A number of brain exercise routines are recommended to help curb mental slowing:

• Learn a new skill. Your brain becomes more active when you take up a new hobby or activity such as learning to cook different foods, speak a foreign language, play an instrument or try a new sport.
• Continue to socialize and verbalize. Talk with others about world events and issues important to you and your community.
• Be active in whatever way you can. This could be going for walks, exercise/assisted exercise or working with a Caregiver to do house chores to the best of your ability.
• Read and explore books, newspapers, magazine articles and other forms of written communication.
• Write as often as you can. Whether you keep a journal, write emails, jot down memories, or create fictional stories – keep at it.
• Complete crossword puzzles and Sudoku. These brain builders are especially beneficial if you set a time limit and work quickly.
• Play bridge, chess, or board and computer games. Expose yourself to the paces of mental strategy and focus.
• Participate in brain games such as colour match, speed match and word-find challenges. While computer-accessed cognition games provide mental stimulation and support short-term memory, a 2014 report by cognition experts from 40 institutions in six countries questions whether digital brain products improve brain functioning overall. The researchers advise caution on expecting these types of brain games to prevent dementia or other types of cognitive decline.

Inhome Care Services adult home care services can provide older adults with companionship and help with activities and games that boost cognitive skills. In addition, a holistic approach to better brain health involves lowering stress, eating nutritiously, maintaining regular physical exercise and getting adequate sleep. Our Caregiver follow strict COVID-19 policies to keep you and your loved one safe. For those looking for the highest level of safety, Inhome Care Services offers virtual-visits and check-ins.

Which brain exercises do you enjoy doing to help maintain your cognitive proficiency?

Why Inhome Care Services?

• Over 20 years of experience. Inhome Care Services has been providing award winning customized senior care and home care for over 20 years.
  Read more about who we are >
• YOUR Caregivers are all part of YOUR Care Team. This means that there is no revolving door of Personal Support Workers and Nurses. With the help of your Care Planner, you choose and get to know them. This leads to an level of care for your loved one that is unsurpassed in our industry.
  Read More about how Care Teams work >
• Professional Caregivers. Inhome Care Services Mississauga’s dedication to the highest level of service is the basis for everything we do including how we hire and train our Caregivers.
  read more about our Nurses and PSWs >
• Working with government support. Your Care Planner will work to help you find the government supports you are eligible for (if you would like them) and then work to find a solution for the care needs that go above what government and family can do. We will also work around the government care plan so that we are enhancing it.

We help in home, wherever home is to you.

Our Caregivers are always out in the community visiting homes, Retirement Residences, Long Term Care (LTC), hospices and hospitals. Our Mississauga team will help out wherever you need us. If you are looking for help in other areas of Ontario or Canada please reach out and we will put you in touch with one of our other Care Offices.

Here are questions families often ask:

Q: Are changes in my loved one’s personality and behaviour just a normal part of ageing? Health problems, the loss of a spouse, disability, and even one’s changing role after retirement can lead to personality changes. But it’s important to discern between normal changes of ageing and mental health disorders. Experts caution that left untreated, these disorders can lead to fatigue, illness, and even suicide.

Q: What are the signs that my loved one might have a mental health condition that should be addressed? The changes can be gradual and subtle. A consultation with their doctor would be wise if your loved one is …

• Sleeping much more or much less than usual.
• Feeling unusually confused, on edge, worried or afraid.
• Exhibiting low or no energy.
• Eating much more or less than usual.
• Experiencing prolonged grief that does not subside.
• Losing interest in things they once enjoyed.
• Feeling helpless or hopeless.
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual.
• Expressing thoughts of suicide.

Q: How are my loved one’s physical health and mental health problems related? Life-changing conditions such as hearing and vision loss or stroke can lead to depression and anxiety. Sometimes the relationship is what mental health specialists call “bidirectional cause and effect”: A health condition such as heart disease, stroke, memory loss or diabetes can raise the risk of mental health problems. In turn, mental health conditions affect not only the brain but also the whole body, and can hasten memory loss, raise blood pressure and cholesterol, and worsen digestive disorders, diabetes and heart disease. Side effects of medications also may play a role. An integrated medical assessment is necessary.

Q: Can these mental health disorders be treated? Yes. Your loved one’s doctor might recommend cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, interventions for substance misuse or other negative habits, and instruction about lifestyle changes that promote positive mental health. Geriatric mental health professionals also may prescribe medications, taking into account a patient’s ability to manage medications, the other medications they take, and how their age affects the way their body processes substances.

