Caregiver Resources.
Early Stages.
Mild Symptoms
Loved One Still Living At Home
Symptoms may not be widely apparent at this stage, but family and close friends may take notice and a doctor would be able to identify symptoms using certain diagnostic tools. (Courtesy of https://www.alz.org/)
+ What is the LHIN?
Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) home and community care services are available to eligible Ontario residents of any age and are fully funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. CLICK HERE for more details.
+ What is the VON?
The Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada (VON) are nurses, personal support workers, therapists and other health care providers who care for Canadians in their homes, communities and workplaces. CLICK HERE for more details.
+ Do you need a family doctor?
Health Care Connect is a program designed to help people who don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. We’ll match your information with doctors or nurse practitioners accepting new patients in your area. To register, call 1-800-445-1822 or CLICK HERE for online information.
Middle Stage.
Moderate Symptoms
Loved One Requires a Greater Level Of Care
During the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, the dementia symptoms are more pronounced. the person may confuse words, get frustrated or angry, and act in unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can also make it difficult for the person to express thoughts and perform routine tasks without assistance. (Courtesy of https://www.alz.org/)
+ What is an Adult Day Program?
Adult day programs (ADP) provide part-day supervised activities in a group setting for dependent adults, such as the frail elderly, people with Alzheimers disease, or people with disabilities. Services may include leisure activities, meals, and personal care. For a list of available Day Programs in the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant area, CLICK HERE.
+ What is an Behavioural Supports Ontario?
The Behavioural Supports Ontario Initiative’s target population includes older adults presenting with or at risk for responsive behaviours that may be associated with dementia, complex mental health, substance use and/or other neurological conditions and their care partners. CLICK HERE for more information.
Late Stage.
Severe Symptoms
Loved One Requires Around-The-Clock Assistance with Daily Personal Care
In the final stage of the disease, dementia symptoms are severe. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, significant personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive care. (Courtesy of https://www.alz.org/)
+ What is Long Term Care?
A long-term care home is a place for you to live comfortably, safely and with dignity when it becomes too difficult to live at home independently. This information will help you understand long-term care better and help you decide if long-term care is right for you. Your Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) are the placement coordinators for admissions to long-term care homes. (Information Courtesy of LHIN.)
+ When to apply for Long Term Care?
Changes and transitions are part of every stage and age of life. There may come a time when you wish to consider a long-term care home for the next stage in your life. Specifically, you may begin to explore longterm care as an option when: you need on-site nursing care 24 hours a day, you need help with day-to-day tasks such as feeding and you need on-site monitoring for your safety and well-being. (Information Courtesy of LHIN)
+ How to apply for Long Term Care?
Whether you are interested in long-term care for yourself, a family member or friend, the caring and knowledgeable professionals at your LHIN will support you throughout your decision-making process. (Information Courtesy of LHIN) CLICK HERE to contact the LHIN.)
+ How much does Long Term Care cost?
Once you are admitted to a long-term care home, you are required to contribute to the cost of your stay. The standard fee for all long-term care homes is set by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and you can find out about accommodation costs for all long-term care homes by visiting Ontario.ca/LongTermCare. You may qualify for financial assistance. No one will be refused access to a long-term care home if they need it. You can speak with your LHIN care coordinator for more information on costs or visit LHINs.on.ca. (Information Courtesy of LHIN)
+ Long Term Care Wait List and Wait Times
Before moving into one of the long-term care homes you have selected, you will likely need to wait until an appropriate bed for your care needs becomes available. Waiting time can range from days, months or even longer depending on the type of accommodation you are waiting for and your care needs. Waiting can be stressful for you and your caregivers. During this time, your LHIN care coordinator will continue to work with you to ensure your needs are being met until a long-term care bed becomes available. If you have been on the waiting list for a while, the LHIN may need to reassess you to see if there have been any changes in your condition or circumstances. When you are waiting in hospital, you or your caregiver may be asked to consider long-term care homes with shorter wait times so that you can receive the care you need sooner. This may also be the case if you are living at home or in the community but need support urgently. If you move into a long-term care home with a shorter wait list, you can remain on the wait list for a home of your choice and move to your preferred home when a bed becomes available. (Information Courtesy of LHIN) CLICK HERE for a list of wait times - please see your LHIN Care Coordinator for up-to-date list.
Additional Resources.
From transportation to snow removal, the following resources are extremely helpful for caregivers.
+ Darts Transportation
DARTS is a door-to-door transportation service in Hamilton, ON employing wheelchair accessible buses, vans, MVs and contracted taxi services when appropriate. DARTS works under contract to Accessible Transportation Services (ATS), a department of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). ATS is responsible for the overall delivery of specialized transit services to the citizens of Hamilton and registration for DARTS must be made through ATS.
Disclaimer.
Please note that the content provided on this website/blog/podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content provided is for informational purposes only. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this website/podcast.
The views and opinions expressed in the Dementia Bytes podcast, blog and/or website are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors through our contact page.
Privacy is of utmost importance to us. When applicable, all people, places, and scenarios mentioned in the podcast have been changed to protect patient/caregiver confidentiality.