
The Difference is in the Details
Registration now open for the 2019 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Nov 01, 2018
2018 Investors Group Alzheimer Walk and Run Nov 01, 2018
Alzheimer Society of Calgary is first OMA facilitator Training Centre in Canada Oct 31, 2018
Dementia Re-imagined Jul 23, 2018
Building Dementia Awareness Conference Mar 09, 2018
Cannabis & dementia... what you need to know Dec 19, 2017
Alberta announces new dementia strategy Dec 11, 2017
Alzheimer Society of Calgary and Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Launch New Partnership Nov 10, 2017
A conversation with The Honourable Donald Ethell, former Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta Sep 27, 2017
Dementia Connections Magazine Launches Jul 10, 2017
OMA Art Therapy Expansion Jun 29, 2017
#Canada150 - Olympic Medalist and Order of Canada Member Elizabeth Manley Visits Club 36 Jun 15, 2017
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Club 36 May 31, 2017
Dementia Network Calgary Community Gathering Feb 21, 2017
Getting a Good Night's Sleep Jan 19, 2017
3 reasons to get a timely diagnosis Dec 20, 2016
Walk Calgary! Improving brain health on step at a time - by Lori Beattie Dec 09, 2016
Hosting the Holidays When Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s Disease Nov 29, 2016
Today we're giving you our gratitude. And shedding some light on what happens when you give. Nov 14, 2016
Check out Think it? Ink it! Nov 14, 2016
What if Bill & Joan had no one to turn to? Nov 01, 2016
The Difference is in the Details Oct 06, 2016
Safety Plan Checklist for Caregivers Jul 28, 2016
Meaningful Activities for Loved Ones with Dementia Jul 27, 2016
Get the 8-1-1 on the new dementia help line May 06, 2016
Improvised theatre at Club May 06, 2016
In the beginning, Helen felt like it was the end of her family May 06, 2016
Make a difference with your old iPod Jan 21, 2016
10 steps towards a healthier brain Dec 08, 2015
Live Artwork created by YOU Oct 05, 2015
Dr. Eric Smith's overview on dementia Sep 29, 2015
Think It? Ink It! Sep 21, 2015
Meet Judy Apr 23, 2015
Your gift can help families like this one Apr 20, 2015
Emergency checklist for caregivers in case of wandering Apr 06, 2015
Join the conversation about family caregivers on April 7th. Mar 04, 2015
Generous donation creates change for Calgary families Dec 18, 2014
Flames Foundation Donates in Honour of Peter Maher’s Retirement Dec 01, 2014
Dr. Hogan, Local Expert, Shares His Knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease Nov 28, 2014
Report to the Community Demonstrates Impact in Calgary Nov 14, 2014
Will you help people like Donna? Nov 10, 2014
Holiday tips Sep 19, 2014
5 Easy Ways to Help Sep 16, 2014
Hotchkiss Brain Institute Symposium Aug 22, 2014
What inspires you to walk or run for Alzheimer’s disease? Aug 01, 2014
Spread the word about the Thanksgiving Memory Walk & Run to win Jun 13, 2014
Save the date: 2014 Walk & Run Jun 10, 2014
Blood tests predicting Alzheimer's disease? Mar 03, 2014
See what your support has created Jan 22, 2014
Dementia - Brief Overview & Latest Research Sep 19, 2013
Report to the community Sep 02, 2013
A partnership for local dementia research Feb 10, 2013
10 Valentine’s Day activities for caregivers Dec 11, 2012
Healthy brain, healthy holiday
I hope others will understand it's OK to hurt. I am so grateful to you all for the support you have given our family through the years.
The Difference is in the Details
Sponsored article by Qualicare Family Homecare
The following stories show how, by simply taking the time to understand the personal interests and preferences of a person with dementia, we can greatly improve their care and quality of life.
Too Tall
When we think about the many moving parts involved in introducing a caregiver to a client with dementia, it’s often the small details that make a big difference. One story in particular stands out: As care began for our client, some days were great and some were not. On a good day, our client would go for leisurely walks with our caregiver and her dog, enjoying the fresh air as they explored their way through the park. Other days, our client would become upset if our caregiver tried to walk beside her. As it turned out, any caregiver above the height of 5”4 was a trigger to our little lady. They say “knowing is half the battle.” Well for us, knowing this small but significant factor meant everything in achieving a successful connection between client and caregiver.
The Cat is the Key
Sometimes hoping a “difficult” person or situation will change isn’t enough. When we were first introduced to our client, we heard stories of struggle, and the family was always to blame. The “behaviors” of our client had resulted in many companies withdrawing care, and as you can image, one can become labeled as the “difficult client”. Considering the fact that the client had a mental health history along with symptoms of dementia, we stepped back to analyze what might be the missing piece to successfully engage our caregivers with her. As we spent time with her, we realized that she loved her cat. When nurses or caregivers spoke first to the cat, this seemed to diffuse the tension that our client had towards the staff. Including the cat in the interactions somehow set up a space of security and “calm” for our client. The rest is history. We have been able to care for the medical as well as cognitive needs of this amazing lady, while holding onto a very valuable lesson: seeking a solution often is about us choosing to change as oppose to hoping the situation will improve.
The Simplicity of Flowers
There once was a lovely lady with an amazing green thumb. She worked hard for the home she resided in. She took great pride in creating a masterpiece of color in her garden. As her Alzheimer’s disease began to progress, it seemed inevitable that a transition into a facility was the next step…. until we joined the story. Knowing your options is one of the greatest gifts you can have during times of crisis and grief. Her family wanted so badly to give their mom the gift of living in the home she loved. The reassurance of consistent and qualified care only served as the foundation of what was to come. The lady with the green thumb planted flowers every day into the spring and summer. The caregiver removed the flowers every evening so that every morning, a sparkle of delight came to our lady who was eager to start her “day of planting”. These small gifts become significant in the lives of our clients when they are able to live out their passions.
For information on how Qualicare Family Homecare can help your loved ones remain in their home, please visit www.homecarecalgary.com or call 403.202.5265.
Qualicare is dedicated to providing simple homecare services that give loved ones and their family the tools they need to navigate the healthcare system. Call today!