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A bi-monthly newsletter published by the
Supporting Family Caregivers Across the Lifespan Project
T h e Fa m i l y C a r e g i v e r s ’
G r a p e v i n e
November/December 2011
There’s no place like home. That’s especially
true for those who’ve lived in the same place
for a lifetime. While many seniors live inde-
pendently, there may come a time when they
have to downsize, whether to a smaller, easier
to maintain space or to some sort of sup-
ported living. Like any transition, it can be
stressful for the person who is moving—and
for those helping them move.
The task of dealing with the possessions gath-
ered over many years can be overwhelming.
What, to some, may seem like heaps of use-
less items can actually be precious objects
with attached memories. Parting with those
things can represent yet another loss in an
elder’s life.
Caregivers, on the other hand, often feel torn
between the need to get the job done in time
for moving day and the desire to allow their
loved one to sort through their possessions at
their own pace. “The important thing,” says
decluttering coach Anna Camporese, “is to re-
assure them that they are going to be
respected and that their things are going to
be respected.”
Camporese believes six months is an ideal
timeline—no matter how much time you
have, the first step is to make a list of things
that need to be done. Those tasks can then be
broken down into manageable chunks, with a
set deadline for each one. She points out that
seniors can become quite fatigued so it’s a
good idea to deal with one drawer or one box
at a time, and focus only on that.
Seniors are advised to keep items they’ve
used for hobbies, such as sewing machines or
knitting supplies, since they may want to
Transitions in Later Life
by Josie Padro
continued on page 2
Istock image
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The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 2
re-engage in the activity in their new home. A
small selection of kitchen supplies is also
worth keeping. Even though many seniors’
residences provide meals, suites may have
small kitchens which are handy for preparing
snacks and simple meals.
Downsizing is a good time for seniors to be-
queath special items to close friends and fam-
ily. It’s not only an opportunity to make sure
that valued possessions go to people who will
enjoy them and take care of them, but it’s
also a great way to have items moved out of
the home. In the same vein, if family mem-
bers have stored possessions in the attic or
basement, set a date by which the owners
must remove them.
The following additional tips can help make
the moving experience easier: Sort items into
five categories: to be kept, to be given to
family or friends, to be sold, to be donated, or
to be thrown away. Use a floor plan to map
out the space the senior will be moving into
so that you can measure and keep furniture
that fits best. Finish removing all the items af-
ter the person has relocated so they don’t feel
lost and alone in an empty house.
After all the work of sorting, packing and
moving is done, it’s time to celebrate. Try to
make the new location as homelike as possi-
ble by filling it with familiar things. Planning a
meal together or hosting a small house warm-
ing party can be the start of more happy
memories in the new setting.
North Shore Community Resources will be
offering the workshop “Making Transitions in
Life” on November 5, 9:30 to 12:00 at Silver
Harbour. Contact Helen at 604-982-3313 or
[email protected] for more information.
Have you visited our website? The North Shore Community Re-
sources Caregivers Across the Lifetime Project is looking for
your feedback so that they can provide relevant and needed
information and resources. If you are a caregiver, we invite you
to complete our survey on our website content. Your responses
are valuable to us.
You can find the survey by clicking on the “Caregiver Survey”
link posted on our website,
www.nscr.bc.ca/information/caregiver.html
Transitions in Later Life continued from page 1
Survey Says….
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Modern architecture, light-filled rooms, cozy
fireplace, beautifully landscaped grounds: it
sounds like someone’s dream home. It also
describes the North Shore Hospice which
celebrates its first anniversary in November.
The 15-bed hospice, at 319 East 14th
Street in
North Vancouver, opened its doors in
November 2010. In its first year, the hospice
provided care and support to 157 patients
and their families.
The goal of palliative care is not to cure, but
to provide quality of life. People receiving
palliative care at the hospice are spared
invasive and aggressive treatments. Instead,
every effort is made to ensure that they are
kept pain-free and able to engage with friends
and family as much as possible. The focus is
on fulfilling physical, social and spiritual
needs.
A full range of professionals work together to
provide care at the hospice. In addition to the
medical and nursing staff, the team includes a
pharmacist, a social worker, a chaplain, a
music therapist and a dedicated group of
volunteers.
Chef David is an important member of the
hospice team. He focuses on preparing
healthy nutritious meals which have, in some
instances, helped patients gain enough
strength to allow them to return to their own
homes. Family and friends can have meals at
the hospice at a very modest price, lunch is $7
and supper is $9.