Q: What if a loved one resists seeking help? Even older adults who are conscientious about healthcare might avoid seeking treatment for depression and anxiety. Fearing stigma, they might try to “go it alone”, thinking that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Reassure your loved one that, on the contrary, it’s a sign of strength to take charge in this way. Substance misuse, gambling or other behavioural health problems may be especially hard to discuss. If possible, talk to your loved one’s healthcare provider about options.

Q: If my loved one talks of suicide, what should I do? Never discount statements such as “Everyone would be better off without me” or “Life’s not worth living”. Other warning signs include buying a firearm, stockpiling pills and giving away possessions. Experts say that the rate of suicide increases with age, and depression is a top risk factor. Any family member who believes their loved one is in crisis should contact their local suicide prevention number.

Q: As a family caregiver, should I worry about my own mental health? While it is a labour of love, serving as a family carer for an ill loved one or a loved one with disabilities can be very stressful and can raise the carer’s own risk of mental health problems—so much so that experts consider caregiving a risk factor for depression and anxiety. If you are a family carer and you’re feeling symptoms of distress, discuss your situation with your healthcare provider and your family. Seek help from other family members and professionals.

The Role of Professional In-Home Care

Professional Inhome Care Services support the health of older clients—and that includes mental health. Here are ways they can help:

Coordinating care. Most older patients see a number of healthcare providers, and they often have a complicated care mroutine to follow. Professional in-home caregivers help keep track of appointments, accompany clients to the doctor and pharmacy, and provide health reminders.

A home environment that’s conducive to good mental health. Professional caregivers help clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation and housekeeping. They provide companionship that wards off social isolation and loneliness, and mental stimulation that lifts the spirits.

Partnering with family. In our experience, family carer distress is greatly reduced when a family partners with professional caregivers. In-home caregivers keep the family up to date about their loved one’s condition, even when the family lives at a distance—a situation that can be very distressing as an older relative’s needs change. The resulting peace of mind allows the family to focus on their jobs, their other responsibilities, and their own health. 

Q: As my spouse’s primary caregiver, what happens if I get sick?

As a primary caregiver, so many things rely on you being healthy and strong. You are the pillar of the household! Unfortunately, the extra energy needed to care for yourself and care for your spouse can sometimes be enough to cause “cracks in the pillar.” It is not uncommon for caregiving spouses and loved ones to experience extreme burnout or even become sick themselves, so it is essential for you and your family to have a comprehensive Caregiver Contingency Plan in place in case you cannot care for your loved one yourself.

What is a Caregiver Contingency Plan?

A caregiver contingency plan is a backup plan that ensures your loved one can still be safe and happy and receive proper care, even if you cannot provide it yourself. A caregiver contingency plan should be designed with family or trusted friends, as it may take a few resources to make it all happen!

Key considerations to help you build out your plan include:

1. When and how frequently do I need help caring for my loved one? What care needs does my spouse have that I am currently fulfilling?
2. Do I have family members who can help in some way?
3. Do I have friends/neighbours who can help in some way?
4. What community services are available and funded by the government?
5. What gaps remain once I piece together all of the above?

Building a Caregiver Contingency Plan

Step 1: Identify your Spouse’s Care Needs

Ask yourself questions that will allow you to “paint a picture” of the kind of care needs your spouse or loved one has. For example, can your spouse prepare any meals for themselves? Do they need help with dressing, bathing or personal care? Does your loved one need help at night? Does your spouse roam, and are they at risk of leaving the house? Do they need help getting up and ready for the day and help getting settled at night? Do they need meaningful conversation during the day? What about appointments? Are they able to attend their own appointments or do they need help?

Asking yourself these types of questions will help you identify your exact needs, which will help you start planning out your Care Contingency Plan.

Step 2: Start a Care Calendar

Plot the frequency and duration of the help you provide on a calendar, which will be the support your spouse will need if you fall ill.

If anything doesn’t fall into a tidy calendar, write a list of what unscheduled support may be needed. Keep this list with or written on the back of your Care Calendar.

Step 3: Talk to Family

Reaching out to your immediate and close extended family is an important starting point. It’s best to talk to them as early as possible in the planning phase to ensure you understand if they can help, and if so, in what capacity. Find out:

• Who in your close family would be able to assist, what time of day can they help, and are they nearby?
• If you have adult children, do they have employee benefits at work that would allow them to take time to help?

