Summer is here and the eating is easy. Indulging in tasty treats while embracing the summer vibes sounds divine. But with all the dining out and yummy outdoor gatherings, smart eating can go by the wayside. You want to make sure you’re maintaining healthy food habits and a well-balanced diet to ensure you’re fueled for fun and good health. Go for the ripe stuff! Eat up your veggies and fruit – especially the seasonal ones. In-season superstars tend to be more fresh and flavourful, nutrient-dense and budget-friendly, and will help keep you happy and healthy all season long. Research has consistently shown that putting more fruits and veggies on your plate, along with a variety of nuts, legumes and whole grains, can help reduce your risk of major lifestyle diseases, and keep you living leaner and longer. The vitamins, minerals and powerful phytonutrients are just so darn good for you and contribute to healthy aging. “Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh produce. You’ll often find it locally grown and in season, which helps preserve valuable nutrients,” says registered dietitian Cheryl Strachan, founder of Sweet Spot Nutrition. “Your local farmers’ market is a great place to find in season foods and connect with others in your community.” All fruits have something good to offer, so choose the ones you enjoy. “Whole fruit is best (skip the juice), and there’s no need to stress about sugar content. Even if you have diabetes, the natural sugar in fruit is far outweighed by the benefits of eating 3-5 servings a day,” says Strachan, also a nutritionist, cardiac specialist and author of 30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook. Fresh fruits are a healthy delight, but that said, berries deserve special mention! Blueberries and strawberries, in particular, have been linked to better memory and thinking skills as we age, she says. “They’re rich in flavonoids, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers that help protect the brain. Aim to have them at least twice a week – fresh or frozen.” When it comes to veggies, the health-packed pickings are easy. All vegetables are good for you, from crisp iceberg lettuce to dark, leafy kale. “The key is variety: aim for a mix of colours and, most importantly, choose vegetables you enjoy and will actually eat,” says the Calgary nutrition expert. Top spot goes to dark leafy greens when it comes to benefitting brain health. Eating just one serving a day – about 1 cup raw (like in a salad) or ½ cup cooked – has been linked to slower memory decline as we age. The most nutrient-dense leafy greens include: Although spring mix, green/red leaf lettuce, and butter lettuce have fewer nutrients, include them for variety. And don’t overlook frozen options – frozen spinach or kale is just as nutritious and often more convenient, says Strachan. “Toss leafy greens into salads, soups, omelets, grain bowls, or smoothies. A handful here and there can go a long way.” Meanwhile, be sure to stay hydrated – that includes drinking more water and eating  hydrating foods. Staying hydrated helps you feel your best, especially on hot summer days. “But as we age, we may not feel as thirsty, even when our bodies need fluids. Instead of counting glasses, watch your urine: if it’s dark yellow, or if you have a dry mouth, headache, low energy, or feel lightheaded, it may be time to drink more,” advises Strachan, who hosts Sweet Spot Kitchen community to help people living with heart disease get healthy eating support and ideas. Water is wonderful, but other drinks count too: Meanwhile, most fruits and vegetables are naturally hydrating, says Strachan, and the good thing is most water-rich fruits and veggies also provide electrolytes like potassium, which helps with fluid balance in the body. The most hydrating fruits and veggies: Seasonal produce can be such a healthy delight so eat with the seasons when you can. Strachan offers these two recipes to savour the flavours of some of summer’s best offerings. Crunchy Peanut Cabbage Salad Tossed with affordable ingredients, this salad is also great because it’s hardy enough to stand up to a few days in the fridge, feeding you more than once. Ingredients: 1. Salad 4 cups shredded green cabbage 1/2 cup uncooked farro about 1 cup of cooked farro, or similar grain like brown rice or barley 3 each small mandarin oranges 1 can sliced water chestnuts 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts * 2. Peanut dressing 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (use 1/2 tsp if you like heat) 2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar ** 2 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp lime juice (about half a lime) 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) 1/4 cup water Method Notes: * If you have a peanut allergy, you could make this with cashew butter or tahini in place of the peanut butter, and pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds in place of the peanuts. ** If your rice vinegar has sugar in it (check the label), you might cut back on the sugar in the dressing. Blueberry Summer Salad Think of lettuce as a canvas upon which you can pile on your favourite fresh, colourful, nutritious toppings. You can even let the lettuce go and make salads out of beans, grains, or just crunchy chopped fresh vegetables. Enjoy! Ingredients 4 cups mixed greens 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 2 tbsp dried cranberries 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds 1/4 cup goat cheese 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp maple syrup Method

What if something as simple as a hot summer day could put your health—or your loved one’s—at serious risk? In Ontario, extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It can quickly become dangerous, especially for seniors or families with aging parents.  As temperatures soar each summer, heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke become real threats. That’s why knowing how to manage heat exposure in Ontario homes is not just helpful—it’s essential. Even more importantly, many homeowners aren’t aware that some risks can build up silently indoors. Yes, indoor heat can become just as dangerous as being outside, especially without proper ventilation, insulation, or air flow control.  Fortunately, there are proven solutions. From hydration and heat safety to heat stress prevention tips, you can take action now. Book a free consultation with Custodia Home Management Services in Ontario. We offer expert heat safety inspections and cooling installations for Ontario seniors and families. Here Are 3 Proven Ways to Manage Heat Exposure in Ontario Many people underestimate how quickly heat stress can sneak up—so let’s explore three smart, expert-approved strategies that help you stay safe and cool. 1. Staying Cool: Smart Ways to Beat the Ontario Heat Ontario summers can bring sudden heat waves that test your body and home. Regulating your temperature isn’t just about comfort—it helps prevent fatigue, heat exhaustion, and more serious health issues.  At Custodia, we understand how important it is to create cool, comfortable living environments, which is why we also offer trusted HVAC services across Ontario to help seniors and families stay safe indoors. Here’s how: PS: Ask us about our HVAC maintenance and AC tune-up packages at Custodia. These simple actions lower your body temperature effectively. They make the heat more bearable, especially during Ontario’s hottest days.  Plus, they reduce risks of heat exhaustion and keep energy levels up for the whole family. 2. Reducing Exposure: Managing Heat at the Source Rather than only cooling down after the fact, it’s smarter to limit direct exposure to heat in the first place. This strategy is especially helpful for seniors, outdoor workers, or families with active lifestyles.  A few small adjustments to your surroundings can go a long way. Here’s what works: Thankfully, at Custodia, we also help you create safer home environments by recommending energy-efficient HVAC solutions and even helping you retrofit your attic or windows to minimize internal heat build-up. [Read:What Are The 5 Safety Precautions For Heat In Canada?] 3. Hydration: The Key to Heat Illness Prevention Water is your body’s natural cooling system—and it works best when it’s flowing consistently.  During hot, humid Ontario summers, it’s easy to get dehydrated without realizing. Hydration is your first and most reliable line of defense against dizziness, cramps, confusion, or even stroke. Here’s how to stay hydrated smartly: Staying hydrated helps your body cool naturally and keeps you feeling strong. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent heat-related health problems—especially when combined with cooling and shade strategies. Conclusion: Prioritize Heat Safety This Ontario Summer Heat stress can turn a good day into an emergency fast—especially for the elderly, and families with kids.  By focusing on cooling strategies, limiting exposure, and drinking enough water, you can stay ahead of the heat. Need help making your home or property safer this summer? Connect with Custodia Home Management Services for expert support in cool zone setup, yard care, and safety upgrades—perfect for Ontario families and seniors.Call us today at 1-833-410-4357 or book online to get your free consultation and make sure your home is ready for the heat.

Every day should be Earth Day – the planet will thank you! Here at Custodia, we are grateful to the planet and Mother Nature and committed to eco-friendly practices that nourish both the earth and your wellbeing. By keeping the environment green and clean, we take care of ourselves and earth our home. Just sitting outside in nature, relaxing in your well-cared-for backyard, can boost moods and happiness, a sanctuary away from stress and worries. The trees, tidy gardens, sunlight and fresh air have been linked to improved focus, lower stress, and improvements in mental and emotional health. We need a healthy planet to thrive and our planet needs us, so let’s nurture nature on Earth Day, April 22, and beyond. Small everyday acts of green kindness have huge impact when it comes to creating health on earth and a happy, sustainable future. Health on Earth This year’s Earth Day theme is Our Power, Our Planet and as homeowners, we have the power to start new earth-friendly habits around our house and yard to show our love for the planet. Custodia can help you be a planet hero with property maintenance services to make your home sweet home more healthy, eco-friendly and energy efficient. Take action from home with our tips: Green Your Home Buy local

Prioritize self-care and limit negative news to diminish stress April is Stress Awareness Month and, coincidentally, many of us are super stressed. We are living in a time of anxiety as financial and political turmoil causes rampant uncertainty in our lives, and it’s taking a toll on our mental health. A new Omnibus Survey reports that half of Canadians have experienced  heightened anxiety over the past month as rising living costs, trade tensions and global conflicts top our list of worries. Our brains are struggling with the 24/7 onslaught of negative news, posts and pings. It can feel like we’re drowning in bad news. Stress and anxiety surge as the body’s natural reaction to danger, and it’s all utterly exhausting and depletes our positivity and productivity. “When the brain is bombarded with excessive negativity, it can enter a state of shutdown – a temporary paralysis of our decision-making processes,” says Ottawa psychotherapist Joshua Peters. “With global uncertainty at a peak, in my practice I’m witnessing an increasing number of clients entering this state. They feel overwhelmed by unfolding global events while also feeling powerless to take action.” Make time for healthy habits As human beings, we can’t stand uncertainty but right now it’s unavoidable so it’s important to take care of our mental health and emotional well-being. Taking time to promote inner peace and look after yourself will help you better cope, and calm your mind and lift your overall mood. Interrupt the downward spiral by disconnecting often with your devices and engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge. “Soothe the body. When we can’t control the world around you – focus on your body,” recommends Peters, director of Clinical Training Programs at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships at cfir.ca. Prioritize self-care including regular physical fitness – 30 minutes 4-5 times a week – along with healthy food choices, and relaxing activities including warm baths, massages and proper sleep. “Ensuring we prioritize these tasks first helps energize us to engaged in the more difficult and complex tasks of life.”  Combat negative news overload by reducing your intake and prioritize the issues that are most important to you, says Peters. “I usually suggest containing your intake of news to a specific time of day for about 30 minutes. Think back to when we would get a daily newspaper, read it for 20 or so minutes, and then go about our day.” Take small actions He adds that this isn’t an avoidance strategy but instead a recognition that our minds have only evolved to take in so much negativity at once. Take small (and sometimes large) actions on specific topics that are important to you. “If you have the energy and passion to engage in bigger actions like attending protests or organizing politically do so. However, oftentimes small and consistent actions are just as important to social movements.”  Connect and talk with others who share your concerns. Discuss with each other actions you can take together in solidarity to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Seek out multiple perspectives on topics, suggests Peters. All too often, we get caught in “echo chambers” within the news and hearing other options gets lost in the process. Learning about how others make sense of situations can help us better understand our own.  It’s also common in times of instability to struggle to understand the experiences of others. “Try your best to understand how opposing sides may themselves be trying their best to survive even if their motives appear nonsensical. This type of reflection isn’t meant to excuse the actions of others, but it can help create better understanding. Most often it leads to greater empathy, compromise, and more creative solutions.” Seek intergenerational dialogue Connect with individuals from across the generations to better understand their experience and share your own, suggests Peters. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that engaging in this type of intergenerational dialogue fosters mental well-being. Do your best to keep calm and carry on. “On a positive note, seniors are particularly well suited to understand that history tends to be cyclical. In doing so, they can offer hope to future generations with the wisdom that the world has always experienced periods of chaos and relative stability.” Recognizing this as a fundamental truth can help both empower individuals to advocate for change, while reducing the pressure they feel to respond to every single news event, he adds. 

Did you know that retirement, changes in living environments, and fear of becoming a burden are among the top causes of loneliness in seniors?  While many dream of a peaceful retirement filled with joyful moments—like spending time with family, traveling, or achieving personal goals—life doesn’t always go as planned.  Moments of isolation can creep in, especially when loved ones get caught up in their daily routines. This can leave seniors feeling left out or disconnected. In Ontario, Canada, loneliness among the elderly is a growing concern. Research reveals that up to 32% of people over the age of 55 report feeling lonely.  Even more alarming, studies show that severe loneliness affects 2-16% of seniors, putting them at risk for serious health issues. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, depression, and even reduced life expectancy.  This isn’t just about emotional well-being—loneliness directly impacts physical health and quality of life. At Custodia, we understand how to stop an elderly person from feeling lonely and its impact on their emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to help seniors combat loneliness.  From fostering intergenerational connections to encouraging hobbies and utilizing technology, small changes can make a big difference.  We’ve compiled a list of practical and proven tips to help you support the seniors in your life, ensuring they feel loved, connected, and valued. In this article, we’ll explore: Let’s dive in and discover how we can work together to create a happier, healthier future for our elderly loved ones! 7 Reasons Why Elderly People Feel Lonely in Canada? Loneliness is not just a fleeting feeling for many seniors—it can become a daily struggle. Understanding the root causes of senior loneliness is the first step toward creating meaningful solutions.  Let’s explore the common reasons why aging often leads to feelings of isolation and disconnection. 1. Bereavement: Loss of a Spouse or Close Friends One of the most profound causes of senior loneliness is bereavement. Losing a spouse, lifelong friends, or social connections leaves an emotional void that can be hard to fill.  After decades of shared routines, shared memories, and mutual support, adapting to life without a partner or close-knit circle can feel overwhelming. Bereavement often results in seniors withdrawing socially, as they struggle with the emotional pain of grief.  Over time, this withdrawal can create a vicious cycle where loneliness grows, but reaching out feels harder than ever.  The challenge is compounded by the fact that, as seniors age, the likelihood of losing more loved ones increases, leaving many feeling like their world is shrinking. 2. Limited Mobility or Health Issues Aging often comes with physical limitations, such as difficulty walking, poor vision, or chronic pain.  These conditions can restrict movement and make leaving the house difficult. For example, arthritis can make driving uncomfortable, while hearing loss can discourage attending noisy gatherings. Without the ability to move freely, seniors may find it harder to attend social events, visit loved ones, or participate in community activities, leading to a gradual sense of isolation.  The mental toll of being housebound or reliant on others for transportation can further deepen feelings of loneliness and dependency. 3. Lack of Regular Social Interaction Without consistent opportunities to connect with others, loneliness can creep in.  Regular social interaction—whether it’s a daily chat with friends or joining a group activity—is essential for emotional health. Unfortunately, as seniors age, their chances to engage socially often decline. This decline might stem from shrinking social circles, reduced mobility, or the closure of community spaces that once fostered connection.  Many seniors express missing the casual, day-to-day interactions they used to enjoy, like chatting with coworkers, neighbors, or local shopkeepers.  These small exchanges often go unnoticed until they are no longer there, leaving a noticeable void. 4. Geographic Separation From Family In today’s fast-paced world, families are often spread across cities, states, or even countries. Seniors with adult children who live far away may experience fewer visits or face long gaps between family gatherings.  Technology, like video calls, can help bridge this gap, but it’s not always a substitute for in-person interactions. Seniors may feel especially lonely during holidays, birthdays, or significant life events when physical distance prevents them from sharing special moments with loved ones.  For those who rely on family for emotional support, this separation can be particularly challenging. Discover how our services can help seniors stay connected. 5. Retirement: Loss of Routine And Purpose Retirement is often viewed as a time to relax and enjoy life. Yet, for many seniors, stepping away from their careers creates a void.  Work often provides more than just a paycheck; it offers structure, social connections, and a sense of accomplishment. Without the daily routine and purpose work provides, days can feel long and empty. The loss of colleagues and workplace social interaction further exacerbates the sense of isolation.  For retirees who did not plan activities or hobbies to replace work, this transition can feel jarring and lead to loneliness. 6. Poor Physical Health Chronic illnesses, fatigue, or recovery from surgeries can make it harder for seniors to stay active. Poor physical health not only limits mobility but also impacts confidence, as seniors may worry about being seen as frail or dependent.  For instance, those who once loved attending community events may avoid them due to fear of falling or needing assistance. Additionally, frequent medical appointments and health concerns can dominate a senior’s time, leaving little room for social interaction.  This combination of physical and emotional barriers can create a sense of isolation that feels hard to overcome. 7. Fear of Being a Burden Many seniors hesitate to ask for help or reach out to loved ones because they fear becoming a burden.  They may feel guilt over disrupting their family’s busy schedules or worry about being perceived as needy. Instead of seeking connection, they may choose to isolate themselves, even when they deeply crave interaction. This self-imposed isolation often stems from a desire to protect loved ones from additional responsibilities.  Unfortunately, this fear can…
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We’re living longer and better. Centenarians remain among the fastest-growing segments of Canada’s population. United Nations calls it a longevity revolution – by 2050, the number of us reaching 100 is projected to increase eightfold to 3.7 million people. While genetics play a key role in healthy aging, where you live, what you eat, how often you exercise and your social support system also influence your chances for living a very long life. And add to that a good health system. Helping centenarians age healthy and live their best lives is Dr. Samir Sinha, director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital, which is a global key leader in the fields of geriatrics and healthy aging. “We’ve made geriatric care a top priority,” says Dr. Sinha in a Sinai Health report. “We’re committed to supporting older people in ensuring they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”  Among Dr. Sinha’s patients are four centenarians: William, Phyllis Pringle, Elizabeth Samson and Sam Meister. “With high-quality care from primary care providers and specialists including the support of a geriatrician, they’ve been able to navigate complex health-care issues and the supports they need to remain healthy and independent.” With reprint permission from the Sinai Health Foundation, Meet four centenarians redefining the limits of aging. These super seniors share their thoughts on healthy aging and the ways they continue to stay active, engaged and curious. William, 101 Born: 1922 William lifts weights every day. Not just small five-pound weights, but hefty 15-pound dumbbells – one in each hand. “Beware of inactivity,” he advises while demonstrating his weight-lifting ability. “I don’t allow myself to become immobile.” A big proponent of physical activity, William walks daily and swam four or five times a week for more than 20 years. He proudly shows off a badge he received from a local health centre for swimming over 50 miles. “Not all at once,” he says with a laugh. William moved to Toronto in 1957 from the U.K., and today lives independently in his own home. A retired physician, he’s had a varied career, first as a GP before moving into public health and workers’ compensation. In the years before retirement at age 85, William was a practising psychotherapist. “I always change,” he says. “Change in careers is good for anybody.” As for what he attributes to his longevity, William has one word: “Sardines.” He tells a story of when he was six years old at a restaurant with his parents. Asked what he’d like to eat, he told them all he wanted was sardines. “I’ve been eating them ever since,” he says. “And this was before they discovered omega threes!”  William does indeed believe good nutrition has contributed to a long and healthy life. “I still prepare all my own food,” he says. What’s more, he says he’s always remained curious, pointing to his long career for helping keep him sharp and attentive. “You can’t sleep through life,” he says. “You have to stay interested.” Read more about How To Prepare An Aging Brain To Re-enter The Workforce. Phyllis Pringle, 101 Born: 1923 Fresh from an exercise class at the seniors’ residence where she lives, Phyllis Pringle speaks clearly and expressively about having lived in Toronto her whole life. Although she uses a walker and has macular degeneration, her indomitable spirit shines through.  As a student at the University of Toronto, Phyllis studied sociology. Her father thought she might become a teacher but after hearing a social worker speak at a Careers Day, Phyllis knew she wanted to pursue social work. She became a case aide worker at the Protestant Children’s Homes where she worked for three years. “I really liked it,” she says. “I’d visit kids in foster homes, talk to the parent who was still responsible for the child, and help that parent get re-established.” After she married in 1949 and had the first of four sons the following year, Phyllis planned to keep doing the job she loved, but her father-in-law disapproved. “That was the old idea — that married women didn’t work.” Not to be deterred, Phyllis simply continued her social work on a volunteer basis by joining the Junior League. “I found a way to keep doing the work I loved.”  Today, Phyllis is still finding ways to keep doing the things she loves. Although her failing eyesight has made reading a challenge, she uses audio technology to listen to newspaper articles and books. In addition to daily exercises, she participates in current events programs and weekly quiz sessions at the retirement home. She credits her longevity to keeping her mind and body active. “You have to find ways to enjoy life — and I do.” Sam Meister, 101 Born: 1923 At 101, Sam still lives in the home he bought with his wife in the 1980s in North York. She died 17 years ago, and today Sam now lives with his caregiver, Marizel. Born in Romania, Sam is a Holocaust survivor. “The day my parents and I were rounded up to be taken away, I refused to go,” he says. “I don’t know why they just let me go. My parents died at Auschwitz. My brother was also killed during the war. At the end of the war, only my sister, older brother and I were left.” The woman Sam calls “the love of my life” was also sent to Auschwitz. When the war ended, Sam didn’t know if she was still alive. “The Russians sent word she was sick with typhus and taken to Russia for treatment,” he says. “When she came home after the war, we got married right away.” Sam and his new bride arrived in Halifax in 1948. He says they were assigned to settle in Winnipeg, but when they got off the train in Toronto, they decided to stay. Sam went on to run several successful businesses, while he and Olga raised two children. “We had a wonderful life,” Sam says. “My wife…
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In Canada, understanding who qualifies for home care is essential for individuals facing various health challenges that impact daily living. Whether due to age-related concerns, a severe injury, or a chronic illness, many people struggle with basic tasks such as meal preparation, shopping, bathing, dressing, and mobility. Home care services provide vital assistance to those who qualify, offering support to maintain independence and quality of life. So, for individuals like these, special home care services are designed so they can receive assistance in their daily tasks at their homes. These services aim to make living more manageable and more comfortable for people who are already struggling with their medical conditions or who are recovering from hospitalization. However, when looking for home care services, individuals have to choose between public or private home care services. Both options come with their pros and cons, but the purpose is to offer personal assistance to individuals who need it the most. When considering these options, you should have proper knowledge and understanding of how these home care services work and how you can access them to receive the care.  In the article below, we will walk you through how home care in Ontario works, what the eligibility criteria are for publicly funded home care, and how you can access these services. We will also discuss private home care services and why people are exploring this option as well. So, let’s dive into the article. Overview of Home Care in Ontario? As people age, the simplest of the home tasks become difficult for them to complete. This is primarily due to a number of factors, including age, complex health needs, chronic conditions, and physical disabilities. Therefore, individuals with these issues often need personal or medical assistance at home to meet their daily living needs. In this regard, Ontario Health at Home offers home care and personal support to people of all ages. Whether you are recovering after hospitalization or have an injury, these services are designed to make your life easier so you can live comfortably in your home. Home care refers to a wide range of services that provide personal assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility. Additionally, if an individual needs help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and light housekeeping, home care services take care of that as well.  However, when exploring home care options available for residents in Ontario, individuals can choose between publicly funded and private home care services. The most preferred way is to access publicly funded home care in Ontario. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive personal support with services such as nursing, homemaking, physiotherapy, or personal support. However, this type of home care is usually reserved for individuals facing medical, physical, or cognitive challenges that limit their ability to live a comfortable life at home.  The second option is private home care services that are usually paid for by the individuals themselves or their families. One of the biggest benefits of accessing private home care in Ontario is the flexibility to customize the services based on your specific needs and preferences. Sure, they can be expensive compared to public home care services, but there is a wide range of services offered in private home care.  Companies like Custodia in Ontario are one of the go-to choices for individuals who want to access a range of services that provide personal support with handyman tasks and other daily activities.  Eligibility Criteria for Publicly Funded Home Care in Ontario It is important to know that municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and private organizations operate long-term publicly funded home care support. These organizations offer much-needed healthcare and support to individuals with little to no income. In order to access publicly-funded home care support in Ontario, you have to meet specific eligibility criteria set out by the government.  However, to maintain the quality of service and equity in the system, Ontario has a set of rules and regulations that must be met for admission to long-term care homes. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regulates long-term home care organizations to ensure they comply with all the regulations and specific standards set out by the government. These laws protect the well-being and rights of individuals that are deserving to receive the personal care and support they need to live warmly and happily in their homes. So, seniors and people who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive publicly funded home care based on their health status, income, and level of need: How to Start the Process of Applying for Home Care The process of selecting a long-term care home involves a multi-part assessment to determine your eligibility. To access publicly-funded home care in Ontario, you must first contact Ontario Health atHome via contact number or their official website.  After contacting them, Ontario Health at Home will connect you with their care coordinator. The coordinator will start the assessment process through the initial consultation on the phone to determine your eligibility to access home care. He may also visit your home to assess further your health status and the level of personal or medical care services you need.  The care coordinator usually conducts a comprehensive assessment that includes functional assessment, capacity assessment, and behavioral assessment, depending on health status, medical history, and living situation.  Based on this assessment and if you are eligible, the care coordinator will discuss all the options with you and provide you with the list of care homes to choose from. It is important to know that you can choose from up to five care homes. However, you cannot access the home care services immediately as there is a wait time that can vary. Once you have secured the spot in your chosen long-term care home, Ontario Health at Home will reach out to you, and you will have only 24 hours to give them your consent for admission.  Finally, a personalized care plan will be created based on your needs. This plan…
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According to one report, seniors will make up to 25% of the total population of Canada by 2030. This means the rapidly growing senior population in Canada needs essential support services to meet their needs. While the younger population has access to a number of facilities and resources to manage day-to-day tasks, seniors need a little extra support to live comfortably. The main focus of these most requested support services for the elderly is to assist seniors and give them resources to maintain their status and quality of life. These services allow senior citizens to stay as healthy and independent as possible.  When it comes to available support services in Canada for seniors, there are quite a few services that cover various aspects of life. The primary support services include personal support, household maintenance, transportation assistance, and accessibility modification. However, the most requested service that reflects particular challenges seniors face on a daily out is housekeeping and property maintenance.  Therefore, in the article below, we will briefly discuss the primary support services and how they help seniors maintain their independence. We will also walk you through what makes household and property maintenance services the most requested one in Canada. To learn about them in detail, keep on reading.  The Most Requested Service for the Elderly: Housekeeping & Property Maintenance As people age, they prefer to “age in place,” meaning they want to live the rest of their lives in their own homes instead of moving to an old age home. However, one of the biggest challenges they face is carrying out the simplest of daily tasks, such as cleaning the gutter, cutting grass, painting the walls, or repairing the fence. In this regard, housekeeping and property maintenance is the most requested support service in Canada. According to one report, about 26.8% of seniors in Canada need assistance with their daily tasks, yet they still need to receive essential support. Fortunately, seniors can access household maintenance services that can help them carry out and complete these daily tasks with compassion and ease. In Canada, popular household and property maintenance services like Custodia go above and beyond just basic dusting and cleaning. With their compassionate and highly dedicated team, they completely understand the care seniors require and offer their support to complete their everyday tasks for them with professionalism.  While there are hundreds of other housekeeping services available across Canada, choosing the one that focuses on caring for seniors is extremely important as they are well versed in understanding their needs to provide the support they deserve. Services like Custodia will not only mow your lawn but also create a thorough senior support home management plan for seniors to live longer and happier lives at home.  Overall, these housekeeping and property maintenance services will take care of all the household predictable tasks that you find challenging to carry out and complete. They will make sure to provide support to people or seniors with physical disabilities, medical conditions, and limited mobility to ensure you feel comfortable and safe in your home.  Benefits of Housekeeping and Property Maintenance for Seniors The demand for housekeeping and property maintenance services reflects how important it is for seniors to maintain safety, independence, and quality of life so they can “age in place.” This demand has made both private and government institutes come up with programs that address this specific challenge in seniors’ lives. With their effort, this particular support service has started to be widely available across Canada, offering these benefits: Overview of Other Essential Senior Support Services in Canada With the rapidly growing senior population in Canada, both government and non-government institutes have introduced a number of other support services for seniors. These services address certain challenges they face on a day-to-day basis to encourage them to live a healthy and happy life.  With these services available, seniors have the support they deserve to live a happy and safe life. Let’s discuss these services briefly: Transportation Assistance Growing older doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors and stop driving altogether. Staying mobile and getting around for seniors is extremely important to maintain independence and an outgoing lifestyle. However, as you age, limited mobility, physical disabilities, and health conditions tend to change your driving habits, and inevitable challenges come with accessing traditional public transportation.  Therefore, there are quite a few transportation assistance options available to assist seniors in getting around Canada. For instance, for seniors who are unable to access public or private transportation, organizations like the Canadian Red Cross or CHATS provide transportation. Using these free or volunteer driver services, seniors can attend their medical appointments, go out shopping, or attend social gatherings. These transportation assistance services make it possible for seniors to get around easily and go about their daily tasks. Social and Recreational Support Living alone all by yourself can feel isolated and sad, but the good news is that you do not have to feel that way at all. There is no age limit for having a vibrant social life and recreational support. In fact, being socially connected with your community is extremely important for staying active and keeping your overall well-being in check. As they say, the key to a long life is a happy life. So, seeking social and recreational support offers you a life you may be missing by just sitting alone at your home by yourself.  To address this concern, there are quite a few municipalities across Canada that offer several programs specifically designed for seniors. Programs like Ontario Parks and Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) usually consist of community outings, social gatherings, fitness classes, art sessions, and more. These programs not only promote better health but also help foster new friendships that combat isolation.  Health and Personal Care Services Health and personal care services are just as important as housekeeping services to provide necessary support to the senior population. In Canada, the healthcare system ensures seniors receive medical support, rehabilitation, and caregiver assistance to improve their quality…
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Home care should be the cornerstone of eldercare – growing old in the comfort of our own home brings us joy, dignity and supports good health. “At the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), we have conducted surveys showing that nearly 100% of older Canadians want to age in their own homes for as long as possible. Given that this is what people want, I think trying to achieve this becomes quite integral to people’s happiness and wellbeing,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, leading geriatrician in Canada and director of Health Policy Research at NIA. To live safe, healthy and socially-connected lives as we age, support is needed – unfortunately, insufficient home care and community services make aging at home an overwhelming challenge for many. It’s costly and complicated. “For too many of my patients, their ability to age in place is often undermined by a system that is not adequately resourced to support them to adapt their homes and receive the care they need or further support their family and friends serving as caregivers,” said Dr. Sinha, director of geriatrics at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network. Home Care is Cost Effective People end up becoming prematurely institutionalized in long-term care (LTC) homes, or living in overburdened hospitals waiting to go to a long-term care home, which are both more costly than providing more care in people’s homes, he said. The National Institute on Aging reports it costs an average of $103 per day for an LTC-eligible person in their own home compared to $201 in long-term care. It’s $703 a day for older adults admitted to hospital while awaiting a permanent place. Enabling more people to receive additional care in their own homes would greatly benefit seniors and society, said Dr. Sinha. “Other countries that have developed more robust home and community care systems are benefiting significantly from this approach.” There’s growing recognition of the increased health and happiness outcomes. The future for our rapidly aging population isn’t pretty, said Dr. Sinha. We’re not prepared and have so much catching up to do. There are record numbers on Ontario’s LTC home waitlists and the majority of the people waiting in hospitals as ALC (alternate level of care) patients are there because of the insufficient home care to allow them to return to their own homes. “While 15% of hospital patients are ALC patients in Ontario, in Denmark this rate is around 1%  as they are providing much more home care to their citizens.” Home Modifications Needed Adding to the problem of limited, underfunded care access is a shortage of underpaid care providers to deliver home care. Also additional private care beyond what the government and their families and friends can provide them can be unaffordable. And healthy aging in place needs to enable social connection rather than inhibit it.  The home also needs supports, including age-friendly modifications. There are some grants and support to help people make home adaptions or buy equipment to enhance home accessibility, said Dr. Sinha, “but these are rather piecemeal supports and need to be more comprehensively considered to ensure that we can really enable aging in place whenever possible.”  Sadly, as things stand and with lack of sufficient supports, people relent and put their name on a LTC home waitlist and enter a home. Currently there are more than 40,000 people in Ontario alone who are on LTC home waitlists, he said. “Some jurisdictions have simply offered to provide clients the home care they need up to the cost of having to care for them in a LTC home. After this, a person is invited to purchase additional care to stay in their own homes or go to a LTC home. This is one method that creates a greater level of transparency and accountability and doesn’t cast anyone as a failure when aging in place is no longer possible.” Read more about Rethink Aging With Colin Milner Far too many people blame themselves for the failure to be able to age in their own homes, he said, for example, not having saved up enough privately to fill in unanticipated care gaps. Families can also feel like failures for not being able to do more to keep their loved ones at home. “This as a result likely affects the personal happiness and wellbeing of older persons and their caregivers.” Home is Our Happy Place Home sweet home is our happy place so plan for it. “I always say that the best defense is a good offence,” said Dr. Sinha, adding that practically working through what might need to be done in advance to make aging in place happen can help better ensure you can better age with dignity and respect. Read also, How To Prepare An Aging Brain To Re-enter The Workforce And with health and happiness too. Plan ahead for you and your elderly loved ones to be able to grow old in the place of your choosing: Take into account location, accessibility, available support and services, medical conditions, isolation, finances, and family in order to make the best informed decision. Don’t assume publicly-funded programs will keep you at home in the future. Don’t let a health emergency catch you unprepared and leave you scrambling for living options. Develop a contingency plan that considers other options in case aging in place is no longer possible. Being able to access home maintenance, modifications and repairs make aging in place easier and safer. Custodia can help take the hassles and headaches out of home maintenance and tasks, and greatly reduce the barriers to aging in place.   

When it comes to aging in place, there’s a quote that comes to mind: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” It may sound negative, but there is simply nothing negative about being proactive and making solid plans to remain happily in your home through the aging journey. Research shows that nearly all older Canadians want to remain in their homes and communities as long as they can, and that means having the health, and social supports and services in place to live safely and independently. That just doesn’t happen unless you make it happen. To survive and thrive at home, being functionally fit is critical – physical strength is very often neglected. Frailty can derail dreams to remain at home! “Our best option is maintaining our fitness and functionality in order to avoid frailty, hospitalization and the need for institutionalization,” says Dr. Karen Humphreys, a physician, educator and frailty coach in B.C. Dr. Humphreys helps people fulfill their wishes to age in place and her new book,  The Mission of Maya and Methuselah, offers clear instruction and practical advice to get ready physically, mentally and financially. For example, adequate financial health often takes years of planning – “there’s the cost of medications as we age; cost of repairs and making a safer home depending on our functionality, and insight into what we might need.” Assess Home For Risks For those lacking fitness and/or financial resources, family connections are often needed to assist in staying in our own home or moving into a suite in a family member’s home, adds the clinical instructor from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine who lives on Vancouver Island. “The challenges of aging in place currently are being reactive rather than proactive. For example, purchasing new furniture should focus on long-term use – a high bed that looks great when you are 50 is a fall risk at 75,” she says. Home environments with things like treacherous stairs, lots of area rugs, cupboards that need a ladder to access pose obvious challenges but there are many other aspects of the home that need to be reviewed for planning future safety. When it comes to aging bodies, the major challenges she sees is lack of overall fitness from a cardiovascular perspective; resistance training perspective; balance and flexibility perspective; social connectedness and cognition – brain exercises are just as important as physical exercises. Shortage of Long-term Beds Unfortunately, some people believe that they will not age and not need services (which are actually hard to procure and expensive too), says Dr. Humphreys. “I found that many folks that ended up in hospital had no idea that the Canada Health Act would not care for them as they aged. The cost of care has crushed many individuals so awareness and planning are the keys going forward as our population ages.” We have a glut of aging baby boomers that will soon require more access to long-term care beds than are available. Right now there are just under 200,000 care home beds and we’re going to need more than 455,000 by the year 2035! That’s just a decade away! Optimal planning should start after age 45 and the scenarios in her book guide folks through different decades in how to make lifestyle changes, do financial planning and have some foresight into what may be required as one ages in Canada. “We are unable to predict exactly which direction our life will go but we can prepare for many scenarios if we start planning early enough.” Dr. Humphreys helps Victoria seniors and families strategize – encouraging, promoting and assisting in keeping them in their home. She does frailty coaching to prevent a decline in physical and functional status. “Frailty is a precursor to the loss of independence. Frailty can lead to fall, fractures, hospitalization, nursing home placement and death.” Tips to Age in Place Safely Take Dr. Humphrey’s tips to successfully age in place as long as possible: Meanwhile, aging in place makes people happy and healthy, and Custodia offers the support to age at home joyfully, safely and worry free. From installing grab bars to regular property upkeep, our home management plans ensure the home environment, inside and outside, remains safe, secure and well-maintained. Related read Rethink Aging With Colin Milner