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    brain with alzheimer's
    How One Protein Could Erase All Damage Caused by Alzheimer’s

    by: Home Care Assistance, 10:00am June 15th, 2018

    What if you could have one little protein changed in one of your genes and no longer have to live with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease?

    Is it really possible? Can it be true? There seems to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Researchers at the Gladstone Institute....Continue Reading

    carre lucerne provigo
    Expanding Home Care to the Town of Mount Royal

    by: Tim Thomas, 10:00am June 15th, 2018

    Home Care Assistance is growing again! With our main office in Westmount and satellite offices in Pointe Claire and Laval, we are now launching our second storefront location in the new and modern Carre Lucerne shopping center near Decarie and highway 40 in the Town of Mount Royal....Continue Reading

    daughter sitting with her mom who has alzheimers on couch
    Coping with Each Stage of Dementia

    by: Home Care Assistance, 10:00am May 10th, 2018

    Many people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can live at home for many years, especially in a household with support from family or private caregivers who can ensure their safety and take care of things like cooking and general household chores. Yet the behaviors that emerge when someone has dementia can frighten or...Continue Reading


    power of attorney
    Why is my Power of Attorney no Longer Valid?

    by: Kim Isings, 10:00am May 10th, 2018

    In Quebec, once a bank or investment advisor is made aware of the incapacity of their client they stop honouring the Power of Attorney on file even if it has an incapacity clause. Read on to understand why and what to do about it...Continue Reading


    senior woman eating soup and dinner table
    Juggling Your Loved One’s Independence and Safety — at the Same Time

    by: Cheryl Pop, 10:00am March 19th, 2018

    We all want our loved ones to be safe as they age, especially if they live alone and are physically or mentally challenged in any way. But even if they are just “aging” and not as capable as they once were, there is cause for concern. At the same time, we want to respect their independence and their wishes which often run...Continue Reading


    two seniors on a park bench in love
    Dementia, Relationships and Intimacy

    by: Corrina Masson, 10:00am March 20th, 2018

    Learning to cope with the changes that a loved one experiences following the diagnosis of dementia can be a major stressor. We learn to adapt to the new realities and to the day to day. A major area of change, can be the way in which one expresses intimacy and affection....Continue Reading


    runner outside
    New Research Suggests Alzheimer’s Starts Outside of the Brain

    by: Gina Roberts, 10:00am February 15th, 2018

    Nearly 1 million Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the progressive neurological condition that destroys eats away at memories and other brain functions. And while its symptoms, like memory loss, all center in the brain, experts are beginning to look at how...Continue Reading


    sad senior on couch
    Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder

    by: Maxine Silverman, 10:00am February 15th, 2018

    Winter months can be rough on most however, there are more risks this is particularly true for older adults given their fragility. With a decrease in sunlight and an increase in extreme cold weathers, older adults are more at risk for falls and...Continue Reading


    bathroom modified for elderly people or seniors
    How to Remodel Your Home for Longevity & Design

    by: HCA Montreal, 4:00pm January 15th, 2018

    Most people prefer to age in place. If you have a beautiful and gracious home that you love, why leave it? Yet common features in many homes - steep stairs, “classic” plumbing fixtures, even hardwood floors - can actually make life less comfortable, or sometimes even dangerous, as we get older...Continue Reading


    seniors playing chess or checkers
    How to Communicate With A Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

    by: HCA Montreal, 4:00pm January 15th, 2018

    Communicating effectively with a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging and difficult. As the disease progresses we need to expand our capabilities to meet our parent, partner, or friend exactly where they are in an appropriate and loving manner. A person with Alzheimer’s experiences good days...Continue Reading


    caregiver of the decade effie rodaros and the home care assistance team
    Caregiver of the Decade

    by: HCA Montreal, 4:00pm December 15th, 2017

    This month, we take a moment to recognize a very special caregiver who, this September, celebrated one decade of service with Home Care Assistance. We want to say a special thank you to Effie Rodaros for her dedication, professionalism and the heartfelt work that she...Continue Reading


    senior's bathroom with modified shower
    Home Safety for the Elderly

    by: Maria Licoudis, 4:00pm November 14th, 2017

    Falls are the leading cause of injuries and death in the elderly due to poor balance, decreased muscle mass and bone strength. These factors increase the risk of fractures, especially in the hip. This is why modifications in the home are so important...Continue Reading


