NOVEMBER 2024 

Keep the Faith: Linda's Caregiving Story

I feel blessed that Dennis is recovering, even as he faces new challenges ahead. Staying positive is key, and I believe that every situation can lead to a meaningful outcome. Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.

My partner of over 20 years suffered a cardiac arrest three and a half years ago, plunging our lives into chaos as I navigated through various challenges and barriers in the healthcare system. In the ICU, doctors gave my partner, Dennis, a grim prognosis: he was in a coma on life support, with failing kidneys, severe brain damage, and complications with his heart and lungs.

After a month, I had to make a difficult decision, take him off life support and place him on a trach and g-tube or end his life. I faced an enormous responsibility in making this decision. Ultimately, I chose to continue his life. A few weeks later, he was transferred to a complex care center, where I could take him outside and enjoy the garden. His condition gradually improved; he began tracking me with his eyes and responding to my voice.

I began doing research about brain plasticity and was hopeful for his full recovery. I visited Dennis daily at the care center, stimulating him with exercises, music, and hockey games. In turn, he achieved milestones, like turning his head and regaining the ability to sweat and snore. However, by the three-month mark, his condition worsened, and his coccyx wound started deteriorating. Since then, I took charge of his care and collaborated with a new wound specialist to ensure Dennis was repositioned regularly. My advocacy and involvement as a caregiver improved his condition over time.

Three years later, Dennis continues to recover. While I feel exhausted, I’m grateful for the allies I've made along the way. In this challenging situation, I've learned to prioritize my own well-being, establish boundaries, and focus on what truly matters: being there for my partner, our dog, and my family. I’ve also discovered some coping strategies that helped me navigate this journey:

1. Cooking wholesome meals from scratch.
2. Spending mindful time in nature with our dog.
3. Listening to music for both energy and relaxation.
4. Volunteering in the community.
5. Making time for family gatherings but set boundaries with negative people.
6. Reminding myself that a good night’s sleep can change my perspective.

Every caregiver’s journey is unique, learn about OCO’s free programs and services that can help support your own health and well-being at ontariocaregiver.ca.

Helping Seniors Stay Safe and Independent

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related deaths, making prevention and care essential for caregivers. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 20 to 30% of seniors experience a fall every year and it remains the leading cause of injury and hospital visits among seniors.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has created a short tipsheet on how you can prevent falls at home. Home safety and the care recipient’s health are two things to consider:

• Declutter - keep walkways clear and tidy.
• Improve lighting around the house - make sure every room is well-lit. Adding night lights in key areas like hallways and bathrooms can really help.
• Secure rugs - consider using non-slip mats or simply remove loose rugs to avoid tripping.
• Install handrails - adding handrails in stairways and grab bars in bathrooms can provide extra support.
• Encourage physical activities like walking or stretching which can improve strength and balance. Mmake sure to check with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.
• Schedule regular eye exams and getting proper eyewear can help the person you’re caring for navigate their surroundings safely.
• Talk to healthcare providers about the medications the person is taking. Adjustments may be needed to minimize side effects that could lead to falls.
• If it’s appropriate, think about using mobility aids like canes or walkers. They can provide that extra bit of stability.

In recognition of November’s Fall Prevention Month, we acknowledge that preventing falls and supporting those at risk can be a challenging endeavour. By making simple changes to your care recipient’s surroundings, you can help reduce the risk.

Learn more about fall prevention with the Safe Living Guide – A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors from the Government of Canada.

Is Caregiving Human Nature?

Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said the first evidence of civilization was a fractured femur found in an archaeological site. The broken femur had healed, which signaled to her that someone had cared for this person throughout their recovery. In the wilderness, a broken leg could be fatal, but because this person had received care from someone in their community, they recovered, and their bone healed completely. What does this tell us about caregiving?

Although the source of this popular meme remains unproven, we know caregiving is essential to building healthy communities, and according to caregiver and author Donna Thompson, it “deepens our humanity.” Some believe that caring for others is what made the human species unique.

If we think of acts of kindness as gestures or deeds that alleviate the suffering of others; as acts of assistance, compassion or service to those in our family, community or surroundings, then we might imagine that caregiving is a type of kindness that weaves the fabric of humanity throughout our families and communities.

Every year, OCO highlights World Kindness Day on November 13th. On this day we reflect on the unifying human principles of empathy, compassion and kindness which are at the heart of caregiving. What caregivers have in common is that they often sacrifice their own time, energy, and sometimes even their own finances and well-being to care for others. This day not only celebrates caregivers but also encourages everyone to practice kindness in their daily lives. Let’s take a moment today to recognize their invaluable contributions and consider spreading kindness to caregivers every day of the year.

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