Family members are encouraged to feel at
home at the hospice and are free to come and
go at anytime of the day. Family members
who stay overnight, can sleep in the fold-out
double bed available in each room. Visitors
who do stay overnight have access to a small
kitchenette, where they can store food and
snacks. A shower room is also available for
those visiting for extended periods.
The hospice also provides programs and
services to those living in the North Shore
community. It offers a 12-week Palliative Care
Day Program for people with a life-
threatening illness who are living at home.
The program runs four days a week from
10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is staffed with a
North Shore Hospice Celebrates Year One
by Josie Padro
Page 3 November/December 2011
continued on page 4
Photo: Denise Wait
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The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 4
A little humour goes a long way. Our thanks to
Contact Printing and Mailing Ltd on Forbes Road and 2nd Street for
their sign that gives us a chuckle every time we pass by:
North Shore Hospice Celebrates Year One
by Josie Padro (continued from page 3)
registered nurse and a care aide. Those at-
tending the day program are encouraged to
identify their needs and goals – whether it’s
symptom control, diet, counselling or the
need for a pampering massage. They gain
support from others in the program who are
dealing with similar issues.
Every Wednesday the hospice runs a their
Caregiver Support Group. Caregivers in this
group are free to use any of the hospice facili-
ties they need. Home support can be ar-
ranged so that the caregiver can feel free to
attend the group. Transportation can be ar-
ranged, if needed.
Program Manager Jane Webley notes that
caregivers seem, almost visibly, to have a
weight lifted from their shoulders when their
friend or family member is admitted to the
hospice. While they may continue some care-
giving tasks, they are encouraged to focus on
the relationship they had before they became
a caregiver – that of wife, son or friend, for
example.
The hospice is only one option for end-of-life
care on the North Shore. Lions Gate Hospital
operates an 8-bed palliative care unit for
shorter stay admissions. Those who wish to
stay at home can receive palliative care ser-
vices there. Home care nurse visits can be ar-
ranged as can home support workers.
To access palliative or hospice care, patients
must be referred to the North Shore Palliative
Program by their family doctor or home care
nurse. For more information contact the Van-
couver Coastal Health’s North Shore Palliative
Care Program at 604-988-3131 ext. 3743.
Laugh Lines
“If attacked by a
mob of clowns go for
the juggler”
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The holiday season can be a wonderful time
to meet with friends and family. For those car-
ing for a friend or family member, the season
may come with special challenges. In addition
to the tasks of caregiving, the extra energy
needed to take part in social celebrations can
be taxing.
Take stock of how much energy you have and
how much you can expend. The key is to be
aware of what your body is telling you. It may
mean that you have to attend fewer func-
tions. It may mean that you can’t bring that
special dish, which you’re famous for, to the
pot luck. It may be a time to draw on re-
sources you don’t normally use. For example
visitors may be able to take your family mem-
ber on a special outing. Also, remember to
arrange respite care early. It’s a busy time for
everyone. Whether you’re asking a neighbour
or a health care professional, putting in a
timely request can ensure you get a reserved
spot in their datebook.
The holiday season can be a good opportunity
to communicate with family members and to
gain support from them. Friends and relatives
may not realize the impact that caregiving is
having on your life.
Give yourself permission to discuss your feel-
ings about being a caregiver. Many of us are
hesitant to share our feelings for fear of
causing worry or conflict. You may find that
simply expressing your frustrations or difficul-
ties may make your load lighter.
The holidays are traditionally a time that cen-
ter around family celebrations and traditions.
Being unable to celebrate in the same way
you always did can be a loss in itself. But it’s
an opportunity to relive those past celebra-
tions and traditions with conversations and
photographs. It may be a good opportunity
gather the family for a home-movie night.
While you may not be able to recreate past
traditions, it’s a good time to create new ones
or to pass on the responsibility to younger
family members .
Don’t forget to consider your own needs and
to make up your own holiday wish list: lunch
with your child or grandchild, a gift certificate
for a massage, a bestselling mystery novel—
whatever will bring you enjoyment and re-
newal.
The December holidays may be one of life’s
ways to brighten winter, to create opportuni-
ties to gather with friends and family and to
enjoy good food. What’s important is to give
yourself permission to simplify the season, to
be aware of your limits and to care, not only
for others, but also for yourself.
