Ideal Caregivers 4u

EMAIL ADDRESS

info@idealcaregivers4u.com

PHONE NUMBER

613-769-1669

OWN A FRANCHISE

Month: April 2020

Mother’s Day Bouquet

Activities for Men, Activities for Seniors / By

On May 9th, we celebrate Mother’s Day! What better way to honour the mother’s in our lives than by making a bouquet of flowers with them or for them.

Participating in crafts and activities is a great way for seniors to reminisce, socialize, and maintain fine motor functioning in their hands. Some activities may be too challenging or require more focus, eye-hand coordination, or detail work, so offering a variety of activities at different levels of difficulty can allow everyone to participate.

Paper Flower Bouquet 


**This activity can also be to create a wrist corsage or a bouquet you can place in a vase or jar!

Materials

  • Green craft paper

  • Variety of colourful craft paper, like red, yellow, pink. purple or their choice

  • Craft glue

  • Scissors

  • Pencil for drawing flower outline

Instructions

  1. Using a sheet of green craft paper, cut strips about 1-inch thick along the longest edge of the paper.

  2. Using your base colour of choice for your flower, draw a number of simple flower shapes and cut them out. **You may wish to have these pre-made for ease of assembly and to avoid any injury with scissors.

  3. Using a secondary colour for the inside of the flower, draw quarter-sized circles and cut.

  4. Using craft glue, dab some glue on the circle and press it in the middle of the flower shape. Let dry and repeat for as many flowers as you made.

  5. Place the green stem flat on the table and dab glue in the middle. Press the flower down and let dry to make sure the flower stays in place.

  6. Once dry, attach the ends of the green stem of one flower together. You may use glue or tape to hold the ends together. This will create a circular shape that can be used now to wear as a wrist corsage/bracelet.

  7. If making a bouquet to hold in a jar or vase, gently “fold” the stem near the middle (make sure not to bend the flower!) and place it inside the jar. Add more flowers and stems to create a bouquet and set it on a table to brighten up your space.

Lentil Soup

Recipes / By

One of the best things about Springtime is that with a slight chill in the air, we can still enjoy some hearty delicious soups! One of our favorites, that’s great for people of all ages, is lentil soup! This delicious heart warming soup is also nutritious and easy to make! Packed with protein and veggies, this vegan/vegetarian option is sure to please!

Lentil Soup



Ingredients

· 2 cups red lentils

· 1/4 cup white rice

· 1 small onion, diced

· 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

· 2 Tbsp olive oil

· 1/2 tsp cumin

· Salt & Pepper, to taste

· 1 Tbsp dry or fresh parsley chopped fine

· 1 – 2 lemons, juiced

Method

1. Clean lentils by checking thoroughly for any stones, dry skin, and dirt. Wash in cold water, and set aside.

2. Rinse and submerge rice in warm water, and set aside in a small basin with hot water (this helps the rice cook faster).

3. Chop the onion and carrot in small pieces

4. Heat a large pot on high and fry the onions and carrots in olive oil, until light in colour. Rinse and drain Lentils and add them in the pot and sauté for a minute, util lentils appear to be coated with the remaining olive oil

5. Pour water half way in the pot, enough to cover the lentil mixture, and let cook on high until boiling. Stir and check that it won’t overflow or stick to the bottom. Then lower heat to medium adding water when necessary. * Soup is not to be too thick*

6. Once Lentils are soft and melted, drain the rice and add to the soup; still adding water when necessary.

7. Add Parsley, Cumin, half the lemon juice, Salt and Pepper.

8. Once the rice is soft, the soup is ready for serving.

9. Enjoy this soup as a main dish/or side dish. Sprinkle remaining lemon juice on each serving.

3 Signs that your parent may need home care support

Health & Wellness / By
 


As we get older, we become more acutely aware of the growing needs of our ageing parents. It is never an easy discussion to have when you begin to notice certain behaviours or ailments, that it may be time to consider additional help.

Before that discussion occurs, consider the following signs that home care or companionship services may be needed.

