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Frequently Asked Questions

We start by ascertaining your ability and desire to pay, your level of independence; review what type of services you require on a daily basis; what level of care is offered. We look at what type of lifestyle you had prior to deciding on this move. We consider location; if you are mobile and independent; amenities in your surrounding neighbourhood. We also consider convenience for your caregiver, family or social network.

The face of health care is changing for many reasons. Two predominant reasons are the increase in number of senior citizens requiring care, and the movement of government funds from residential and acute care to support more home care needs. Residential Care Facilities relying on government funding have had to reduce their staff levels. This increases the workload and is putting a greater strain on the staff, which ultimately affects the day-to- day care of you, the senior. Hiring a companion helps relieve the stress on the care home staff and can also improve your quality of life, because you are getting the dedicated help you need.

It’s a time of rejuvenation for the caregiver and care receiver and can be appreciated in many ways. A caregiver might arrange in-home support to cover care while taking a few hours to get things done, or even a few days to get away. As the care receiver, you might consider taking a short-term stay in a facility offering respite, providing meals and support, giving both you and your caregiver time to become refreshed.

If you do not have a designated Primary Caregiver in cases of emergency, the healthcare provider such as hospitals, care homes doctors and nurses are required to select someone who meets the qualifications of a Temporary Substitute Decision Maker in this order:

Your spouse – includes same sex and common law marriage-like relationships. There is no minimum time you must have lived together. If there is no spouse who qualifies, the provider will continue down the list to find one of the following who is related to you by birth or adoption:

  • An adult child;
  • A parent;
  • A sibling;
  • A grandparent;
  • A grandchild;
  • Other relative

If no one related by birth or adoption is available or qualified, the provider will look for:

  • A close friend (defined as an adult who has a long-term, close personal relationship involving frequent personal contact with you, but who does not
    receive compensation for providing personal care or health care to you);
  • A person who is immediately related by marriage (for example, an in-law)

Albert has three adult children who could be selected to be his TSDM – Patrick, Ashley or Paul. If Albert did not name a representative)s) in a Representation Agreement, the doctor could select Patrick as TSDM to give or refuse consent for the medication and tests right now. Because the authority of a TSDM is “temporary,” the doctor might select Ashley as TSDM at another time. See Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre for more information.

Any of these people above may be exactly whom you would want, but consider if they live near you, are they capable or do they want to take on this role. You should also consider someone who understands your wishes, values and even knows personal habits. This person will give the healthcare provider guidance with medical wishes and help provide the daily staff with information about you to help ensure your quality of life.

It’s an annual meeting which includes all members of the care team in a care home or hospital. This may include the director of care, a nurse clinician, your team nurse, dietician, care aide, resident doctor and/or specialist, social worker, physio- therapist, occupational therapist and activities director. Usually, a care conference takes place six weeks after care has begun. It is important for the primary caregiver, family or friend to attend this meeting to help give the senior citizen a voice and identity within the home. This is the one time you will have everyone available to focus specifically on your concerns, should you have any. What are the Top 10 questions when there are signs of trouble? What are a A Senior Citizen’s Rights.

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