Comfort Keepers Canada

With the holiday season quickly approaching, Comfort Keepers offices across Canada are sharing ways to Elevate the Holiday Spirit! Be sure to follow your local Comfort Keepers office on social media for inspiration for how you can safely bring joy to your loved one's this season! <3

~Love conquers all ~

This video is another powerful example of the beautiful impact music can have on seniors - especially those with Alzheimer's. <3

"With flu and COVID-19 going around this year, the CDC recommends that everyone should get vaccinated in September or before the end of October especially adults over age 65. After getting the shot, it takes about 2 weeks for the protective flu antibodies to develop in the body. So, the sooner your older adult and you get the shot, the sooner you’ll both have protection against the flu.... But experts agree that getting the shot at any time is still much better than not getting it at all."

"According to a new study conducted by Campaign Research Inc. on behalf of Home Care Ontario, virtually all Ontario seniors (91%) hope to stay in their own home or apartment as long as possible, and 95% believe being in their own home with the support of home care is the safest environment for them to live during a pandemic." At Comfort Keepers, we help to make your parents' wishes a reality - ensuring care, safety and comfort every step of the way!... Click here to read the full release: https://static1.squarespace.com//HCO+Release+-+07-08-22+-+

It's important to be proactive towards brain health - we must do everything in our capacity to ensure our loved ones mitigate risk of developing dementia. Check out this informative article published by CTV News! https://www.ctvnews.ca//twelve-risk-factors-responsible-fo

An interesting article to help differentiate simple memory loss vs. Dementia in seniors!

"Congratulations! On behalf of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), I am very pleased to advise you that Comfort Keepers has been awarded a Special CFA Hall of Fame Award as part of our 2020 Recognition Awards Program. Congratulations to you and your team on winning this prestigious industry award!"

"Canadian seniors across the country are facing significant health, economic, and social challenges due to COVID-19. Physical distancing is weighing heavily on those who are separated from their families and rely on help to get groceries and other essential items. We need to support seniors and to be there for them, as they have been for us. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will receive their special one-time, tax-free payment during the week of July 6."

We are thrilled to share that the Comfort Keepers Orangeville & Area office was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Canadian Business Resilience Network! "The CBRN Small Business Relief Fund will help 62 small Canadian businesses recover and support their resilience, for a total of $620,000 in funds. Businesses can use the $10,000 grants to support their recovery efforts, including paying salaries, acquiring safety and personal protective equipment for staff, replenish...ing materials or paying for the measures required to adapt business models to the economic impacts of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to help as many businesses as possible stay afloat and remain open. Small business owners put everything they have into their businesses, and these grants will help give a little bit back. Good people coming together is how Canadians have managed this crisis, and the Canadian Chamber and Salesforce are following their lead, one business at a time." https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca/smallbusi/

Canada’s COVID-19 restrictions, which have prevented family members and private caregivers from visiting seniors in nursing homes and other facilities, are leading to an increase in preventable deaths, according to The Globe and Mail (Ontario Edition). The loss of these caregivers, who were a primary resource for ensuring that their seniors loved ones were staying hydrated and eating regular meals, is exacerbated by the fact that many facilities are struggling with additional staffing shortages. Comfort Keepers cares for seniors in their homes, ensuring that - even in the midst of pandemic situations such as this - they receive the nourishment and personalized care that they need.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the one-time payment of up to $500 for seniors to offset additional costs from COVID-19 will be delivered the week of July 6. "Those who qualify for the Old Age Security benefit are eligible for a tax-free payment of $300, while those who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement will get an additional $200."

Do you have a parent living with you during these unparalleled times? Are you currently acting as a primary caregiver for a parent who has Dementia? Check out this very informative article by Caregiver! Of particular importance, "To take care of others, you must be feeling well and thinking clearly...Have a backup caregiver. In case you become sick with COVID-19, a backup caregiver will ensure that your loved one continues to receive care. You can focus on caring for yourself." Contact your local Comfort Keepers office if you require any assistance with caring for your loved ones!

Earlier this month, the Ontario Government rolled out some additional information on the widely publicized $4.00 wage subsidy for front line workers. Referred to as COVID-19 Temporary Pandemic Pay, the guidelines specify that the subsidy applies only to those providing publicly-funded services. For those offices participating in any government funded contracts or sub contracts, the subsidy should apply. However, this is a serious concern for private pay providers like us as... it will make our wage rates uncompetitive with the governments and could lead to staff attrition or difficulties in hiring. CK Canada Office has sent the attached letter to the Office of Doug Ford and to the Treasury Department. You can learn more about the $4 subsidy here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-temporary-pandemic-pay

PSWs and other frontline caregivers who have been funded by families to keep their loved ones safe at home during the global pandemic are not receiving the government’s additional pandemic support. The province must do the right thing and extend pandemic payments to every PSW in Ontarioincluding those PSWs who have been funded by families. Help us get equal treatment for all PSW heroes in Ontario!... Please send a letter of support to your MPP by clicking this link: https://www.frontlinepsw.ca/home/#form

Many things change as we get older. Something that we don’t necessarily expect to change is how we sleep. In fact, 46% of adults 65 and older have trouble falling asleep and sleeping well through the night on a regular basis. See how to get better sleep and in return have a better quality of life!

Approximately 500,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with COPD, and it is estimated that an almost equal number of Canadians may also have COPD, but are not aware of it. Learn the symptoms of COPD and how to reduce their risks.