    walking in field
    Planning Your Funeral Pre-Arrangements

    by: Tim Thomas, 4:00pm October 18th, 2017

    The last thing that anyone wants to contemplate is the possible death of a loved one. It is no different for us at Home Care Assistance, especially when it comes...Continue Reading


    national seniors dat october 1 2017
    Celebrating International Senior’s Day

    by: Corrina Masson, 4:00pm September 18th, 2017

    On October 1st, we celebrate International Senior’s Day which is our opportunity to thank our parents and all seniors around us for their important contribution...Continue Reading


    family living in the sandwich generation
    Back to school in the Sandwich Generation

    by: Corrina Masson, 4:00pm August 25th, 2017

    With August comes the end of the summer season and the beginning of the back to school rush. For some, this time is filled with excitement, but for many in the sandwich generation it can cause a great deal of stress. The term “sandwich generation”...Continue Reading


    middle aged women angry with diagnosis of elderly mother
    Life After a Diagnosis

    by: Home Care Assistance, 4:00pm May 25th, 2017

    All is well until something happens, and then what...You’ve been admitted to the hospital and you and your family find out, from your doctor, that you can no longer live at home alone. Life has put a little hurdle in your way and you don’t know what to...Continue Reading


    caregiver with elderly senior women home from the hospital
    Why Seniors Refuse to Wear Hearing Aid

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 3:00pm May 25th, 2017

    Having a loved one in the hospital can be extremely stressful, but that stress gets amplified once they have been discharged. We are, of course, happy that our parent is returning home but it also raises many questions. Who will be there when Mom gets...Continue Reading


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    Let’s Talk About Hearing Loss

    by: Sandra Daoust, 2:00pm April 20th, 2017

    Most of us have our eyes checked on a regular basis and aren’t too bothered by the idea of wearing glasses. Why is it, then, that we have such a negative view of hearing loss and hearing aids? They are both sensory deficits, but one is much more easily accepted than the other. And it’s not because hearing...Continue Reading


    elderly women having hearing aid checked
    Why Seniors Refuse to Wear Hearing Aid

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm April 20th, 2017

    We hear it all all the time, “I can hear fine, if only people stopped mumbling”, or “I don’t need a hearing aid, I can hear well enough to cope” or “they are so uncomfortable and look terrible”. Most people who have had difficulty hearing, and finally get tested, have probably had an...Continue Reading


    senior shopping for vegetables
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm March 21st, 2017

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic common gastrointestinal disorder that involves mostly the large intestine. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by a miscommunication between the brain and the gut, as well as gut sensitivity, and changes to the intestinal flora. Although IBS can be embarrassing and...Continue Reading


    mother with alzheimer's sits beside daughter on couch
    What are the steps for a mandate in case of incapacity

    by: Mélanie Doré, President of Agence d’Hébergement Doré, 3:00pm March 22th, 2017

    Your father has been hospitalized or lives at home and is affected by a cognitive decline. The doctor has just announced that he will be declared inapt, because he can no longer take care of him or manage his daily life...Continue Reading


    mother with alzheimer's sits beside daughter on couch
    The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm January 13th, 2017

    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.”...Continue Reading


    prostate exam with doctor
    Size Does Matter When It Comes to Your Prostate

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm November 17th, 2016

    Most men are not aware of what the prostate is, or what it does, until they experience problems. The prostate is a small gland that is part of the reproduction system, it is the size of a walnut, and it sits under the bladder but in front of the rectum. As well, it envelops the urethra, which is the tube that passes out of the bladder...Continue Reading


    senior on couch forgetting
    Is it Normal? Or is it Alzheimer's

    Dr. Marilyn Fitzpatrick, Partner at Medipsy Psychological Services, 1:00pm November 17th, 2016

    I used to have the memory of an elephant. I remembered the names of people I met at parties and things I had to get done by Tuesday at noon. These days, I go through a fair size package of post-it notes to get through the month. As we age, we often have more difficulty remembering things the way we used to when we were.....Continue Reading


    caregiver with african american client
    Managing Medication in the Elderly

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 2:00pm October 17th, 2016

    Seniors, aged 65 or older, as the largest consumers of medications and often take multiple types. Proper medication management and preventing possible adverse side effects, is critical when caring for the elderly. Unfortunately, because of the large volume of medications prescribed by physicians combined with the use of other supplements and vitamins, overmedication and drug interactions are common.....Continue Reading


    seniors outside in atumn
    5 Senior Friendly Autumn Activities

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 3:00pm October 17th, 2016

    Fall is a beautiful time of year with the colorful leaves, crisp air and pumpkin patches popping up in towns near and far. Even when the weather starts to get colder, there are plenty of activities that people of all ages can enjoy.....Continue Reading


    seniors on bike outside
    Remaining Active After Retirement

    Vignon Guézo, Chief of the kinesiologist association at Physio Extra, 1:00pm October 17th, 2016

    Physical exercise provides many benefits, such as the reduction of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, depression and more. According to the World Health organisation, in order to regain an active lifestyle, it is recommended to engage in physical activity,....Continue Reading


    caregiver with african american client
    What Questions to Ask When Hiring a Home Care Agency?