Create a calendar of when and who can assist.

Step 4: Identify Helpful Neighbours and Friends

Neighbours and friends can usually help for shorter durations and simple things around the house.

• Who in this circle could aid with some relief – an hour here or there? A meal?
• Who has a car and/or license to help drive to an appointment?
• Who can help with grass cutting during summer, watering the garden, and snow clearing during winter?

Add them to the Care Calendar, or put notes on your calendar to remind you of what “unscheduled” events they can help with, such as driving, grass cutting and bringing in the mail.

Step 5: Investigate Community Services

Many communities have local services, such as Meals on Wheels, respite care, volunteer visiting, transportation, and respite centres. However, the availability of these supports varies by community and can often have a waitlist.

Put together a list of these contacts/companies and reach out to understand what is available near you and how quickly their services could be set up.

Add these services to your Care Calendar.

Step 6: Access Government-Funded Home Care Services or other funded supports

Have you engaged with Government-funded supports? The way to reach these supports varies from province to province, but the process looks the same. Please see the list of numbers/contact information below to discuss what services are available and if your loved one will qualify.

Alberta – https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/Page15339.aspx

British Columbia –  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost

Nova Scotia – https://caregiversns.org/resources/government-and-other-programs/

Ontario – https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-programs-and-services-seniors

P.E.I – http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/Seniors_Guide09.pdf

If you already receive government-funded home care services, are you at the maximum allowable hours? Additional hours may be available in the event of your illness or functional decline. In addition, some government-funded home care services in Canada can provide extra support during a heightened time of need. Reach out to your Case Manager or government care representative to learn if additional hours may be available if you need them in the event of your illness.

Step 7: Identify Gaps in your Caregiver Contingency Plan

Often, even as we recruit our family and friends to assist and engage in community or government-funded services, there are still needs that are not being met. For example, families can be far away or busy with their own families. Friends may only be somewhat reliable or not available while on vacation. Government community supports are nice to have but often very limited.

Identifying your gaps in your Caregiver Contingency Plan can help you focus on additional services or needs.

Step 8: Find A Professional Care Provider to fill the Care Gaps

If you are finding gaps in your Caregiver Contingency plan, consider a family-funded (privately paid or insurance-paid) care provider, like Inhome Care Services.

Family-funded organizations like Inhome Care Services are flexible and professional in-home care solutions providing as much or as little support as needed and can increase or decrease support as needs change. As a result, you can engage in as little as a few hours of service here and there, all the way up to 24/7 care and everything and anything in between.

Seek out a reputable organization, like Inhome Care Services with a Care Planner professional available to you at any time to assist you in ensuring the care in your home is the RIGHT care. Look for a fully vetted, bonded and insured organization with professional care management.

Q: How Can Inhome Care Services Help This Process?

Inhome Care Services can help in many ways!

Our Care Planners are ready to discuss all aspects of your care needs or even help you build your Care Contingency Plan.

Your Inhome Care Services Care Planner is an active community member who can help you navigate and guide you to resources and extra services available in your community. We can assist in connecting you with government-funded care, too. Your Care Planner can also share what Inhome Care Services has to offer and provide services needed to fill any gaps in your Care Contingency.

If you already have care with Inhome Care Servicese, we can work with you and your family to adjust your existing Care Plan and introduce new team members to provide additional support if that time arrives.

So, if someone you love is relying on you to help them, ensure you take the time to develop your Caregiver Contingency Plan. This plan is crucial to ensure that both you and your loved one are well-cared for during challenging times.

Why Inhome Care Services?

• Over 20 years of experience. Inhome Care Services has been providing award winning customized senior care and home care for over 20 years.
• YOUR Caregivers are all part of YOUR Care Team. This means that there is no revolving door of Personal Support Workers and Nurses. With the help of your Care Planner, you choose and get to know them. This leads to an level of care for your loved one that is unsurpassed in our industry.
• Working with government support. Your Care Planner will work to help you find the government supports you are eligible for (if you would like them) and then work to find a solution for the care needs that go above what government and family can do. We will also work around the government care plan so that we are enhancing it.

We help in home, wherever home is to you.

Our Caregivers are always out in the community visiting homes, Retirement Residences, Long Term Care (LTC), hospices and hospitals.