Caregiving Over the Holidays
by Josie Padro
November/December 2011
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Resource Review: The Complete Eldercare Planner
by Josie Padro
The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 6
Complete is the operative word in Joy Loverdale’s updated edition of
The Complete Eldercare Planner (Three Rivers Press, 2009). Though
written with the American health system in mind, the book imparts a
huge amount of practical information for anyone caring for a friend or
family member. Loverdale includes chapters on evaluating whether you’re the best per-
son to take on the care giving role, communication, housing, transpor-
tation, and more. The book provides numerous worksheets that can help caregivers con-
sider questions they may not have thought about. Loverdale’s style is warm, and makes read-
ers feel as though she is speaking to them as a reassuring friend.
Living Juicy—Daily Morsels for your Creative Soul
by Josie Padro
Both resources are practical guides to help make day-to-day realities easier and more enrich-
ing for both caregivers and receivers. Visit the Caregiver Resource Library at North Shore
Community Resources, Suite 201, Capilano Mall, for these and other great books, DVDs, and
CDs for family caregivers. For more information, contact Karyn at 604-982-3320.
Living Juicy: Daily Morsels for Your Creative Soul, by SARK is a whimsi-
cal, little book packed with uplifting and inspiring directives. It seeks
to help readers create “sweet, wild moments that elevate us and
those around us.”
Each page describes activities that foster creative thinking and joy.
The 365 activities can be done daily, weekly or when it’s convenient. Whichever way you use
choose, the book communicates the joy of drawing on and exploring your inner resources.
Some of the suggestions may take you out of your comfort zone, such as the following:
“Practice asking for help. Call a friend and ask to: 1. Borrow
or be given money. 2. Cry unreservedly 3. Complain end-
lessly 4. Hear how much they love you
5. Be taken out for dinner.”
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Legally Speaking: You Can’t Take it (All) With You
by Jackie Morris
When moving from a larger home to a smaller
one or into a retirement or assisted living resi-
dence, you can’t take all your possessions
with you.
Some items can be given to friends and fam-
ily, some to charity, and others may be bound
for the land fill. What about items you wish to
keep with you or can’t bring yourself to give
away right now? If you have a specific person
or a charity in mind to receive the item, here
are some options:
List these items as gifts in your will. This step
is especially important, if you want to give a
valuable item to a charity, as your estate will
want the tax receipt. However, wills can be-
come overly long and cumbersome with a
long list of gifts . Also you cannot amend the
list without changing your will.
Have your will include a clause that refers to
a memorandum. A memorandum is a list of
possessions outside the will, but is signed by
you and dated. It doesn’t even need a wit-
ness. You can add to or delete items as you
wish or prepare a new list without affecting
the contents of your will.
Place the memorandum in your safety deposit
box with your will. While not legally binding
on your executor (as a gift in the will would
be), most executors will honour such be-
quests and, in addition, are relieved to know
what to do with your things. If a memoran-
dum is found, it must be disclosed to benefici-
aries and filed in court with the will.
If you don’t want to revise your will just to in-
clude a new clause referring to a memoran-
dum, prepare, sign and date a list anyway and
put it with your will.
Tag or put masking tape on the item with the
name of the person to receive it. This method
is fairly common, but runs the risk that people
will change the tags or tape, if more than one
person wants the item. It also encourages
inquisitive family or friends to look for the tag
or tape.
If an item is a family heirloom or has special
significance to you, write this down so the
person who receives it knows its history and
what it means to you.
Note: Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre,
144 East 22nd Street, operates a Legal Advice
and Referral Clinic. To book a free, confiden-
tial half-hour appointment with a practicing
lawyer call the centre at 604-980-2474.
Editor’s note: The purpose of this column is not to
advise people on their legal affairs or concerns, but to
provide basic information for discussion with their
own legal counsel.
November/December 2011 2011 Page 7
More Legal Resources
Lawyer Referral: 604-687-3221, 30-minute
consultation for $25
Dial-A-Law: 604-687-4680, free, pre-recorded
legal information.
Law Students Legal Advice Clinics: 604-822-
5791
North Shore Community Resources Legal Infor-
mation: 604-985-7138
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The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 8
Tips on Giving Medication
by Shamim Confortin BSc. (Pharm), RPh
Eating well: what’s in season
by Josie Padro
Along with the stuffing and gravy, cranberries have a well-established place in the traditional
turkey dinner. They’re available fresh at this time of the year and can be used in a number of
different ways. Check out the opposite page for some easy recipes that add an extra cran-
berry zing to everyday dishes.
Choose fresh cranberries that are shiny and plump. They can be kept refrigerated, in a plastic
bag, for up to two months. They can also be kept frozen for up to a year. Add your frozen
cranberries directly into whatever you’re cooking as they tend to get mushy when they’re
defrosted.
