Who doesn’t like the summer holidays? This season is a time of the year beloved by everyone, young and old, and of course including seniors.  After all, there’s no better reward after months of being shut inside in cold weather than the warm sun on your skin, and no excitement like the endless adventures you can have in this season.  But still, for seniors, summer can be a bit tricky: planning a trip, looking out for delicious food or things to do that are both interesting and relaxing… There’s just too many things that come into play when preparing for your holidays.  But fear not! This post is for all the senior vacation goers who’d like to spend their summer vacation in the most exciting and interesting ways. Pick up your favorite drink, and let’s look at a few fun things you can do as a senior during this exciting season! Planning Your Travel In order to have a great time during the holidays, one of your first priorities should be making sure you successfully plan the way you travel and the activities you want to engage in. That way, you’ll be able to minimize any stress and maximize your enjoyment. The very first step is to select a place where you really want to go. At the end of the day, there is no school or work schedule that you have to work around, which is a luxury that only you will have. So, we want to make the most out of it!  This means that this is your chance to pick up a place that was always on your bucket list. Here are some ideas for those of you in Canada: Of course, you can always explore further away destinations, but Canada truly has a million things you could spend your time doing this summer. Stay Safe & Healthy During Your Trip When planning your senior summer vacation, you should always focus on your health and safety to have a wonderful time. This is critical, especially in areas with a lot of sun or that are not close to big cities. Luckily, you can prepare for many health concerns by researching the area before you go, talking to your doctor about any necessary vaccinations or medications, and packing a first aid kit just in case. Here are some tips that might help you stay safe during your summer vacations: Staying Connected With Your Family Another great idea when planning your senior summer vacation is to use social media and messaging apps to follow up with your loved ones and tell them about all the things that you are doing while you are away.  So, how do you actually do this? There are a couple ways you can stay connected even while not at home. Step one would be simply writing on Facebook or simply posting photos on Instagram, which ensures that your family and friends remain with you in spirit as you document your adventure.  If you want to take this a bit further, you can always video call your loved ones to have conversations where they get to enjoy the sights and sounds of your trip instantly over apps like Skype or Zoom. And WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram are best for quick updates and sending pictures. And of course, if you’re a bit more old-fashioned, you can simply call them every once in a while to let them know you’re okay. While not everyone will choose to tap in, it is a nice idea that will help make your vacation even more enjoyable and will bring peace of mind to your family back home. Stay connected, and have a great summer vacation! Read also. 7 Rules To Keep You Healthy In Your Home Packing Essentials For Your Summer Vacation When going away, it’s important to pack smartly if you want your summer vacation to be successful! Pick lightweight, versatile clothes that can withstand some unpredictable summer temps. Of course, depending on where you’re going, you’ll probably want to have different types of outfits. Okay, let’s talk layers — a light jacket or sweater can save your life on a cooler evening or in case of a quick weather change.  And assuming you want to be active during your holidays, you will be walking around a lot to explore, so make sure your shoes do not bring you any discomfort. Ditch the fancy shoes at home and bring a good walking or hiking shoe or a good pair of sandals.  Where Should You Stay? Now that you have packed a bag of summer essentials, it is time to consider what is the best place to choose for your summer vacation. There are a few tricks & tips you might want to keep in mind here. Keep Your House in Order With Custodia And to secure peace of mind during your vacation, you’ll want to know that your home is safe while you’re traveling. Nothing can ruin a summer holiday more than coming back home and finding everything dirty, messy or even broken. That’s what we’re here for! Custodia can mind everything in your home while you are away. We are experts in senior-focused home management services, which is why we are the ideal option to help ensure your home stays in great shape while you’re enjoying your well – deserved holiday.  No more worrying about lawns left uncut, windows left dirty and houses filled with dust after a few days on vacation. Our professional team will take care of everything – you only need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.  Travel, and leave your home maintenance worries to us. With Custodia, you can ensure that your house stays pristine, so you can truly take a break and recharge as you escape for the summer. Rest in the peace of knowing your home is being taken care of.

