of the Housing & Lifestyles Expo is to educate Winnipeg older adults and their families on housing options and support services to help successful aging. The expo informs older adults and children of aging parents about housing options in later years. Thanks to everyone who came by our booth and congrats to Keith who won our draw for the $40 Salisbury House gift card.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Goodman/Senior Scope

Women of Distinction Awards

Our owner Julie Donaldson has recently been nominated for a YMCA-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in the Leadership and Management category. The 36th annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala is taking place at the Winnipeg Convention Centre tomorrow night.

The awards, which began in Winnipeg in 1977, recognize the contributions women make to their communities.

The other twelve nominees in the Leadership and Management category include:

Diane Carriere, Nicole Chammartin, Daryl Dumanski, Majda Ficko, Shelly Glover, Val Harper, Linda LaFontaine, Dr. Jeannette Montufar, Annette Osted, Jennifer Rattray, Dr. Jerry Shrom and Lorna Turnbull.

Congratulations to all the nominees! Everyone here at the Winnipeg Home Instead Senior Care office is looking forward to tomorrow nights gala.

For more information on the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Awards go here.

Operation Medicine Cabinet - May 9

The first Operation Medicine Cabinet event is less than two weeks away!


Join us for this FREE event at the St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre (203 Duffield St.)

Wednesday, May 9 from 1 pm to 4 pm.



Operation Medicine Cabinet is a one-day community event encouraging seniors to properly dispose of their expired or no longer needed medications. There will be a pharmacist on location to answer questions, presentations, information booths, door prizes and more.

No registration required. All are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

Welcome...

Welcome to the new Home Instead Senior Care Winnipeg blog! We'll be posting about senior health and issues. As well as local and international news related to seniors and caregiving.

Home Instead Senior Care provides in-home care to seniors and was created to help seniors remain safely in the comfort of their home and to provide support to the family and friends who love them.

Our history:

The Home Instead Senior Care network of locally owned and operated franchises is one of the most trusted networks of home care worldwide. An innovator in eldercare since 1994, Home Instead Senior Care is dedicated exclusively to helping seniors stay in their homes as they age.

In 2007 Julie Donaldson opened the Winnipeg Home Instead Senior Care franchise along with her father Brian McMillan. Her hard work and dedication has helped grow the business from employing its first caregiver to over 100 caregivers today.

Julie is responsible for the daily operations of Home Instead Senior Care and strives to provide the highest quality care to clients. It was while dealing with her own aging grandparents she recognized the need for a Home Instead Senior Care franchise in Winnipeg.

What we do:

Home Instead Senior Care is Winnipeg's trusted source of compassionate, reliable non-medical assistance. Whether you need a few hours a week or 24-hour home care, Home Instead Senior Care provides professional caregivers who take the time to get to know each client and tailor care for his or her individual needs.

Caregivers are thoroughly screened, extensively trained, insured and bonded, and matched to your preferences. Our home care services are available around the clock and include; companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation to shopping and errands, respite care, personal care and specialized Alzheimer’s/Dementia care.

With our extensive experience in elder home care, we can help you find the right solution to assist your loved one in maintaining the best possible quality of life.

Contact:

For  more information or to schedule a free in-home senior care consultation call (204) 953-3720 or visit our website.