additional-resources

Assessing whether an elderly family member requires additional assistance can often be difficult as you may not be nearby to see the signs, or they may simply downplay their illness to maintain their independence for longer. In any case, this can be a difficult situation to navigate as you may not know the signs to look out for, or how to approach the topic if the conversation is needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;In light of this, it is vital to the well-being of the seniors in your life and to your relationship with them that you approach the conversation with the highest level of empathy and care. We've highlighted the five signs to look for when assessing if an ageing senior in your life requires further assistance, as well as how to approach the discussion when the time comes.&nbsp;

5 Signs That an Ageing Senior Needs Additional Help 

A noticeable change in a senior's personal routine is often a tell-tale sign that they may require additional help. This could look like them neglecting their personal hygiene, missing their doctor appointments, changes in their sleep patterns, or unsanitary living conditions that are not being attended to. While it’s common to occasionally have a change in routine during a busy week, a drastic change in their routine and habits that continues to become a pattern should not be taken lightly or dismissed, and it is imperative to keep a lookout for these changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As seniors age, you may notice some patterns that make you question their safety; for instance, if they have trouble climbing stairs, or if they can't seem to remember how to get to their favourite coffee shop without getting lost. An obvious way to look out for these signs without having to ask is by looking out for any bruises, scrapes, or cuts on a senior's body.&nbsp;&nbsp;A senior’s driving habits are also important to look out for to ensure their safety on the road. One way to look out for changes in their driving includes checking for dents or scratches on the car, piled-up tickets, or citations. To read further about the signs to look out for with seniors driving and how to approach this conversation, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/additional-resources/how-to-talk-with-seniors-about-their-driving--?fbclid=IwAR1OIIKAikFGYXCAvU5MmqKznAhz3Wq02cQ6y2G8c2paNJGdPb_02gTQ59A">care blog</a>.&nbsp;

While forgetfulness, such as forgetting where you placed an object or taking longer to learn new things, can be considered a normal process of ageing, there are important signs to look out for that may indicate it’s time to visit a doctor. This includes:<ul><li>Repeating a question or story repeatedly</li><li>Difficulty in finding your way around familiar spaces</li><li>Increased confusion about people or the time</li><li>Trouble with written or verbal communication</li><li>Changes in problem-solving abilities</li></ul>&nbsp;If you notice any of these changes in a senior's cognitive abilities, It is vital to receive an evaluation from a medical professional to determine the root cause.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seniors struggling with reduced mobility, a decline in functional ability, developing a routine after retirement, grief, and loneliness are often prone to struggling with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. During these times, it is imperative to be mindful of their emotional well-being. Some common signs you may notice when the mental health of a senior is declining may include:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Loss of interest in hobbies they previously enjoyed</li><li>Oversleeping or not getting enough rest</li><li>Difficulty remembering or concentrating</li><li>Eating more or less than usual</li><li>Communicates feelings of sadness, helplessness, and/or worthlessness</li><li>Isolation and social withdrawal</li><li>Unusual fatigue</li><li>Changes in their appearance</li></ul>Changes in a senior's mental health require just as much attention and care as changes seen in a physical illness. It is important to not only seek medical help when it comes to their mental health but to also ensure that you are regularly checking up on your loved ones and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and physical activity.&nbsp;

You may notice some changes in their financial habits, such as overdue bills, a dramatic increase in their spending habits, or your loved one making large withdrawals from their accounts without accounting for their financial status. If you notice these changes in their financial habits, you may wish to start a conversation on your concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It's never easy to have a conversation with your family about senior living, especially with your parents. To begin the conversation, consider these tips:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Address your concerns with other family members and ask if they support your decision by speaking to your loved ones about their care options. This will not only help you get additional viewpoints on the matter, but they may also provide you with support with scheduling doctor's calls and finding assistance.&nbsp;

As this is a difficult conversation to navigate, it is critical to approach the conversation with caution and empathy as they may be in denial and resistant to having the conversation. It is imperative to remain calm and respectful of their wishes and to remain objective while listening to what they have to say. Ensure that you are picking a suitable time to have the conversation, and if needed, contact a mediator such as their primary doctor to navigate their options for long-term care.If you notice any of the signs or changes mentioned above, it’s important to take proactive steps to get your loved ones the care they need to overall improve their quality of life. It may be difficult to come to terms with the fact that a loved one requires additional support with daily living, but once you've acknowledged the need for support, there are a variety of tools available to make the following stages as simple as possible.&nbsp;

Changes in Their Personal Routine 

You Become Concerned For Their Personal Safety   

Memory Loss   

Mental Health Struggles   

Changes in Their Financial Habits 

How to Approach the Conversation Surrounding Their Senior Living Options?  

Involve a Sibling or Family Member

Remain Patient and Come From a Place of Empathy

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Paying for Care in Canada | Government Contributions

The amount government pays for senior care and the benefits seniors can receive depends on a few criteria such as contributions, average annual earning, and the time you started your pension. Some other parameters such as your health, if you’re married, or whether you’re planning to continue working might also affect the amount of financial assistance for pensioners.

