Caring for Caregivers

(NC)—The Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) helps individuals and caregivers find and access appropriate care at home and in the community. They can help frail seniors with complex conditions avoid the hospital and stay in their own homes for as long as possible with support from healthcare professionals and community services providers. They can also alleviate some of the stress and worry caregivers and family members may experience caring for loved ones.

Here are some tips that the CCAC offers to help caregivers in their local community:

• Make a list, make it twice – It's important to have a complete listing of all the health conditions (including allergies), medications, and doctors (including other caregivers, nurses, therapists, etc.) printed and kept in a safe place such as on a refrigerator or in a purse or wallet. Make multiple copies of the list and place them around the home so the information is easily accessible.

• Take a good look around – Many accidents around the home can be prevented. Do a walk-through of the home and identify and remedy fall or tripping hazards such as loose rugs, low lighting, and shaky banisters. Get a home assessment.

• An apple a day – Make sure to know about the nutrition counselling and support services available in the area. Connect individuals, families and loved ones with meal and grocery deliver services to ensure good dietary health.

• Blues cues – Monitor for signs of depression especially during the winter months. Learn about resources in the community like adult day programs that will keep minds active and engaged.

• Talk it out – Join a support group to share the experiences as a caregiver and learn from others who are experiencing the same situation. You are not alone!

For more information about the support and resources available to caregivers, visit: www.toronto.ccac-ont.ca

www.newscanada.com

Attention editors: These articles are for distribution in Ontario only.

Articles are provided free of charge. Articles appearing on web sites, must credit www.newscanada.com. Articles appearing in Print, must credit News Canada with (NC) at beginning of an article or – News Canada at the end. Any source/sponsor of the information quoted in the text must also be identified as presented. Images are only to be used with corresponding editorial copy. Usage of News Canada articles constitutes your acceptance of these terms and an agreement between you and News Canada.

To open/download image(s) used in this article, please click the following links: