FAQ
Mom's settled...
What stands out most in my mind from all 3 recent visits, is a whole new degree of calm and contentment. She's not feeling anxious or behind-the-eight-ball as if she had "so much to chase down and do." Rather, she's more open, relaxed, willing to acknowledge that her head "can't hold onto things like it used to". It's not so much resignation, it's more like acceptance. She says, "It's not what I would've wished for, but what can you do." For the first time in a long time, we really seemed to enjoy more than the usual company of each other. It's a bitter sweet thing for me, but mostly, it's a huge feeling of relief.
— JW Caring Son, West Vancouver
What are the Top 9 questions when there are signs of trouble? How would you like to be treated? A Senior Citizen's Rights.
- How do we know what type of residence is best for us?
- Can we afford private nursing and companions if we stay at home?
- If we're living in a private or subsidized resident or care home can we hire a private companion or a private nurse?
- Why should we pay for extra help when we're already in a care home with nurses, and care aides?
- What is respite?
- Why should we have a primary care giver?
- What is the purpose of a representation agreement?
- What is a care conference?
How do we know what type of residence is best for us?
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; what type of lifestyle did you live prior to deciding on this move; consider location; if you are mobile and independent; amenities in your surrounding neighborhood; consider convenience for your caregiver, family or social network.
Can we afford private nursing and companions if we stay at home?
We provide a viability study to help you work out the costs.
If we're living in a private or subsidized, resident or care home can we hire a private companion or a nurse?
Usually, but it is best to confirm this with the home to ensure the correct protocol is followed.
Why should we pay for extra help when we're already in a care home with nurses, and care aides?
The face of health care is changing for many reasons. Two predominant reasons are the increase in numbers of senior citizens requiring care; and financial cutbacks are causing care homes and other service providers relying on government funding to reduce there staff. This increases workloads and is putting a strain on staff which ultimately effects 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 while you require support.
What is respite?
Is 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.
Why should we have a primary care giver?
If you do not have a designated Primary Caregiver in cases of emergency the health care provider i.e. hospitals, care homes, doctors and nurses are required to approach your nearest relative starting with;
- Your spouse, either by marriage or common law relationship (even very short term) including same-sex relationships
- Your child (children equally ranked)
- Your parents (equally ranked)
- Your sibling (sisters and brothers equally ranked)
- Anyone else related to you by birth or adoption.
Any of these persons named above may be exactly who you would want but if they don't live near you, are not capable or do not want to take on this role you should consider someone who understands your wishes, values and even personal habits. This person will give the health care provider guidance with medical wishes and help provide the daily staff with information about you to help provide you quality of life.
What is the purpose of a representation agreement?
To legally assign a primary caregiver as well as persons to make important decisions regarding financial, legal, health care and personal care for you in the future while you are living. Using a Representation Agreement gives you some control over your life during a time when you may not be capable of expressing your wishes. For more information go to Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre.
What is a care conference?
Is 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, dietitians, care aide, resident doctor, social worker, activities director and is usually held annually. Usually a care conference to include the primary caregiver and resident take place six weeks after care has begun.
It is important for the primary caregiver, family or friend to attend these 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.
