Where the heart is

Staying at home is the first choice of many, if not all seniors, but finding the supports needed to keep seniors in their own homes is often a struggle — and qualifying for financial assistance even more of a challenge. A new report by a local seniors advocacy group, Hamilton CARES offers some hard truths about the battle to stay in your own home.
"Despite several key economic studies that have found staying at home cost the country less ... finding affordable, continuous and enough help to stay at home can be difficult."
Some of the need - a great deal of the need - has been picked up by "an army of thousands of volunteers." But much need remains.
If you haven't read the story yet, you'll find it here. Once you have, share your thoughts and stories below.
Story by Lisa Grace Marr, photos by Gary Yokayama

Comments

[lauranne]

I am a retired VON nurse .One of my positions with VON was in the Caregiver Support Program.I visited clients caring for family with cognitive deficits incl. dementia. I offered support, service info.and assist. dealing with difficult behaviours.What I found was that most caregivers wanted to keep their family at home with them as long as possible but that the burden of care was overwhelming at times.At the same time, caregivers became overwhelmed with the no. of people coming into their home at any one time-their home became a revolving door with evernew faces to deal with.Some times all that was needed help a caregiver keep on going was a small break provided by a volunteer.Whether it enabled her to go shopping or get her hair done or just put her feet up in the garden-it provided the needed break from the constant burden of care.The most frustrating part of my job would be offering these services and programs to caregivers but having to say that there were no volunteers available and they would be put on a wait list.Yes, there are wonderful services out here but sadly the reality is that the manpower to keep these services effective is not there.We have to get more aggressive with getting the word out for the desperate need for volunteers. Our priests, ministers, teachers, service clubs could all be voices to reach people about this wonderful opportunity to help our neighbours and each other.I want to thank the Spec.for bringing it to our community's attention and addressing this very urgent issue.

[Sue VanderBent]

Another great resource for can be found on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ltc/ltc_mn.html

There is a great booklet - "What's Right for Me" full of information regarding care in your home - Home and Community Support Services and and long term care - Residences Offering Care: Residential Care.