If you visit the Alberta Health Services website, home care is defined as:
“Provides medical support for people so they can live in their homes. Home Care helps people who live at home and need support such as:
Care after surgery
Long -term care
Palliative care
Respite services
A case manager, who is usually a nurse, will meet with the clients and help decide what services will best support them.”
However, home care extends beyond addressing illness or disability. Many individuals require assistance in ways not covered by traditional medical support. Consider family caregivers juggling their own responsibilities while supporting loved ones, homeowners overwhelmed by household management, or those preparing to downsize and transition into a care facility.
During a recent webinar with Caregivers Alberta, a statement resonated with me: “Build it, and they will come.” This reflects the mindset many have when facing aging-related challenges — assuming that retirement or moving to a care facility is the only solution when overwhelmed by life, home responsibilities, health concerns, or a lack of support. However, alternatives exist. My Aide In Life provides tailored solutions to meet these diverse needs. Here are just a few examples:
Scenario 1: Supporting a Visually Impaired Resident in a Care Facility
After losing his sight, a client moved into a care facility but required additional support to maintain independence. Our team assists with navigating the facility, reading mail and notices, managing medications, and sorting laundry. We also provide technical support, personal grooming assistance (such as changing razor blades), and accompany him to appointments and errands. While CNIB offers navigation training, his daily needs require consistent, personalized support. He describes our service as a partnership, reflecting the trust and collaboration we’ve built.
Scenario 2: Enhancing Quality of Life in an Assisted Living Facility
One of our clients was advised by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to transition into a senior living facility. While facility staff handle basic care, we enhance her quality of life. We ensure she remains active in the community by accompanying her to swimming classes, shopping, and medical appointments. We assist with additional cleaning, laundry, physiotherapy exercises, and, most importantly, provide companionship to help her thrive. As she progresses through dementia, we maintain close communication with her children and healthcare team to monitor her well-being and ensure she receives comprehensive support. Her family refers to us as their lifeline, relying on us as their eyes and ears to ensure their mother is well cared for and supported.
Scenario #3: Supporting Clients Through Downsizing and Transitioning
Many of our clients are preparing to downsize before moving into a care facility. At My Aide In Life, we offer dedicated support throughout this significant transition. Unlike many companies, we commit to providing ongoing assistance over several months or even a year, recognizing that this process requires time, patience, and sensitivity.
For seniors, downsizing is more than organizing belongings—it’s a deeply emotional journey of reflection and letting go. Our clients appreciate the respect and understanding we bring to this process. We assist with donating and packing possessions and, if requested, provide hands-on support on moving day, including setting up their new home.
The feedback we receive highlights the unique value of our services. Clients consistently express their appreciation for our above-and-beyond approach, describing it as unparalleled in its combination of practical assistance, emotional support, and genuine care during such a life transition.
Healthcare Canada, alongside other key industry players, is shifting the focus from traditional home care to a more diverse and holistic approach. Historically, home care services have centered on addressing specific illnesses, but it’s crucial to broaden this perspective. As Cormac Russell aptly stated:
“Stop institutionalizing people by providing community alternatives. Healthcare only patches us up. Health is created within the community, not in an institution.”
This shift is about enhancing life’s quality and value by balancing medical expertise with the lived experiences of individuals and their communities. Russell’s words also resonate deeply: “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”
At My Aide In Life, we embody this philosophy. While we may not have all the answers regarding personal healthcare, diseases, or disabilities, our commitment to emotional well-being and social support is unwavering. The scenarios shared illustrate how deeply we care and our dedication to making a meaningful difference.
Robyn Wilson, Owner
Cormac Russell www.nurturedevelopment.org
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