Across Canada, there are two fundamental aids seniors usually use, which are the Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP) and Old Age Security Pension (OAS). You may want to seek help from a certified financial planner to be able to know which programs are the best for you. You can also check out Service Canada or reach out to 2-1-1 for more information about government financial assistance for seniors.&nbsp;<h4>Old Age Security Pension Amount</h4>When you qualify for the Old Age Security Pension (OAS), you can receive up to $614.14 a month, depending on how you long lived in Canada or particular countries starting 18 years old. You can as well receive extra payment based on your income under the other variants of OAS, for instance, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Allowance Program, Allowance for the Survivor, and other CPP benefits.<h4>Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP) Amount</h4>In 2019, seniors who are new recipients of this benefit aged 65 who will qualify for the CPP can receive a maximum monthly amount of $1,154.58. However, the average monthly amount a senior receives is $679.16. There are varying factors for how much you will receive. For instance, your time off work can affect the amount that you will receive in a monthly basis. At the same time, It is also possible for you to work while you receive the pension.

<h4>Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)</h4>The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is monthly government assistance for seniors with low income under OAS. This program is a non-taxable benefit eligible for seniors with a low income, living in Canada.&nbsp;You can be eligible for this benefit if your income is below $18,624, and you are single, widowed, or divorced. If you have a spouse or a common-law partner, the amount you will receive will depend on your income and your partner’s income combined.&nbsp;You can be eligible for GIS if your income and your partner’s income is below $24,576, and your partner receives the full OAS pension. If your spouse or your common-law partner does not receive an OAS pension, you may be eligible for GIS if you and your partner’s income is below $44,640.&nbsp;While, if your partner receives an allowance, you can be eligible for this program, and your income and your partner’s combined income is below $44,640.<h4>Allowance Program</h4>The Allowance Program is a monthly benefit over and above OAS. Low-income seniors aged 60-64 with a spouse or a common-law partner who is a recipient of Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement may be eligible for this benefit.If you are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident of the country, you can be eligible for this program if your annual income and your spouse/common-law partner combined income is below $34,416.<h4>Allowance for the Survivor</h4>This benefit can be applied to low-income seniors living in Canada who has a deceased spouse or a common-law partner. This allowance is monthly given to seniors who will meet a certain criterion. If you want to know more about this benefit, please visit the website of the Government of Canada.You can be eligible for this benefit if you have a deceased spouse or common-law partner and you haven’t remarried or entered a new relationship with a common-law partner. Your annual income must be below $25,080 to be eligible for this program.&nbsp;

Canadian Government Subsidies for Seniors

Government Assistance for Seniors with Low Income

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What are the Care Options Available for Me? 

There are a number of care options available for seniors. &nbsp;Read on to learn what they are and find out which one may be right for you

There is a spectrum of care options available depending on your unique health care needs. These include:&nbsp;

Active Adult Living are often gated or planned communities, that are built to provide you with the utmost flexibility. You may choose this living option if you are comfortable with living on your own. These communities allow you to choose to live with people around the same age and those who have the same interests as you. When you choose active adult living, you choose a community with on-site services and amenities such as 24-hour security, golf courses, art classes, recreation centres, gyms and fitness classes, spas, lawn bowling, and tennis courts. When you live in active adult living communities, you also don’t have to worry about maintaining you living space such as mowing your lawn or clearing your driveway.  

Independent Living allows you to live with people around the same age and interests in a care-free and stress-free community. This option is for you if you are comfortable with living on your own, have good physical health, and have good cognitive health, but would like extra assistance with tasks around your living space such as with cooking, laundry and in-home maintenance. Often, independent living communities offer recreational programs similar to active adult living communities as well.  

Home Care allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home and get the day-to-day assistance you may need. This is ideal if you have some physical or cognitive health limitations. The type of assistance will depend on your needs including medication assistance, transportation, and cooking. Other services could include respite care and palliative care. Sometimes, these services are eligible through your home or community care providers. 

Assisted Living homes are sometimes referred to as personal care homes or assisted care communities. This option is ideal if you are still able to live independently but have some physical or cognitive health limitations. In assisted living communities, you have on-site daily support including personal care, mobility and transportation, cooking, and medication assistance. Care in these facilities are tailored to meet your unique needs. Often, assisted living communities will also offer social, cultural, recreational and educational activities. 

Long-Term Care allows you to have all-inclusive 24-hour assistance including personal care, hygiene, mobilit, and transportation, and medication assistance. This is an option if you have physical or cognitive health limitations such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Often, you will be assessed by a social service agency for long-term care services. Depending on where you live, long-term care is usually covered by the Ministry of Health.  

Respite Care offers you short-term care that can range from 24-hours to 90 days, depending on your unique health needs and living situation. These services are offered in-home or at retirement homes. This is for you if you have any physical or cognitive health limitations. The respite care services offered include personal care, hygiene, mobility and transportation, and medication assistance. Often, it is recommended by your home or community care office. 

Convalescent Care allows you to be cared for after surgery such as knee or hip surgery. This is a short-term care service similar to respite care that is offered in retirement homes. Convalescent care offers 24-hour care in cases of emergencies and routine doctor check-ups. Sometimes, retirement homes offering convalescent care have amenities and services to help with your recovery including pools, spas, gyms, and physiotherapy. 

Palliative Care allows you to have the right care if you are experiencing a terminal, serious illness. It is also referred to as comfort care, end-of-life care or hospice care. This can be offered in retirement homes or in-home. If you choose palliative care in retirement homes, there may be other services available such as spas and physiotherapy. 

Find Retirement Homes, Long-Term Care & Senior Health Services in Northwest Territories

5 Signs That an Ageing Senior Needs Additional Help

Paying for Care in Canada | Government Contributions

What are the Care Options Available for Me?