What is the Client Directed Home Care program? The Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program is a new, provincial-wide initiative in Alberta that was launched in January 2023. Client directed home care provides funding for Albertans to receive affordable, consistent home care services. Eligible individuals can select their own preferred and approved home care service provider for the CDHCI program and have the cost largely subsidized by Alberta Health Services (AHS). Just Like Family Home Care is an approved provider for the Client Directed Home Care program with 5 locations in Alber ..read more

For most of us, the holiday season seems to arrive suddenly and we scramble to finish shopping, errands, and the plethora of to-dos just in time to start the cleaning, cooking, and chaos. While we try to check items off our lists, finding the perfect gift for our older loved ones can present (see what I did there? ?) certain challenges. Many of us find that our relatives seem to have everything they need and have nothing to put on their wish lists. At Just Like Family Home Care, we are more than home care—we are also holiday heroes! We have a list to help you find the perfect gifts f ..read more

As we age, maintaining our independence and quality of life becomes increasingly important. However, falls are a common risk among seniors that can lead to injuries and a loss of that independence. According to statistics, as many as 20-30% of Canadian seniors experience one or more falls each year, causing 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations and 95% of all hip fractures, with over one third of seniors being admitted to long-term care following hospitalization for a fall.  November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada, which is the perfect time to explore some of the most c ..read more

Each year, October 10th is designated as “World Mental Health Day” by the UN. This year’s theme is “Our minds, our rights,” meant to bring awareness that mental health is a universal human right. While each person’s situation is unique, everyone deserves to achieve their highest possible standard of mental health. As the Canadian population continues to age, it becomes increasingly important to address the mental health challenges that seniors face. Research shows that 1 in 4 Canadians over the age of 65 is currently living with mental illness and that up to 15% of seniors ..read more

According to a recent study, More than 600,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia and that number is expected to reach 1 million by the year 2030. While there are various kinds of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, affecting millions of people across the globe. Caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia presents unique challenges compared to other types of care for seniors. What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s Disease is named after the doctor who first discovered changes within the brain of a patient with what was, at the time, thought ..read more

Caring for others is a natural part of life. Whether we are looking after a child with a cold, a relative recovering from surgery, or a chronically disabled friend, the experience is both rewarding and challenging. According to statistics, about 1 in 4 Canadians are caregivers to a family member with a chronic or long-term health condition, with more than half of the caregivers being women. Most of these caregivers also work 30 or more hours each week at a full time job. Trying to balance their own needs on top of their jobs and the hours spent caring for others, many people become overwhelmed ..read more

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Staying active is important for both physical and mental health, but for seniors, taking precautions to remain safe and healthy are critical to enjoying summer activities. Seniors are at higher risk for heat-related illness, such as heat edema, heat rash, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and more. The heat and humidity can also affect the lungs, particularly for those with conditions such as COPD or Asthma. In this article, we are exploring some wonderful  ways seniors can be active in the summertime while remaining ..read more

Does this sound familiar? “I can’t remember the last time my husband went to the doctor.” or “My dad keeps putting off his annual exam.” A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic showed that nearly two-thirds of men avoid going to the doctor as long as possible and 72% said they would rather do household chores like cleaning toilets than see their doctor. While we might tease our dads about being too stubborn to see a doctor, the sentiment behind it is no laughing matter. We want our loved ones to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible, which means changing the narrative aro ..read more

In Canada, June is designated as ALS Awareness Month, bringing much-needed attention to the approximately 3,000 Canadians affected by the disease each year. Fundraising activities will be taking place through the ALS Society of Canada to continue funding research and treatment. The Minster of Health has issued a statement, providing Canadians with the newest information available about the ongoing efforts to help those with the disease. What is ALS? A type of Motor Neuron Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease affecting motor neurons, which are re ..read more

If you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia — or you’re looking for ways to make more brain-healthy choices in your own life — it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with new research into long-term brain health. While some risk factors like age and genetics aren’t within our control, recent studies are helping us better understand how certain dementia risk factors can be minimized. Here’s a look at four of the most important. The power of diet A growing body of evidence suggests that following a Mediterranean diet or MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH In ..read more