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 1:00pm September 16th, 2016

    When the time has come to consider hiring a home care agency to support a senior loved one, it is critical to know the level of management the agency will provide. The greatest benefit of hiring an agency is that their operations include the necessary management of personnel and associated bookkeeping and tax considerations....Continue Reading


    eldery couple sitting
    Planning For Retirement in the Age of Low Interest Rates

    by: Martin-Guy Bernier, Investment Advisor at Desjardins Securities, 1:00pm September 16th, 2016

    I was asked to write a short financial article that would be of interest to pensioners and the elderly. The first idea that crossed my mind was to discuss the effect of low interest rates on risk-free investments, a subject which immediately struck me as very relevant...Continue Reading


    elderly man outside with daughter caregiver
    Depression in Seniors

    by: Maria Licoudis, R.N. & Care Manager, 1:00pm August 16th, 2016

    Depression can be confused and misinterpreted for other illnesses, and sometimes the incorrect medications are used as treatment. Older people are at risk for depression and a misdiagnosis can occur due to the fact that the elderly already have other medical illnesses, and display symptoms that can be common to other diseases. As well, many seniors view depression as a...Continue Reading


    senior facing depression with daughter
    The Role of the Family Caregiver

    by: Jessica Smith, Family Care Coordinator at Y des Femmes, 1:00pm August 16th, 2016

    A family caregiver is any family member, partner or friend who, regularly and without pay, provides support or care to an elderly person who has a significant or persistent health problem or loss of autonomy. Often this role is taken on naturally and most family caregivers do not consider themselves as such. They consider that the regular care they provide to the elderly person is part of their role as ...Continue Reading


    zootherapy madame wouf wouf
    Zootherapy for Seniors

    By Madame Wouf Wouf, 11:00am July 15th, 2016

    How can you resist a kitten’s cute face, a dog’s friendship, the softness of a rabbit’s fur or the silliness of a ferret? Where does the inner peace from the “magic “ of bonding with an animal come from? The answer is simple: animals do not judge! This is the basis of zootherapy...Continue Reading


    stoke symptoms in senior man
    Heat Stroke in the Elderly

    By Maria Licoudis, 11:00am July 11th, 2016

    Heat stroke is one of the summer’s most common illnesses. Hot weather can be very dangerous, and the elderly are especially prone to the perils of heat exhaustion. People 65 years and over do not adapt as well to heat and sudden body temperature fluctuations as their younger counterparts. The ability to notice changes in body temperature also decreases with age. Medica ....Continue Reading


    stoke symptoms in senior man
    Recognizing Strokes in Seniors

    By Maria Licoudis, 11:00am June 27th, 2016

    A stroke is an “ischemic” episode, where there is a sudden disruption or loss of blood supply to a part of the brain. Strokes are usually hemorrhagic or non-hemorrhagic / ischemic. This results in an interruption of blood supply to the brain, therefore causing temporary or permanent loss of thought, movement, speech, memory and sensation. This alters the person’s ability....Continue Reading


    senior with glasses on
    The Visual Impact of Aging in the Elderly

    By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm May 12th, 2016

    Sight is one of the senses that people depend on for information about their environment. Ninety percent of information reaches the brain through the eyes. Age-related changes are serious and develop gradually in the elderly. Visual disorders cause serious problems in every aspect of a senior’s life, and anxiety is usually the predominant symptom....Continue Reading


    senior women practicing proper mouth care
    Proper Oral Care for Seniors

    By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm April 10th, 2016

    Oral care is critical to physical and psychological well-being, no matter how old a person gets. When our mouth, teeth and dentures are healthy, we can eat all the foods necessary for proper health and nutrition. As well, oral health affects everyday life through talking, laughing, smiling, social interaction and self image....Continue Reading