Changes in Behaviour and Cognition

This can be from becoming socially withdrawn, sudden mood swings to extreme agitation or aggressiveness that seems “out of character” for your parent. Forgetfulness, confusion, or uncertainty can also be cause for concern. It’s natural, as we age, to become forgetful at times, but combined with confusion, frustration or when it leads to safety hazards (i.e. forgetting the stove on, etc.), it’s time to act. They may also have feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, fear, and lack the energy and focus they once had. These may be signs of other underlying conditions and seeking professional medical advice is recommended.

Physical Changes

You may begin to notice that your parent is wearing the same clothes each day, laundry is not being done, or clothes are tattered or worn. Perhaps their physical appearance, such as unshaven, unkempt hair, or even unexplained bruises or scars, have become more noticeable. Recent accidents or injuries always have an impact on the individual and those who care for them. Risks of injury or a worsening health condition will often provide a reason for immediate or prolonged care. This care may be medical assistance or someone to assist with daily functional activities, such as personal hygiene, dressing, or meal assistance. Mobility concerns are another sign that additional supports are needed. This may be assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers. These devices ensure a level of stability and reduce the risk of injury when used correctly.

Changes in Living Conditions

Upon visiting, you may begin to notice that their home has changed in some way. These may be small, minor changes to more extreme changes that can cause serious health conditions. From expired foods, cluttered rooms and hallways to unsanitary conditions in bathrooms and kitchens or in personal hygiene and dental care, you may begin to notice a change in your parent’s living conditions. These changes can greatly affect the mental, emotional and physical well-being of your parent and are signs that help is needed.

If you see significant changes in the health or general well-being of your parent, contact their family doctor or connect with home care service provides like Ideal Caregivers 4u to find out how to help.

From companionship, meal assistance, and respite care, to Personal Support Work with personal health needs, Ideal Caregivers 4u are here to assist your ageing parent to live with dignity, respect, and care. Call us today at (613) 769-1669, email us at info@idealcaregivers4u.com or visit our website for more information.

DIY Bird Feeder

Activities for Men, Activities for Seniors / By

As the spring season continues, you may notice more and more wildlife scurrying about like squirrels, chipmunks, and of course birds! By now, birds may have begun their nest building antics in the tree in your front yard, the top of a porch light, or even in a planter you forgot by the side of the shed. While they take care of building a home for their children, why not provide a few snacks to keep their energy up!?! 



What you need:

· Toilet paper/Paper towel roll (bare/empty)

· Peanut butter

· Bird seed

· String or Ribbon

· plastic knife or spoon (for spreading the peanut butter)

What to do:

1. Purchase a bag of bird seed, if none at home. This can be form your local dollar store, pet store, garden centre, or grocery store (in the pet aisle). **I usually choose the wild bird mix.

2. Set up your workspace with the items you need.

3. Lay down newspaper (or paper towels/cloth) to make clean up easier.

4. Depending on what size a bird feeder you want, you may use the full length of the paper towel roll or cut them to the size you want, but remember it must be large enough for a bird to grasp and feed from.

5. Begin by using the plastic utensil, or even your fingers to spread a thin layer of peanut butter all around the outside of the paper roll and set aside.

6. Sprinkle the bird seed onto the newspaper

7. Roll your peanut butter covered paper roll onto the birdseed, ensuring that the roll is covered with seed.

8. To hang your new bird feeder, use the string or ribbon and thread it through the paper roll ends and tie a knot at the top, ensuring that you leave enough length for it to hang down from the tree or post for birds to reach.

You have now made your very own bird feeder! Hang it up on a tree outside your window and watch as the birds, and at times squirrels, begin to flock for a meal!

Blueberry Pie

Recipes / By

Did you know today is National Blueberry Pie Day!? Wow! Who knew these delicious, antioxidant-rich berries had their own day!

Well, we found a delicious pie recipe here online and thought we would share it with you to help celebrate the occasion. 

Blueberry Pie

INGREDIENTS


Pie Crust

2 – 9 inch pie crusts (packaged and refrigerated; store-bought)

Filling

6 cups fresh or frozen* blueberries

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces

1 large egg lightly beaten for egg wash

optional: coarse sugar for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare the pie crust according to the directions on the package, if any.

  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

  3. Stir the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice together in a large bowl. Let filling sit for 10 minutes.

  4. Spoon the filling into the crust. Sprinkle the pieces of butter on top of the filling.

  5. Gently place the second pie crust shell on top of the mixture, upside-down, and pinch the edges together with the bottom shell, to seal the pie.