Maintaining sparkling clean windows is an essential part of home care that significantly enhances both the appearance and the atmosphere of your living space. However, the optimal time to tackle this task can depend on various seasonal factors. While window cleaning in Canada can be done throughout the year, each season presents unique benefits and challenges.  It’s best to explore the challenges and expert tips to ensure you remain safe and your windows remain clear and streak-free. The Season of Renewal that is Spring Spring is often considered the ideal time for window cleaning. As the chill of winter fades, and the days grow longer, the mild temperatures make for a comfortable cleaning experience. Benefits of Cleaning Windows in the Spring in  Canada: Contact Custodia to get Local Window Cleaning Service for Seniors in Canada. Challenges of Cleaning Windows in the Spring in Canada: Tips for Cleaning Windows in the Spring in Canada: The Bright and Clear Season That Is Summer Summer’s bright, sunny days offer excellent visibility for spotting dirt and smudges on windows. However, the season comes with its own set of challenges. Benefits of Cleaning Windows In The Summer in Canada: Challenges Of Cleaning Windows In The Summer in Canada: Tips For Cleaning Windows In The Summer in Canada: Preparing for the Cold In The Fall Fall is another excellent time for window cleaning, offering mild temperatures and the opportunity to prepare your home for the winter months. Benefits of Cleaning Windows In The Fall In Canada: Challenges of Cleaning Windows In The Fall In Canada: Tips For Cleaning Windows In The Fall In Canada: Best To Avoid And Stay Indoors In Winter While it might be tempting to maintain sparkling clean windows throughout the winter, this season presents unique challenges that often outweigh the benefits. For most people, it’s best to avoid cleaning windows in the winter and focus on other indoor maintenance tasks instead. Challenges of Cleaning Windows In The Winter in Canada: Tips for Cleaning Windows In The Winter In Canada: General Window Cleaning Tips Regardless of the season, these tips can help ensure your windows are cleaned effectively and efficiently: Conclusion: Is There A Best Season To Clean Windows In Canada? The Answer is Yes! While window cleaning can be done in any season, choosing the right time can make the task easier and more effective. Spring and fall are generally the best seasons due to their moderate temperatures and conducive conditions. Summer also works well if you can manage the heat, and it’s best to stay indoors and avoid safety hazards in the winter. By following these tips and choosing the optimal season for your area, you can ensure your windows remain a bright and beautiful feature of your home, no matter the season.

Scams are big business and they’re increasingly targeting seniors, putting them at great risk of losing their assets, their independence and confidence. The lasting trauma of being ripped off can destroy their sense of trust, hope and wellbeing. The shame is overwhelming. “Seniors lost $177 million in 2023 which was an increase from $136.4 million from 2022,”  says Jim Horncastle, spokesman for the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) tells Custodia.com. Overall, Canadians lost a staggering $557 million to scams in 2023. The CAFC identifies 30 different types of fraud, and the overall reported loss for the first three months of this year is $123 million. From love and financial scams to fake price and home repair fraud, research reports that seniors (60+) are 33% more likely to get conned by fraudsters compared to other age groups. In particular, the emergency grandparent scam is swindling seniors out of millions. Imagine being home alone and you get a call saying your grandson is in jail! The caller posing as a police officer demands $9,000 cash in bail money, and says not to tell anyone about it. Grandparent scams target older adults That very scenario sent Diane Lindsay of Ingersoll, Ont. into a complete panic; she immediately called her husband Ron who was curling at the time, to go and get the money. “She was told that our grandson was in an accident and drugs were found in the car. The caller knew our names, knew we had a grandson, and claimed to let her speak to him,” Ron, 83, tells Custodia.com.   Ron suspected a scam from the start and drove to his daughter’s house where he found his grandson safe and healthy. The fraudsters brazenly called back a few more times, irate and demanding the money; Ron reported the scam attempts to the police and Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The Lindsays are lucky – many seniors fall victim to this scam and others. Recently the OPP put out a warning for Canadians to be vigilant after a senior with dementia lost $600,000 through repeated grandparent scams. She couldn’t remember the situation from the day before. “Do not react to what they say. Tell them you will handle it by calling authorities and hang up,” says Ron. “They’re aggressive and very experienced and have the answers to all your questions.” Swindled out of $75,000 for roof repairs not needed Be leery of all high-pressure pressure tactics and unsolicited offers on the phone, online and shady solicitors coming to your door pitching home renovations. “Better you contact businesses when you need something done,” he adds. Never sign anything on the spot! Beware the friendly fraudster at your door that appears to be knowledgeable and can give you a one time-special price to fix your roof, fence or driveway. They put on the pressure to sign a contract or give a big deposit and do little, poor or no work at all. Toronto retirees Judy Poirier and Robin Rushton ended up getting scammed out of $75,000 by a man who offered to cap their chimney. That $800 fee grew to $62,000 when the workers claimed extensive roof damage requiring structural repairs. The reno quote steadily climbed to beyond $100,000. Apparently, the roof was falling down. They were terrified: “He used the words that there was damp wood, rotting wood, broken wood, mould. The roof was going to collapse. It was dangerous. Winter is coming,” Judy told cbc.ca. The truth is all the roof could have used were new shingles, at a cost of around $8,500. Landlines increase vulnerability to fraud The money paid in bank drafts is gone. “I’m an emotional wreck … I can’t tell you how terrible it is,” Judy told cbc.ca. “I don’t know how, if, we’ll ever be able to build our savings up again.” It’s easy to fall victim to people who impersonate government agencies, grandchildren or other pushy people who quickly elicit trust, including investment, romance and service scammers. And fraudsters are only getting smarter and more sophisticated and employing artificial intelligence and QR Code fraud to steal. According to Horncastle, vulnerabilities in digital platforms are being exploited with “criminals commonly using caller id spoofing, search engine optimization, fraudulent online and social media ads or compromised accounts.” Having a landline makes older homeowners an added prime target. Going on websites like Canada 411 offers loads of information like someone’s phone number, name and address. Scammers search obits and social media for names of grandchildren or relatives which they employ to manipulate seniors. Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics Horncastle reports that victims are being contacted through ads on social media, telemarketing calls or through door-to-door sales persons. Ads on social media will ask for your contact information, and then after sharing, you’ll receive a call to set up an appointment at your home. “Door-to-door sales people can use high pressure tactics and can be aggressive in nature. Consumers may find themselves in a situation where they purchase a product or sign up for a service they neither need nor want,” says Horncastle, and that may come with contractual obligations. “They may claim that the victim is eligible for a grant through a government program and pressure the victim into signing a contract or prepaying for the equipment or services.” Common home service scams include: Scammed home owners end up with work or equipment that is often not worth the price paid, and in some cases that warranties are invalid, he says. “The CAFC has also received reports where victims have signed a contract and a Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) has been placed on their home.” Scammers impersonate legitimate companies Scammers are predatory! “Whether you are getting a phone call, email or social media message always confirm the identity of the person by a different method of communication,” advises Horncastle. For example, look up the official phone number for the company, agency or person and make an outgoing phone call. Fraudsters will often use the name of legitimate companies in order…
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Listen to your mother. Flowers are thoughtful and so are chocolates but what she would really like for Mother’s Day is a gift-wrapped box of relaxation along with some quality family time, minus the planning, cooking and clean up. A day with no demands, distractions or having to organize a thing – or having to fight everyone’s phones for attention. Just take her along for the ride and make wonderful memories together. But first let her sleep in. Most of us won’t listen as mom swears she doesn’t need a thing but truly this special woman deserves the world – and to be celebrated on Mother’s Day and every day of the year. She’s your best friend, your biggest fan, and greatest supporter. Moms Are A Busy Bunch Moms go hard all year nurturing, nudging, listening, loving and cheering us on, While it’s the greatest job in the world, evidently it’s the toughest too with long hours and a never-ending to-do list. According to one study, moms work the equivalent of 2 ½ full time jobs! Basically, 98 hours a week! What other job requires a 14-hour working day, seven days a week? So it’s not surprise that topping their wish list, according to research, is restorative family time and throw in a few hours of blissful, uninterrupted selfcare to reset and recharge her batteries, aka reading, napping, some Netflix binging, a peaceful walk. Moms are a busy bunch and it’s not only moms with young kids that go hard – moms with children of all ages, including adult children, are busier than ever, working, volunteering, running households and helping with grandkids so parents can work. Check out Happy Father’s Day! Applause For Bonus Moms Too Let’s make noise for wonderful bonus moms too. A special mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, teacher, friend, neighbour – anyone who has had a hand (and heart) in bringing you up, and being part or your ongoing story. Mothering requires love, not DNA. So show her extra love for all she does on May 12. A phone call for sure. More calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. It’s also the third busiest flower-giving day and the top dining-out day for restaurants. Mom-osa, mom-tini or mom-garita anyone? Along with food, gift favourites include gift cards, jewelry and activities, including manicures and pedicures, reports retailcouncil.org. Half of Canadians will make a purchase at least a week before the big day, with 3% leaving it to the day of. A third of Canadians take their gift inspiration from family and friends, along with flyers and social media. Spoil Mom With Some R&R We want to inspire you on what to get mom – while she’ll graciously welcome more candles, the best gifts are the simple ones that promote R&R and together time. Send her to the spa and go with her for some serious unwinding and bonding. Treat her to a renewal day or overnight stay in an oasis of wellness complete with therapeutic treatments and healthy food at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON. Wrap up a gift card and boost her wellbeing with a massage, a soak in healing hydrotherapy pools and the comfiest beds ever. You’ll definitely be her favourite child! Make plans for high tea. Whether you create the brews and treats yourself and serve them on fancy china, or dress up and visit an official tea house, make memories sipping tea and eating fancy sandwiches. Or how about tee time with a golf lesson or a round of mini golf? Gift Help For Outdoor Chores Many hands make light work. Dig in the dirt together and plant a flower or veggie garden – feast on your labour of love later in the summer. Or take a load off her mind and achy back by doing her outdoor chores. Better yet, gift her a subscription to Custodia’s Home Management Plan that takes regular care of her grass, gutters and windows and more. Hire others for her to-dos so all you have to do is relax with mom. Make her a memory book packed with favourite photos, craft the perfect playlist, get theatre tickets, pack a picnic, buy a family photo shoot. How about a game night with snacks or getting crafty with some Lego? Build the rose bouquet together – no watering required! Most of all, give the present of your presence. That means putting down your phones and making mom the centre of attention, and not letting her lift a finger.

By Joanne Richard Earth Day is great. Earth Everyday is even better! April 22 is an opportunity to celebrate our planet and commit to making eco-friendly choices in our daily lives. Going green doesn’t have to be daunting or involve a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small changes can lead to a big impact and a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone. Curbing plastic pollution is this year’s theme – billions upon billions of plastic items are choking oceans, clogging landfills, littering landscapes and beaches, reports earthday.org, and gravely harming human health and vital ecosystems. Toxic microplastics are showing up everywhere. We’re inhaling and eating plastics and their chemicals. They’re in our air, soil, food and drinking water. A new study by Columbia University reports that one litre of bottled water (that’s two standard water bottles) contains nearly a quarter-million tiny plastic particles. Consume with a conscious We’re churning out more than a trillion pounds of plastics a year with 14 million tons ending up in our oceans – at that rate, it’s estimated that by 2050, oceans will contain more plastics than fish. Recycling isn’t working! Only 9% of total plastic is recycled, and the process pollutes the air. We need to end mass plastic production, reuse what we have and find eco-friendly alternatives. Do your part by cutting out single-use plastics. Reuse planet-friendly, refillable water bottles and fill with filtered tap water. Bring a travel mug for your daily coffee run. Use cloth bags for groceries. Refuse single-use plastics like cutlery, straws and cups when you can. The planet needs our help so lend a hand. Along with diminishing plastics consumption, there are so many ways to be kind to our planet. Some home changes may require getting someone else to lend you a hand and a home maintenance company can help with that. Together, we can make a difference. Tips For a More Energy-efficient Home on Earth Day Keep things running properly. When you replace outdated appliances, buy energy-efficient models. If a new appliance isn’t in your budget, then be sure to keep things well maintained. Check fridge door seals, empty ice accumulation and keep coils clean. Maintain your HVAC system and keep air ducts clean to keep bills down and everyone breathing easier. Seasonal maintenance also includes replacing furnace filters. Switch out to LED light bulbs. Save energy by turning your thermostat down in the winter when you’re sleeping or out, and same goes for using less AC when no one’s around. A programable thermostat helps with optimal efficiency. Getting professional help to tackle small projects like sealing leaks and adding insulation can save on energy and money. Window coverings are a boon to energy conservation. In total, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, and curtains can reduce heat loss by more than 40%. Reduce Your Foodprint Walk or cycle for short distances. Trade your gas-guzzling car for an EV or hybrid model. Having online meetings lessens the carbon footprint. About 24% of Canada’s harmful emissions come from transportation. Reduce your foodprint. Eat less meat and dairy – they contribute bigtime to global warming. Go vegetarian a few times a week. Switch out meat for plant-based proteins like lentils, tofu, chickpeas, and chia and hemp seeds. Also east more seasonal, locally-sourced food. Recycle food scraps. They’re flavourful and good for you, and the environment too. Foods that end up in landfills produce methane, a toxic greenhouse gas. You can easily upcycle food scraps like celery, carrot and radish tops, carrot peels, and asparagus, broccoli and herb trimmings into soups, fruit and veggie peels into chutneys, and pineapple cores, apple, lemon and orange peels into citrusy tea creations. Use stale bread for croutons. Don’t leave the faucet running when brushing your teeth – 42% of us do and it wastes 64 glasses of water each time you brush for two minutes. Fix leaky faucets and install water-reducing shower heads. Use cold water for washing and rinsing your laundry, and dry your clothes on an outdoor clothesline in the warmer months. Maintain Your Yard And Lawn Plant trees, make your gardens pollinator friendly, and maintain your yard and grass to promote ecological balance and healthier lives. Lawn grass helps clean the air, improves soil, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while giving back oxygen, reduces erosion, decreases noise pollution and regulates temperatures. Recycle clippings by mulching and leaving on the lawn to decompose. Declutter responsibly when you spring clean. If you’re getting rid of clothing, old decorations or furniture, don’t add to the landfills. Instead host a garage sale, sell them online or donate them to a non-profit thrift store. Choose refillable, eco-friendly cleaning products for your home on earth day. Some top cleaning sprays get the job done but their harmful chemicals can negatively impact your health and the environment.

There is no magic pill for dementia but adopting good lifestyle habits will provide a wealth of health for your brain and body, says Dr. Anthony Levinson, leading dementia researcher in Canada. Exploring various ‘ways to keep your brain sharp’ through these habits is essential for maintaining cognitive health.” We’ve all had an occasional memory lapse – you can’t find your keys or where you parked your car at the mall. Blanked out on someone’s name or a street in your neighbourhood. Occasional forgetfulness can happen at any age so relax – it’s not a warning of mental deterioration, or the onset of Alzheimer’s. We are not all destined for dementia! “While age is one of the strongest risk factors for dementia, dementia is not a normal part of aging, and most people will not develop dementia as they age,” reports Dr. Anthony Levinson, leading dementia researcher and professor of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. Read more about: How To Prepare An Aging Brain To Re-enter The Workforce That’s great news and there are many manageable things you can do to keep your brain healthy and substantially reduce your risk of dementia – and remain independent for as long as possible. With almost 100 per cent of older Canadians surveyed planning to live independently in their own homes, it’s prudent to make healthy lifestyle choices that promote staying sharp, active and living safely. Adopt These Healthy Lifestyle Habits Today “Try to stay physically, mentally, and socially active; follow a healthy diet, don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption; prevent head injuries and hearing loss; and look after your blood vessel health by managing high blood pressure and diabetes,” advises Dr. Levinson, co-leader of the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, a trustworthy, evidence-based source of healthy aging information. It’s never too early or too late to get started: “The more healthy lifestyle behaviours you can do, the better; and what’s good for your brain is also good for your body!” Dr. Levinson recommends picking activities that you enjoy that are also good for your brain; if you choose things you enjoy doing, you’ll be more likely to stick with them. Think of your brain like a muscle of sorts – you want to challenge it, like you do with strength training your biceps or quads to maintain or grow muscle. “Conversely, social isolation and hearing loss may be associated with atrophy, or brain shrinkage. Hence the similarities to the ‘use it or lose it’ exercise/muscle training advice,” he adds. Now Hear This: Get Your Hearing Tested Don’t let your hearing loss go untreated. “There is a 90% increased chance of developing dementia if you have hearing loss compared to someone without hearing loss.” Adults with untreated hearing loss are at higher risk for social isolation and depression, less cognitive activity and head injuries through falls – other risk factors for dementia. Hearing aids can greatly help diminish cognitive decline, so too learning a new skill. Change helps build brain resiliency. Learn a language, a new game, a new hobby or learn to play an instrument. Sign up for cooking classes and feast on healthy plant-based recipes and elements of the Mediterranean diet. Take up an entirely new sport or fitness routine. Get Up And Move To Build Healthy Brain And Body What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Instead of sitting, nourish the brain with moderate movement throughout the day. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Ideally, aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly, along with strength-building and balance exercises, and seven to nine hours of sleep to stay sharp. Healthy habits can add years to life and life to years – and to your brain. Focus on healthspan versus lifespan. “Lifespan is the total number of years we live from birth until death. Healthspan is the number of years someone is healthy and without chronic or debilitating disease. “There is often a focus on longevity: living as long a life as possible or to a certain age – like 100. Whereas I think what many people are probably hoping for is living in good health, not just being alive,” says Dr. Levinson. Optimal aging requires getting smart about your cognitive, physical, psychological and social wellbeing. A positive lifestyle can make all the difference in how your brain operates today, tomorrow and years down the road. Bolster your brain health and live longer and better.