    elderly in pain in bed
    Constipation in the Elderly

    By Maria Licoudis, 9:00am March 15th, 2016

    No one wants to talk about it, but constipation is one of the most frequent complaints among seniors. Daily elimination, which should be a painless process, is considered a sign of good health. Constipation, by definition, is “a condition where there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, and is usually associated with hardened feces”...Continue Reading


    salmon with rice and green beans
    Miso Glazed Salmon

    By Home Care Assistance, 9:00am March 16th, 2016

    This dish can be served with steamed broccoli or spinach and brown rice. It serves one and is pretty quick to pull together and packed with flavour.Continue Reading


    elderly stretching outside
    How to be an Athlete at 80

    By Maria Licoudis, 3:00pm February 16th, 2016

    Exercise plays a crucial role in the aging process. Evidence now supports the role that exercise plays in both our physical and mental health. Moderate exercise such as walking, low impact weight bearing exercises, tai chi, and flexibility fitness give seniors a sense of calmness, as well as physical and psychological wellness...Continue Reading


    urinary tract in the elderly
    Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) in the Elderly

    By Maria Licoudis, 4:00pm January 8th, 2016

    Urinary tract infections are very common in the elderly and especially in women. Because of the female anatomy, and their short urethra, females are more vulnerable. In the elderly, a sudden change in behaviour is the best indicator...Continue Reading


    christmas caregiver senior
    Holiday Respite Care

    By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm December 2th, 2015

    As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone needs and deserves a break. The holidays are a special time for families and friends to come together and celebrate lifelong traditions. However, if you’re currently caring for an aging loved one....Continue Reading


    seniors sitting down
    How Much Does Home Care Cost?

    By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm October 26th, 2015

    It is evident that people are living much longer than they used to. The task of analyzing the physiological, and the behavioural needs of those requiring home care can be complex to friends and family. Everyone involved bears a responsibility and concern that the clients....Continue Reading


    seniors doing arm stretches
    A Balanced Approach to Home Care

    By Maria Licoudis, 3:30pm September 22th, 2015

    Our exclusive Balanced Care Method (BCM) is scientifically based on the world’s healthiest living population, the elders in Okinawa, a region in Japan where life spans over 100 years are not unusual....Continue Reading


    Bathing and the Elderly

    By Maria Licoudis, 3:30pm August 12th, 2015

    When a person becomes ill or elderly, their requirement for hygiene increases. However, their ability to maintain and execute proper hygiene may decrease or cease. As caregivers...Continue Reading


    Pneumonia in the Elderly

    By Maria Licoudis, 1:30pm July 9th, 2015

    Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the alveolar spaces of the lungs. It causes the alveoli in the lungs to fill with infective exudate, and secretions. There are many different kinds of pneumonia. The elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia...Continue Reading


    Chemotherapy in the Elderly

    By Maria Licoudis, 1:30pm June 12th, 2015

    Chemotherapy drugs are powerful and effectively kill cancer cells. At the same time, they harm and kill healthy cells as well. There are multiple chemotherapy drugs, that, depending on the dosages and the treatment, have varying side effects. Since cancer increases with age...Continue Reading


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    Hazards at Home

    By Home Care Assistance, 4:30pm June 2nd, 2015

    Most of us think of home as a safe haven -the place we feel most comfortable and at ease. For the person with dementia, though, the home can pose several hidden hazards. You can help your loved one avoid falls by...Continue Reading


    Palliative Care and the End of Life

    By Maria Licoudis, 1:30pm May 13th, 2015

    Human beings have a unique asset and that is the ability to rationalize and have free choice. We have the gift of choice, to choose our individual quality of life and as well, of how we are going to die. Palliative care represents the enhancement of quality of life, retainment of dignity, and...Continue Reading


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    Bill 52 - End of Life Conference

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 11:00am April 15th, 2015

    We're pleased to be a part of the upcoming End of Life Choices Conference organized by Senior's Action Quebec. We'll exhibiting at the show, discussing our services, which include hourly home care, live-in care and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method. The full agenda is included.Continue Reading


    Dementia Care Plan

    By Maria Licoudis, 11:00am March 25th, 2015

    Dementia is a progressive loss of mental functioning, leading to memory loss, loss of judgment, loss of personality, physical decline, and decreased or no reasoning...Continue Reading


    Chart Well: Senior Care

    By Maria Licoudis, 2:00pm March 9th, 2015

    Documentation or charting, the wheel of communication, allows caregivers to communicate honestly and objectively about the care they have provided. Continue Reading


