Vernon Morning Star

March 22, 2009

Seniors can win home health care

by Mechal Corbett, Special to the Morning Star

Private home healthcare is new to many Canadians. Our healthcare system has provided well in the past, but is no longer able to meet the needs of our growing seniors population. Families are finding it difficult to take on the extra responsibility of caring for themselves, their children and the needs of their parents. All while working full-time!

A crisis situation can develop overnight and add a considerable burden to an already full schedule.

Having launched the Nurse Next Door franchise at the end of November, we’ve already witnessed exactly what it means to inject a little extra help into a tense, exhausting family situation. For some it may be assisting with meal preparation, housekeeping or an outing. For others it may involve assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, shaving). The needs are very individual and that’s what makes private care ideal. The client and family decide the schedule and the care required. There really are no rules.

I actually believe a few of our clients’ health improved before we even started service. Just knowing that they were about to receive help and would be able to stay in their home without having to ask for more from family made a huge difference. Developing a relationship with one of our caregivers is icing on the cake. I know we’ve helped many families by easing their load – they tell us that almost daily.

Life can become very manageable with only a few hours of home care. In fact, recent research shows that two hours of in-home care can keep a senior out of facility care permanently. For those that wish to age in place, private home health care is a great option.

Nurse Next Door recognizes that many seniors may not be ready or able to pay for private care. We’d like to help by offering 10 hours of complimentary service to a senior in Vernon. This may be someone who needs interim care, or a family that needs respite, or someone that needs a little extra help from time to time. We’re accepting nominations now and will announce the winner at Focus on Seniors, June 4 at the Schubert Centre.

Anyone can nominate. Simply write your recommendation about a worthy candidate in 200 words or less and fax it to 250-545-3771, Attention: 10 hours of Care. You can also mail it to us at Nurse Next Door, 9300 Aberdeen Rd., Coldstream, B.C., V1B 2K5. Don’t forget to include your contact information.

  

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