Nourishing your wellbeing is important. Our food choices have a huge impact on our bodies, and become even more important as we age. Eating well can enhance your quality of life, fuel vitality and longevity, and help you maintain your independence and connections. It boosts your immune system and can lower the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. “Spring is the perfect time to commit to making more informed food choices and developing great habits,” advises chef Jo Lusted, author of the cookbook Dish Do-Over – Family Favourites Reinvented. “Focus on including more nutrient-dense foods, being mindful of your body’s needs, and doing the best you can within your budget and time constraints.” Adapting and changing our diets can make a big difference in our health, how we feel and perform. “I find it’s often overlooked that a well-balanced diet is crucial for emotional well-being and cognitive ability as well,” says Chef Jo. “It’s essential as we age to make the best choices possible, and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure that our unique nutritional needs are being met. Read more about: Food For Good Mood Make meals easy and balanced Enjoy a variety of foods from each food group and get enough lean protein to maintain muscle mass. You want to limit too much sodium, sugar, saturated fats and complex carbs like white flour, refined sugar and white rice. Choose good carbs like beans, and bright-coloured fruits and veggies. Boost bone health with calcium-rich sources like diary products, along with tofu, fortified orange juice, broccoli, almonds and kale. Get important nutrients like potassium, vitamin D, dietary fibre and vitamin B12. Be sure to stay hydrated – drink water often. To make healthy eating an easier task for seniors, Chef Jo recommends simplifying meal preparation: That includes batch cooking, using pre-cut vegetables, frozen fruit and vegetables, pre-washed greens, and employing tools like food processors and an instant pot to make meal prep less labour intensive. Think about smart swaps. “Go for whole grains instead of refined white bread and rice, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and honey for white sugar.” Enjoy shared meals: Batch cook and swap with friends; invite friends or family over, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion! “Sharing meals makes mealtime more enjoyable and feeds social connections, and encourages more balanced eating habits and nutritional diversity.”  How to eat nutritiously on a budget With skyrocketing food prices, eating a well-balanced diet can take a big chunk out of fixed incomes. Chef Jo offers up these tips for those on a budget: A healthy Mac and Cheese makeover Here’s a taste from Chef Jo’s Dish Do-Over – Family Favourites Reinvented with ingredients that are affordable and widely available in most grocery stores. “The recipes are designed to be easy, lower in sugar/sodium and fat, with reasonable portion sizes, which would fit very well into a senior’s meal plan.” Macaroni N’ Cheese Quite possibly the most perfect food on the planet! “The original uses full-fat cheese, cream and white pasta; the whole dish is pretty much fat and carbs. My version uses creamy sweet potato to thicken the sauce and add nutrients and flavour, non-fat evaporated milk and brown rice pasta.” Serves 8: Ingredients  2 ½ cups sweet potato, peeled and chopped (one medium) 3 tbsp olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup brown rice or whole wheat flour 2 tsp mustard powder 1 370 mL can non-fat evaporated milk 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups grated low-fat old cheddar cheese ¾ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, divided ¼ tsp ground nutmeg Dash hot sauce Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 cups brown rice or whole wheat macaroni (454 g pkg) 1 cup Oikos non-fat Greek yogurt 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or fresh whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley Preheat oven to 375F. Place sweet potato into a steamer basket over a saucepan of boiling water. Steam potato until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Mash until smooth and set aside. Heat oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until onions are softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Stir in mustard powder and sweet potato. Whisk in milk and chicken stock until smooth, and bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently until thickened, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat, gradually stir in cheddar and ½ cup parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with nutmeg, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Whisk in Greek yogurt until mixture is smooth. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in sauce, and reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking pan misted with cooking spray. In a small bowl combine panko, parsley and remaining parmesan cheese. Sprinkle mixture over pasta and mist with cooking spray. Bake for about 30 minutes until sauce is bubbling and topping is golden brown and crisp.  