    Easy as 1-2-3 Pot Roast

    By Home Care Assistance, 2:00pm February 19th, 2015

    Nothing is more comforting than an old-fashioned pot roast. While this dish does take time to cook it is easy to prepare...Continue Reading


    50 Shades of Care at Home Care Assistance

    By Maria Licoudis, 12:00pm February 6th, 2015

    February and Valentines Day in particular gives us the opportunity to tell people how much we love and care about them. At Home Care Assistance, we, as caregivers, are proud to play many rolls in providing comfort, security, and fulfilling the needs of our senior clients and their families. Continue Reading


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    Aging Well is No Accident

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 11:00am January 30th, 2015

    For seniors to live a full and natural life, it is crucial that they prevent falls and avoid accidents by making the home as safe as possible. It is important to be aware that falls, fires and car accidents are the three leading causes of accidental injury and death among seniors. Continue Reading


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    Seven Super Foods For Seniors

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 3:00pm January 22nd, 2015

    Results of a recent long-term research studies have pointed to a number of nutrients that many seniors lack, but are especially valuable for senior living. Here are seven "super foods" that are loaded with these essential nutrients. Some of the foods on this list may even surprise you. Continue Reading


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    Tips for Live-In Caregivers

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 10:00am January 14th, 2015

    Most people who are currently providing live-in care for a parent or relative did not expect to become caregivers. Several would probably even have denied it was possible that it could happen to them. Continue Reading


    Senior Mobility and the Risk of Falls

    By Maria Licoudis, 12:00pm January 6th, 2015

    We can all fall, however the fall of a senior can have a more devastating impact. Statistically, one in three seniors over the age of 65 falls at least once a year. Women are three times more likely to be hospitalized than men for fall injuries. Men are more likely to die from the injuries. Continue Reading


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    Challenges and Special Circumstances For Care

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 10:00am January 2nd, 2015

    NO two home bound seniors are exactly alike. Each person presents a unique set of challenges and issues. However, there are a few problem areas that are common. This post will looks at a few of these challenges and offers suggestions for working in a positive ways toward the resolution of the problem. Continue Reading


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    Activities For Home Bound Seniors

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 12:00pm December 29th, 2014

    Activities for home bound individuals will vary widely depending on their interests, physical abilities and cognitive abilities. They can be for entertainment purposes only, or they can have a utilitarian function, such as caring for oneself or helping...Continue Reading


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    Becoming A Family Caregiver

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 12:00pm December 24th, 2014

    The need for live-in home care starts in one of three ways. It can begin as the result of a sudden illness or injury. It can begin as one of many stages in a chronic disease process. Or it can start as the result of frailties developed over the course of a long life. Continue Reading


    trail mix
    Anti-Inflammatory Trail Mix

    By Sandra Daoust, 3:00pm December 22st, 2014

    This quick and easy recipe is chock full of anti-inflammatory foods that counteract the chronic inflammation that causes many serious age-related illnesses including heart disease...Continue Reading


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    An Introduction to Live In Home Care

    By Home Care Assistance Montreal, 3:00pm December 18st, 2014

    Live in home care encompasses the physical psychological, social and spiritual care provided to a person (usually a senior) who is largely or totally confined to their home, wheelchair or bed as a result of age, illness or injury. Continue Reading


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    The Secret Second Career

    By Tim Thomas, 5:00pm December 16st, 2014

    When you think about a secret second career, you might imagine working parents who are juggling the demands of their children. What you might not realize is that many employees have a different type of second career. Continue Reading


    Prevention of Bedsores Is Key

    By Maria Licoudis, 12:00pm December 1st, 2014

    Bedsores or ulcers are injuries to the patients' skin from prolonged pressure on a particular area. It is caused most often on skin where bony areas are more prominent. Tail bone or coccyx, heels, shoulders, ankles, ears, knees, and elbows are frequently bedsore-prone. Continue Reading


    HCA Recipes - Zucchini Multi-Grain Flax Muffin

    By Timothy Thomas, 3:00pm December 1st, 2014

    These muffins are packed with grains and zucchini and are high in fiber, which is a satisfying way to start the day. They freeze beautifully and make for an easy breakfast or nutrient-rich afternoon snack. Continue Reading


    Does My Parent Need Advanced Directives?

    By Timothy Thomas, 2:00pm November 28th, 2014

    At Home Care Assistance Montreal, we know that the most personal questions are typically the most difficult to ask, especially when it comes to the health care needs of a senior. An advanced directive usually falls into this category. Continue Reading

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