Quality Home Health Care Questions

Caring for an ageing person can be a daunting task, and when the elder is resistant, it is more complicated, putting not only themselves but also others, unnecessarily at risk. People living alone often receive little help and are lonely, but can often be too gracious to accept help when they need it the most, and don't want others to take on responsibility politely claim "I'm fine", leaving risk and isolation to creep in, notably more so after hearing loss occurs.

Seniors often manage well from day to day living at home, it only takes is a minor setback to turn a circumstance around, like the flu, a fall or adverse reaction to medication. A situation can develop quickly, affecting the lives of many, causing anxiety and creating havoc while desperately trying to get the right help put in place. Before a situation goes too far, it is wise to put a backup plan in place. Home care is often a good compromise; there is more flexibility than moving, and a schedule can be created to suit individual needs, as a supplement or in place of family care. There is the added benefit of safely ageing in place, and of the comfort of a trained and experienced professional care team, allowing families and friends to be more connected and strengthening relationships, bonds, streamlining communication with healthcare professionals and reducing stress for the senior and everyone involved, allowing peace to avail.

Home care is prevention care.

Thoughtful planning can allow changes to come with dignity and understanding.

Planning ahead means they are able to participate in the decision making and offer input on their preferences.

Too many choices doesn't always help, there are excellent caregiving and elder care resources available to prepare for and manage respond to the many situations that arise.

Public Community Home Health offer a variety of community services and caregiver support that can assist your parents if they want to remain at home.

Carefully scan their home for early signs, which could indicate vision problems, mobility issues, signs of dementia or depression:

• Household bills piling up and unopened mail
• Burned pots and pans
• The house more unkempt than usual
• There are science projects in refrigerator and no fresh food. Poor diet can exacerbate chronic diseases, weaken the immune system and make underlying conditions worse.
• Nearly one in three older adults falls every year, and half of them will die as a result.

• Check that stairways are well lit and handrails installed, they can easily be removed later.
• Clear away obstructions like area rugs, clutter, and electrical cords
• The bathroom can be hazardous and many seniors stop bathing because it's too difficult, use safety equipment such as non-slip mats, a seat, and securely mount grab bars
• Is there enough room to safely move around in the bathroom?

Adverse drug reactions are estimated to be the fourth-leading cause of death among older adults. Prescription drugs or taking the wrong combination can also cause confusion, dizziness and signs that are often mistaken for signs of dementia. Speak to a pharmacist about conflicting or unnecessary medications.

• Are pills organized or strewn all over the house?
• Return expired pill bottles to the pharmacy for safe disposal
• Managing medications properly can be an easy task with bubble packs, but many seniors can't open them and need special instructions to help. Bubble packs are important to reduce the risk of errors.
• Make a list of all medications, when to take it, what they are for, who prescribed them and in what dosage. Make copies of the list so your parents can take it to all medical appointments, and keep it updated.

• Establish a support system. This is especially important if you live far away.
• Meet your parents’ neighbours and ask them to call if they think your mom and dad need help.
• Make a contact list of doctors, specialists, pharmacist and community home health providers or case manager, and share it with other family members and/or caregivers.
• Read through insurance policies to know what services are covered under what circumstances, to be prepared to respond quickly when the need arises
• An power of attorney of finances as well as and advocate for health care, these are two very big jobs, this is often divided into 2 jobs.
• A geriatric assessment may help with an early detection and help can prevent a condition getting worse.
• A Living Will is a key service, making decisions ahead of time on what level of care to provide towards the end of life, a simple decision like an antibiotic can save a life if a virus strikes, if desired, or the preference may be to end life without it, this offers them the choice, without leaving this difficult decision to loved ones

Sources of funding may vary, we can bill directly to the specific provider, if Critical Care Insurance is available, invoices may be sent directly to an Insurance Company or a Legal Company, a Public Agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Affairs, ICBC, Saint James Society, Trustee’s, Notary Public, and Power of Attorney’s.

To find out if you are eligible for funded care, ask your doctor for a referral to the local Community Health Centre in your area, there is a minimal amount of government funded Home Care available from a Public Agency, making it difficult to receive continuity of care with the preferred service, causing confusion and disruptions.

Independent Quality Home Care is privately funded, thereby we aim to provide complete customer satisfaction with quality assurance, however, we do not provide credit.

A portion of our services may be tax deductible, please refer to links on the Resources page to see information about what people living with disabilities can claim. We offer direct billing to financial institutions or Trustee services. Many bank’s provide a financial management service to simplify payment arrangements.

Rates are based on fair pay to compensate staff fairly for their training and experience, this helps to ensure a low turnover of staff and the continuity of care that you are hoping for.

Quotes are available after a complete and thorough assessment upon when recommendations for a care plan, including a risk and safety assessment, will be provided.

Call us directly on 604-725-9014 or contact us via this website to get started for the best access to the care you need as soon as you need it.

Veterans Affairs Canada

We are an approved VETS provider, qualifying veterans may claim our services. Contact VIP Inquiry line at 1-888-865-4500 to see if you are eligible for Social or medical services or transportation.

Please refer to our Resources Page, or visit the CRA page