Fun Fact: Cranberry juice is often recommended for those who are to prone bladder infec-
tions since cranberries contain a chemical that prevents bacteria from sticking to the surface
of the bladder.
As a caregiver, the task of administering medi-
cations can be challenging. However, with a
bit of knowledge and information, it can be-
come manageable.
First, always know what the medications are
for, and how often they are to be given. Find
out from the pharmacist if there are any spe-
cific restrictions on taking each prescription.
Check to make sure that the person is not tak-
ing anything that is contraindicated by their
condition or that may interact with their
medication.
Pharmacists can now perform Medication
Management Reviews that provide all this in-
formation concisely. If the medication regi-
men is complicated, see your pharmacist to
discuss blister packing the various prescrip-
tions, so that drugs that must be taken at the
same time are grouped together.
Another key point is to have the medications
organized and labeled. Any old or unused
medication should be returned to the phar-
macy for proper disposal.
Setting a regular schedule will also help de-
velop a routine. Those with dementia are
much more likely to respond in a positive
manner when they are ready and expecting
their medication. When someone refuses
their medicine come back in five minutes and
try again. Try to be flexible and imaginative, as
what works one day may not the next.
If swallowing becomes a problem, check with
your pharmacist; many medications are avail-
able in liquid form and some also come in a
patch form. Another option is to crush the
tablets and mix them with some applesauce
or pudding. Always check with your pharma-
cist first because some medications are less
effective if they are not swallowed whole.
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Dried cranberries are also convenient to have on hand. They can be stored in your cupboard
and, like any dried fruit , will keep for months. Sprinkled on salads, they add a chewy tartness.
They can also be tossed into fruit salads (they go especially well with oranges), added to gra-
nola or folded into cooked rice. (Source: Nutrition Action, December, 2010)
Page 9 November/December 2011 2011
Crazy for Cranberries
By Josie Padro
Zesty Cranberry Topping
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 Tbsp Maple syrup
Simmer cranberries, orange juice and
maple syrup in a small saucepan for
10 to 15 minutes. Serve over pan-
cakes or oatmeal.
Cranberry Chutney
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped mango
1/2 cup canned peaches
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
Simmer the above ingredients in a
saucepan for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve
with roast chicken or fish. (Frozen
mango chunks can usually be found in
the supermarket freezer section.)
Cranberry Compote
1 cup apple juice
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup dried fruit (a mix of raisins,
dates and figs, for example)
1 large apple, chopped
1 cinnamon stick
Honey to taste
Simmer the above ingredients in a
saucepan for 20 to 25 minutes. This
makes a tasty topping for yogourt.
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The Family Caregivers’
Grapevine is a bi-monthly
publication intended to
support family caregivers by
promoting the importance of
self-care while providing
practical information and
resources.
If you have any questions or
feedback about the
newsletter, please contact
the editor at:
[email protected]
The Supporting Caregivers
Across the Lifespan Project
is located at:
North Shore Community Resources
201-935 Marine Drive
(Capilano Mall)
North Vancouver, BC
V7P 1S3
Tel: 604-985-7138
Fax: 604-985-0645
This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Social
Development Partnerships Program. The opinions and
interpretations in this publication are those of the
authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government
of Canada.
The Supporting Caregivers Across the Lifespan Project
The Project provides:
● Education sessions for family caregivers
● Social recreation programs
● Expressive arts programming
● Tele-learning education sessions for family caregivers
(educational workshops over the phone)
● Education for professionals working with family caregivers
● Education for employers
Additional activities provided by the Caregiver Support Program:
● Family Caregiver Network groups
● Stress management and relaxation workshops
● Telephone support and individual consultation
● Educational workshops
● Information and referral to community services
● Library with books, videos, and other educational
resources
The Supporting Caregivers Across the Lifespan Project works in
partnership with the North Shore Caregiver Support Program.
Together we provide a wide variety of educational workshops,
caregiver support and resources for family and friends
supporting someone with an illness or disability.
You’re not alone.
We’re here to help.
Are you a family caregiver?
You are if you provide a family member or friend who is
chronically ill, elderly, palliative or living with a disability with
any of the following types of assistance:
● Personal Care: dressing, bathing, eating
● Household Work: house cleaning, shopping/errands,
preparing meals, yard work
● Coordination of Care: transportation, appointments,
arranging services, visiting
● Support: phone check-in, supervision, emotional
support
● Nursing Care: medication, changing dressings
For more information, contact Helen at 604-988-3313 or [email protected] .