Spring is in the air and the birds, buds and brighter days have us feeling lighter, happier and more optimistic. After a dreary sunless winter, the season bursts with promise of fresh beginnings and renewed energy – you may just be inspired to tackle the dust bunnies that have taken up residence under the couch, and sweep away dirt and debris from the front porch and walkway. Maintaining a healthy home is good for your mental and physical wellbeing, and makes homes safer. Cluttered houses can be dangerous for seniors, leading to increased risk of falls and other injuries, and it also increases stress and anxiety levels, making it difficult to focus, relax and feel at peace. Winter buildup can take our homes from cozy to cluttered, and feeling not so clean. Doors and windows have been shut tight and furnaces running nonstop, so dust builds up and air is stagnant. And around the outside there’s likely winter wear and tear, and disrepair too. “Spring is all about renewal and fresh starts and our home is no different!” Don’t despair. Spring cleaning our living spaces – inside and out – is a rewarding annual ritual, and with a few TLC tips and help, things can be a lot tidier in no time. Start small and pace yourself. If you need some help, ask for it. While some household tasks are manageable and actually enjoyable, other chores and maintenance work may require getting help from a family member, friend or even a home management company like Custodia. There are just so many benefits to a well-maintained property. A more tidier space means a calmer mind and you’ll love the home you’re in again. “Spring is all about renewal and fresh starts and our home is no different! After a long winter, creating a sense of order and ease in our home can help everything feel new again,” says psychotherapist Carly Fleming, director of Everwell Integrated Health Professionals at everwellcounselling.ca. Our environment impacts our mood – “when our surroundings feel chaotic, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and uneasiness. So when we decide to declutter and clean our environment in the spring, it can improve our mood significantly,” says Fleming. Spirits remain brighter beyond the initial cleaning day and, if we make a small effort to keep things tidy in the days that follow, we’ll continue to reap the benefits, she adds. Having our physical space in order provides us with a sense of order and control in a world that can feel very much out of our control. “There are so many elements of life that are not in our control. This is a reality for everyone,” says Fleming, and that can impact our mental health. Spending time and energy bringing order to your physical surroundings can be an important step towards managing anxiety or depression symptoms. Fleming recommends setting realistic spring cleaning goals and be sure to include a plan for achieving them. “When our goals are too big, it can be almost impossible to make progress which only leads to hopelessness and frustration. Setting realistic goals is the #1 tip for getting our home in order.” Tackle spring-cleaning tasks Tidy homes promote independence and feelings of confidence and mental clarity. It improves safety and security, and fosters a lighter mental load. Unload the bigger tasks and repairs – Custodia is like getting help from a friend! Follow our checklist to ensure peace of mind for you and your special senior.

Window cleaning helps maintain the appearance of your home or business from the outside, and it’s good for the occupants’ mental health on the inside. Clean windows allow natural light to enter a space which makes for brighter and more inviting interiors. Custodia is a market leader in this space and does window cleaning in twelve cities across Ontario. Cleaner windows can be challenging especially if you have large or hard-to-reach glass panes. It’s important to use the right techniques and tools to get the job done safely and effectively. If you’re about to start this task, consider these helpful tips on choosing the right equipment, preparing the areas, and how to safely remove dirt and grime from your windows. Window Cleaning Starts with Choosing the Right Equipment. The first step in window cleaning is to gather the necessary tools and supplies. Here are some essential items you’ll need: Prepare both Windows and the Surrounding Area for Cleaning Before you begin cleaning your windows, it’s important to prepare the area around the job site to ensure the best possible results. Here are some steps to follow: Professional Tips for Cleaning Windows Additional Tips for Window Cleaning Window cleaning is an important task that helps to maintain the appearance and value of your home or business. By following the right techniques and using the appropriate tools and cleaning solutions, you can effectively and safely remove dirt, grime, and streaks from your windows. By taking the time to properly prepare the windows and surrounding areas and using a little elbow grease, you can enjoy crystal clear windows that allow natural light to enter your space and improve the energy efficiency of your building. If you need professional window cleaning, please contact Custodia.

