When Memories Shift: What Supporting Older Adults Has Taught Me About Compassion, Change, and Community
January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada — a time to honour the millions of individuals and families who navigate memory loss with courage, love, and resilience. For many of us, memory changes in a loved one can be subtle at first: repeating a story, losing track of time, misplacing familiar objects, or becoming confused in places they once knew by heart.
Becoming a Personal Support Worker (PSW) offers a rewarding career opportunity for individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a meaningful difference in their communities. PSWs play a vital role in supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness by assisting with daily living activities, personal care, and emotional support.
Caring for an older adult can be deeply rewarding—but it can also be exhausting, emotionally overwhelming, and at times, isolating. Across Canada, thousands of family members and friends step into caregiving roles with love and dedication, often without formal training or support.
Whether you're caring for a parent with dementia, assisting a partner with mobility challenges, or simply helping a neighbour manage daily life, it's important to remember: you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Returning home after a hospital stay can be a daunting experience for many seniors. The challenge of ensuring a safe and comfortable transition can be overwhelming, particularly for those who live alone or lack family support. However, with the right preparation and support, this transition can be made seamless and worry-free. Here, we’ll share essential tips for a smooth transition from hospital to home.
Tips for a Seamless Transition
October in Canada is more than the arrival of crisp air and fiery autumn leaves—it is a time to honour the women whose courage, vision, and determination have helped shape the nation we know today. Women’s History Month is a chance to remember those who broke barriers, challenged inequality, and paved the way for future generations. From courtroom battles that affirmed women’s personhood, to pioneering discoveries in science, politics, and the arts, this month reminds us that the story of Canada cannot be told without the voices and achievements of women at its heart.
September marks a significant time of the year when attention turns towards a condition that affects millions - arthritis. In Canada, this condition doesn't just affect the physical wellbeing of those diagnosed; it delves deeper, impacting mental health, social connections, and daily life joy. Arthritis is not selective; it affects individuals from all walks of life - from children to seniors. However, it's particularly prevalent among the older adults in our community, where it doesn’t simply 'exist' but often 'steals' moments, mobility, and more from them.
Caring for a loved one can be one of the most generous and fulfilling roles one might undertake, yet it is undeniably demanding. It requires not only physical and emotional stamina but also a deep sense of dedication. While the journey of caregiving is unique for everyone, the importance of self-care remains universal across all caregiving experiences.
Canada, with its vast landscapes and diverse cultures, stands tall and proud on the global stage, cherished for its inclusivity, kindness, and strong sense of community. Integral to the fabric of this nation are its seniors, who have played a significant role in moulding the Canadian identity. Their contributions span across the country's cultural, political, and social landscapes, establishing values that resonate deeply with what it means to be Canadian today. Let’s celebrate Canada Day all month long with a look at how our seniors are a key part of shaping our Canadian identity.
As we honour Seniors Month in Ontario, it's a time to reflect on the vibrant tapestry that our older generations weave into the very fabric of our communities. The wisdom, experience, and tenacity of our senior citizens are invaluable assets that too often go uncelebrated. This month, let's shift the focus and shine a light on the remarkable seniors who continue to inspire and shape our society in meaningful ways.
Asthma isn't just a condition that affects children or younger adults; it's also prevalent in the senior population. This month is Asthma Awareness Month in Canada, so it's an ideal time to focus on how asthma impacts older adults and what can be done to manage it effectively. Understanding the unique challenges faced by seniors with asthma can lead to better, tailored approaches to care and management.
Understanding Asthma in Older Adults