Blog

The term Dementia is used to describe a series of symptoms that affect an individual’s memory, their critical thinking skills, and their social abilities to the extent that it starts to influence or affect their day-to-day life. Here at Integracare, we understand how distressing it may be to receive a Dementia diagnosis — be it for yourself or for a loved one. To help you understand the symptoms, we’re sharing our insights into four types of Dementia with a special focus on Vascular Dementia. General symptoms or signs of Dementia vary dependent on the cause and on the individual. Some General Cognitive Symptoms May Be Memory loss, such as consistently forgetting someone’s name or being unable to remember the day, month, or year. Verbal communication problems, including difficulty finding words or becoming verbally reclusive. Problems with geography, like forgetting the location of a house or store or getting lost [...]

At Integracare, we cannot overstate how important Dementia education is for our Clients. Learning about the disease can help Seniors and their loved ones understand what a diagnosis entails, and how they can develop coping strategies for the future. That’s one of the reasons why we have this blog. As the premier home healthcare providers in Toronto and Mississauga, we use our platform to inform our readers about the disease. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the 7 A’s of Dementia. It’s a list of seven disorders that can develop as the disease progresses and damages the brain. All starting with the letter “A”, these disorders provide insight into how your loved one experiences the world. The 7 A’s of Dementia Care What can we expect? It’s one of the most common questions about Dementia and Alzheimer’s asked by our Clients and their families after a diagnosis. While everyone’s [...]

While many Seniors living with Dementia lead happy and fulfilling lives after their diagnosis, their treatment options can only slow the progression of the disease — not stop it. Over time, the mild symptoms that motivate someone to seek treatment will evolve. Their symptoms will eventually worsen until a person requires daily support from family Caregivers, nursing staff at long-term care homes, or home health care professionals, like the team at Integracare. Knowing your experience with Dementia will change with time can be challenging for everyone involved — whether you live with Dementia or take care of a family member with the disease. However, coping strategies can help you manage symptoms as they progress. As the best and most qualified provider of at home Dementia Care in Mississauga and Toronto, we know which coping strategies work. That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on Dementia, explaining such things as why [...]

Dementia is a cluster of chronic, progressive diseases that damage the brain, so a Dementia diagnosis can eventually come with sweeping changes to a person’s cognitive abilities. This damage is responsible for all the hallmark symptoms of the disease that lead many people to require home care assistance: staggering memory loss, mobility impairments, and communication issues. But Dementia can also produce significant changes in a person’s personality and behaviour. You might notice your loved ones not acting like themselves as the disease progresses. They might do or say things they would have never done before living with Dementia. While it can be extremely upsetting to see a parent or partner behaving out of character, it’s a normal and an expected speedbump. Understanding how and why Dementia affects a person’s personality and behaviour may help you cope with these changes. Changes in the Brain: Why Dementia Alters Personality and Behaviour While [...]

To some, wandering might sound like something pleasant you do while on vacation as you aimlessly roam up and down an unfamiliar city street. But to those people living with Dementia and their family members, wandering is a much more dangerous activity. Wandering for those living with Dementia is a response to stress, anxiety, and confusion. People living with Dementia may wander when they get lost or can’t recognize familiar surroundings. They can wind up taking the wrong turn while coming home one day, or they can walk out the door wanting to “go home” even when they’re already there. Here at the Integracare home care agency, we understand how stressful wandering can be. That’s why we’re sharing our guide on wandering detection and prevention below. Learn why people wander, who’s at greater risk, and how to reduce the risk of your loved one dangerously wandering. Why Do People Wander? [...]

Most of us know the food we eat can impact our overall well-being, but did you know your choices at dinner time play a role in your brain’s health, too? What you eat may affect the chances you develop Dementia as you grow older. Normally, most people think about food as a way to fuel the body, boost immunity, and build stronger bones and muscles. But a growing body of evidence shows that our diets have a profound impact on the most important muscle of them all: the brain. A healthy diet supports normal brain function by supplying it with essential nutrients that keep it in perfect working order. That’s a reality for everyone, whether you’re receiving our Dementia Care services or live without any need for at-home health care at all. Good food supports better brain health. But how can food help Seniors in the fight against developing Dementia? [...]

Accidents can happen at any age, but the number of candles on your birthday cake increase your risk of having one. Your age is also a significant predictor of how severely you’ll injure yourself in case you experience a fall or motor vehicle accident. Every day, the Integracare team helps Seniors recover from these health emergencies in the comfort of their own homes, so they can get better in a familiar setting. With nursing staff, Massage and Physiotherapists, and Personal Support Workers (PSWs), we can provide for all the physical and medical needs our Clients in a way that preserves independence and quality of life. Seniors — just like any adult or child — can hurt themselves in a surprising number of ways, but here are the most common injuries treated by our teams: Ankle sprains Broken or Sprained Wrists Burns Herniated Discs Hip Fractures Repetitive Strain Injuries Traumatic Brain [...]

After a long winter here in Ontario, we can’t be the only ones looking forward to some sunshine and warm weather. If you’re ready to get out there this summer, you’re in the right place. As the top provider of home care in Toronto and Mississauga, Integracare helps Seniors in the GTA age in place joyfully. That’s why we’ve collected 12 summer activities for Seniors that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Keep scrolling to find inspiration for the season. And remember, whatever you do, pack some sunscreen! 1. Take a Walk Outside The summer is the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and get outside. One of our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) or Live-In Caregivers can join you on these strolls any time you would like some company or help getting around. Walking is a great physical activity for Seniors. It’s low impact, so it’s easy [...]

Where do you see yourself in the future? If you’re like most Canadians today, you picture living out your golden years at home. Some 91% of Canadians of all ages told the National Institute of Ageing (NIA) they want to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. For those Canadians who are currently 65 and over, this number jumps to nearly 100%. Switching gears from the national to provincial scene, Seniors in Ontario have similar opinions. In a survey conducted on behalf of Home Care Ontario, 91% of Ontario Seniors revealed they want to stay in their home or apartment for as long as possible. In other words, virtually all Canadians expect to age in place instead of living in a retirement community or nursing home. The question then becomes, how many Canadians will achieve this goal? Here at Integracare, we believe  in-home health care services [...]

Staying active throughout COVID-19 has been hard for everyone, even now as we enter a new stage of the pandemic. As the government lifts many public health restrictions here in Ontario, it’s now up to individuals to evaluate their risks and act accordingly. Older adults face higher risks of contracting COVID than those below the age of 50, so it may be a while before you feel comfortable returning to life as you knew it in 2019. Until then, you’ll likely continue restricting your social activities to protect yourself. Here at Integracare, a top provider of Toronto and Mississauga home care, we support our Clients using their good judgement to protect their health during the ongoing pandemic. Our dedicated team of Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) will continue to provide safe home care services in Toronto and Mississauga that reflect Seniors’ unique risks [...]