Celebrate National Caregivers Month

Each and every day, there are countless people who devote their time and energy to taking care of others. Whether it’s a relative or a loved one, family caregivers are there every step of the way to help ensure that their loved ones have the necessary support and compassion during whatever struggles they may be facing.

As a token of appreciation, November has been officially recognized as National Family Caregivers Month to give thanks and praise for the devotion and hard work that each caregiver provides.

By celebrating and dedicating one month throughout the year, it aims to highlight these four specific areas:

Devotion and Hard Work

Many people depend on their family to take care of them and provide the support that they require in order to make it through each day. Without caregivers, life would be a struggle. The sheer dedication through each kind and helpful gesture - each meal that’s prepared, and each action that’s taken to help ease the burden off of their loved one - is something that must be celebrated and given thanks for. It is these selfless individuals that allow so many others to get through life.

Raise Awareness

Commending and giving thanks to our caregivers also increases and provides awareness to their cause and efforts, and also brings attention to issues that they may often face.

Whether it’s problems with medical supplies, access to certain facilities or support, any area that causes their efforts to be less effective, the month of November is the platform on which any issues can be truly identified and discussed.

Educate Family Caregivers

Many caregivers that take on this role for a family member may often not be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities. That’s why during this month, we aim to provide information to help inform and educate family caregivers on what exactly this role entails and means for both them and their family member for whom they are taking care of.

Provide Support

Of course, it’s hard to fully understand just how much time, energy, dedication, and selflessness family caregivers provide. But it’s not hard to imagine. And that’s why the month of November is offered as a time that is devoted to providing the kind of support that they can lean on.

If you or someone you know is a family caregiver, it’s important to know that this isn’t something that you must endure alone. Support is available to provide you with a helping hand so that you too can take the time to take care of yourself. Come speak with us to learn how you can access our network of help and support.

-       Stephen Bleeker

5 Tips for Converting to an Accessible Bathroom

According to the National Institute of Aging (NIA), 80% of senior falls happen in the bathroom. With its slippery surfaces, the bathroom can be a hazardous place especially for those with mobility issues. Do you want to make the bathroom a safer space for Mom and Dad? Here are five tips for converting to an accessible bathroom.

1.    Toilets

If Mom and Dad have mobility issues, muscle pain, or arthritis, it can be quite a challenge to sit down on a low toilet and stand up afterwards. Falls around the toilet are unfortunately quite common. A raised toilet seat means Mom and Dad don’t have to crouch down so far to use the toilet and handle bars make it easier to gently lower onto the seat. Grab bars on the wall next to the toilet also make it safer to get up and down.

2.    Bath and Shower Safety

Falls are quite common when trying to get into or out of the bathtub, and even while using the shower. Install grab bars and rails to make it easier to enter and exit the bathtub. Place a non-slip bath mat on the floor of the bathtub for extra grip. A shower/bath seat can also make it easier to comfortably get clean with no risk of falling.

3.    Flooring

Tripping or slipping on throw rugs is the number one cause of household falls. If you must have throw rugs in the bathroom, make sure they are secured in place with slip-resistant backing. Since water on the floor another common cause of floors, make sure to soak up the water after a shower. An in-home caregiver can provide light housekeeping services to keep the bathroom safe and clean.

4.    Lighting

Falls are quite common when making your way to the bathroom at night or with low light. Add nightlights in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom to illuminate a path. Install an illuminated switch and brighter bulbs in the bathroom to make sure vision is not an issue.

5.    Bathroom Renovations

If Mom or Dad uses a wheelchair at home, there are many mobility renovations you can do to make the home more accessible. Renovations such as widening doors, installing a wheelchair-accessible rainfall shower, lowering countertops, and adding hands-free faucets are just a few examples.

Helpful tip: if budget is an issue and there are multiple bathrooms in the home, focus on converting the bathroom that is most often used by Mom and Dad and most convenient for them to access. Typically, this is the main bath closest to their bedroom. However, you may also want to make small adjustments to the powder room such as installing a raised toilet seat to simplify quick bathroom visits.

Mom and Dad deserve a bathroom that is safe and easy to use. If you have any other questions about making the bathroom more accessible, Assurance Home Care is happy to help. Simply call 613-706-1623 or contact us – we’re here for you!

-       Stephen Bleeker