Common Home Modifications that Reduce the Risk of Falls  Did you know that the most common reason for hospitalizations of seniors in Canada is a fall around the house? To help you with practical advice, this article will provide essential tips to prevent falls around your home. It covers fall prevention education, including knowledge surrounding home modifications needed to keep seniors safe in their homes.  This article will cover some of the most common risk factors around the home and the modifications that can be made to make them safer. We’ll also go through your home and ask specific questions about the home’s safety.  Entryway residential ramps  As we age, simply getting into the home becomes much harder than it used to be. There may be too many steps, steep steps, or steps without a handrail. Sometimes as our mobility changes, we might require the assistance of a scooter or wheelchair, making taking the stairs up to your home very difficult.  There are two main different types of ramps: residential modular ramps and custom ramps. No matter what kind, ramps always have a non-skid surface and heavy-duty handrails to protect you. A modular ramp comes in pieces and is assembled on-site. These come in many different sizes, and you’re sure to find one to fit your home. (photo)  A custom ramp is built with wood or other materials to match the customer’s home and their exact and unique needs. (photo)  Simple bathroom modifications to reduce fall risk  The next part of the home we will look at is the bathroom. Falls in the bathroom are common for people of any age. The slick tile, hot water, and steam inside a bathroom can make for a dangerous combination. Unfortunately, as we age, a simple slip can be much harder on our bodies than it used to be. We must do everything we can in the bathroom to avoid this happening. Fall risk reduction In the shower and bath with a zero-step walk-in shower First, let’s look at bathing. Modifications can be as simple as purchasing a shower stool so we can relax and not have to use as much lower body strength, grab bars to help us move around the shower, as well as stand and sit from the shower stool, and a handheld shower head to bring the water to us. Something else to consider for the shower is a zero-step walk-in shower. This option can get pricier as it usually requires significant modification. However, removing the need to step over a tall ledge or bath to get into the shower can greatly help many people. (photos)  Consider installing a bath bench if your shower is attached to a bathtub and you cannot change that. This particular bench is installed over the top of the tub’s edge. Using grab bars to get on and off of it, you can now sit down without making any modifications to your shower other than a handheld shower head. (photo) Toilet-side grab bars  Another place in the bathroom that may need modification is around the toilet. Sometimes our toilets are very low, and it can be challenging to rise and sit down from them. So, a beneficial fix can be installing grab bars around the toilet. It’s essential that there are bars on the sides of the toilet, however, so if there is no wall or counter space to the side of your toilet, you will need to install a vertical grab bar that mounts to the wall and juts out beside your toilet. (photo) Of course, you can also look into installing a taller toilet or a seat riser, but grab bars are the most effective.  Grab bars make a huge difference in a slippery environment like the bathroom.  Use non-slip/non-skid strips on slippery floors.  Another helpful modification in slippery areas is non-slip/non-skid strips. Older homes and older bathtubs usually don’t come with non-slip areas built in. It’s a straightforward fix. You can purchase non-slip strips at any home improvement store. Simply apply them in the bathtub or slippery areas, but check them regularly for any wear and tear. Lifted strips can create a tripping hazard. (photo) While you’re at it, consider buying some larger non-skid strips for the outdoor steps or uncarpeted stairs. These surfaces can quickly become very slick, which will solve that problem.  Use lever door handles to make it easier to open doors. Many homes have rounded doorknobs. While this may have been no problem for you in the past, it can be tough to grasp and turn a rounded knob if issues like arthritis have arisen. It’s significantly harder to grasp a door knob if you’re coming from the bathroom or kitchen and your hands are slippery. Not only is it frustrating, but it could be dangerous if there is an emergency. Luckily, a straightforward solution to this is to install lever door handles. You can either purchase a lever cover that goes over an existing knob or purchase a lever door handle and have it installed. Now you simply just have to press down with your hand, fist, or fingers to open the door. (photo)  Reduce fall risk in the kitchen  As we become less flexible, reaching things in our cupboards can get difficult, whether up high or down low. Two beneficial tools that can help with this are a reacher/grabber and a step stool.  Reacher/grabbers are sold at most pharmacies or medical equipment stores and come in handy for taking small objects off of high shelves or picking up small objects off the floor. They are not recommended for picking up heavy objects. (photo)  Step stools are often not recommended for older adults, but sometimes they are essential to utilize the spaces around your home. If a step stool is needed, it is essential that the stool has four solid legs, a handrail to hold onto for stability, a non-skid surface on the feet of the stool, and a non-skid surface where you place your…
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