  6. Make an egg wash, and brush over the crust. Sprinkle with a little coarse sugar.

  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking the pie at 20 minutes to make sure the crust isn’t browning too quickly. If it is, turn the temperature down to 350° and place a piece of foil over the top of the pie and continue baking.

* If using frozen blueberries, the pie will take several more minutes in the oven due to the increased liquid.

Allow pie to cool before slicing and serving. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

Apr. 27: This Day in History

This day in History / By

When spending time with seniors, we find they enjoy reminiscing about events, people, and memories of the past. Each week we provide you with historical topics to help start the conversation!


For more historical events, or to find out how we can help your senior loved one, visit our website today and subscribe to our blog!

DIY Carousel Horse

Activities for Men, Activities for Seniors / By


Thinking back to our childhood experiences of Carnivals or Amusement Parks, we often think about cotton candy, prize-filled games, thrilling rides, and of course, the Merry-Go-Round style horse carousel!

In today’s activity, we wanted to bring back the wonder and amusement of the carousel ride.

DIY Carousel Horse

Materials

  • 1 Small white paper cup

  • 1 Colourful straw

  • 1 Horse template page

  • Markers, crayons, or paint

  • Scissors

  • **Optional embellishments, such as stickers, pom-poms, or glitter!

Directions

  1. To make one carousel horse, colour or decorate the horse template provided below, then cut (or have someone help) the horse image out and set it aside.

  2. Using markers, paint, or stickers, decorate the white cup and set it aside to let dry.

  3. Once complete, flip over the cup so that it is upside-down. Carefully insert one end of the straw into the flat “bottom” of the cup. You may need to use scissors or have someone help you to avoid injury.

  4. Finally, glue the horse by dabbing some glue to the center back of the image and adhere to approx. the middle of the straw.

  5. Now you have a carousel horse that can stand using the cup as a base! Make more to create your own carousel by stringing them together or placing them on a display table.

Horse Template

Assembly 

 
 For more activities, you can do with your senior loved ones or to learn more about our services, visit our website today!

Fun Facts: Trees

Fun Facts / By

This week we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Many around the world seek ways to help the environment by doing community clean-ups, increasing their three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle actions, and others plant trees! Here are some fun facts about why trees, specifically, are so important to not only the Earth’s health, but ours as well!

Effective Communication

Health & Wellness / By

Communication is an essential part of everyday life. Whether it’s communicating through verbal speech, body language, or using assistive technology, effective communication goes beyond just speaking and listening – it’s understanding and interpreting.



According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, Dementia affects how people express themselves and understand what is being communicated to them. For the person with dementia, maintaining relationships can be a complex process, especially when verbal communication is affected.

People with Dementia may have difficulty finding the right words, repeating words or phrases, or talking less than usual. This can be quite challenging to their loved ones and caregivers.

Tips for Communicating Effectively

Focus on a person’s abilities and skills. If your loved one’s speech has become difficult to understand, use what you know about them and what you are feeling as a way to try to interpret what they might be saying. This requires understanding their likes, dislikes and past experiences. Consider alternate ways of expression through art, music or other activities to maintain and enhance communication.

Speak face to Face. Providing eye contact, standing in close proximity (less than 3ft away), and even speaking to their left side may all help to stimulate the social part of their brain.

Meet the person where they are and accept their new reality. If their sense of reality has changed, try to find creative ways around the situation rather than reacting negatively. Enter their reality, as it is their reality. Avoid contradicting them or trying to convince them that what they believe is untrue or inaccurate.

Gain their attention. Speak using few common words they recognize. Wait for a response patiently, as their processing may be delayed, leaving them unable to answer right away.

Orienting communication. By simply using phrases such as “Good morning, John.” or “It’s time for breakfast”, can aide in their understanding of time and place. These familiar words and phrases can ease their discomfort and confusion and reduce anxiety.

Reassure and be positive. Use familiar things to create a sense of comfort and reassurance and encourage them to communicate in ways that work for them. Laughter and humour are positive ways to help you get through difficult times.

Communication can often be challenging, both for the person with Dementia and those who care for them. Be patient, reassuring, and encouraging. Consider finding creative ways to communicate that speaks to both their personal interests, safety, and history.