HOME                AGAINST ELDER ABUSE                CAREGIVERS                HOSPICE MUSKOKA

    

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A CAREGIVER IS...

A family member, friend or neighbour who provides care or assistance to a person (a child or adult ) who is disabled, chronically or terminally ill, frail or elderly. The family caregiver does not get paid for the services or assistance he/she provides and has not been formally trained to do so.

Note: This Guide contains information about services for adults, mainly seniors, and people with disabilities. For other information, please contact Community Care Access Centres.

The contents of this Guide are for information purposes only and do not constitute medical, legal or other advice. Inclusion in this Guide does not infer endorsement by the authors. All listings are not-for-profit organizations with suggested sources of other resources.

Ý

CAREGIVERS' SUPPORT NETWORK

is a partnership of these community organizations:

---

Caregivers Muskoka/Parry Sound provides education, training, information and social/emotional support to family caregivers. Services include monthly information meetings, educational workshops, telephone support, and community awareness presentations.

Hospice Muskoka serves the emotional and social needs of people of all ages facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Trained, visiting volunteers provide supportive care such as listening, companionship, simple comfort measures, relief for caregivers and bereavement support.

Muskoka Network Against Elder Abuse promotes prevention and awareness of elder abuse issues using a community protocol. Presentations are available to groups, agencies, and classrooms about types of elder abuse, phone scams, and Powers of Attorney.

---

The three organizations collaborate to produce weekly newspaper columns, a newsletter, and this community resource guide. There is a small lending library on site and a 1-800 information line.

This Resource Guide is available at public libraries in Muskoka and Parry Sound and will also be mailed to you upon request.

You can contact any of the three organizations at:

Caregiver's Support Network
98 Pine Street
Bracebridge ON P1L 1N5
Phone: 1-800-777-2205 or 705-646-7677.
Fax: 705-646-2579
e-mail: caregive@muskoka.com
www.muskoka.com/caregiver

Ý

---

Any individual may refer herself/himself or another person for assessment for In-Home Services and Placement Services (Funded by Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care).

In-Home Services (Home Care)

Work in cooperation with you and your family to promote health, comfort and independence by providing:

 

Bracebridge	645-6238
Burk's Falls	382-2361
Gravenhurst	687-7781
Huntsville	789-6451
West Parry Sound CCAC	1-800-440-6762
Parry Sound	746-9351
Near North CCAC	1-888-533-2222
South River, Powassan, Loring, Restoule	476-2222

Placement Services
Helps, guides and supports people and their families when placement in a long-term care facility (nursing home) is needed.

Muskoka-East Parry Sound CCAC

1-800-263-2805

Huntsville	789-6451
West Parry Sound CCAC	1-800-440-6762
Parry Sound	746-9351

Ý

---

The type of service, cost and financial assistance may vary between agencies. Services provided include:

Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Townships of Muskoka Lakes and Georgian Bay:

Canadian Red Cross Home Support

1-800-563-1054

Bracebridge

645-4567

Huntsville, Township of Lake of Bays:

Muskoka Seniors Home Assistance	1-800-550-7106
Bracebridge	645-4567
Huntsville	789-6676

East Parry Sound:

E. P. Sound Community Support Services	1-888-521-0000
(sponsored by Eastholme)	724-2005
Port Loring Royal Canadian Legion Home Support	757-2530

West Parry Sound:

Belvedere Hts Community Support Services	1-800-883-0058
Parry Sound	746-5602

Those listed are not-for-profit organizations, partially funded by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care. For other services:

Yellow Pages - Home Health Services & Supplies; Senior Citizens Services & Centres

Ý

---

Provides mental health crisis intervention, treatment, and community support (case management) services.

Senior's Mental Health Consultation Program provides early detection and treatment of mental illness among the elderly.
Consumer/Survivor and Family Friends Programs provide peer support, self-help, networking, outreach, resources, education, advocacy and economic development.
Community Outreach Support Team offers intensive case management services to people experiencing a serious and persistent mental illness
Adult Protective Service provides case management support for clients 18 years and older with a developmental disability.

Muskoka-Parry Sound Community Mental Health Service 1-800-245-5036
 

Muskoka-Parry Sound Community Mental Health Service

1-800-245-5036

Bracebridge	645-2262
Gravenhurst	687-6709
Huntsville	789-8891
Parry Sound	746-4264
Sundridge	384-5392
Emergency After Hours	1-800-461-5424

Ý

---

Services - accessible housing, attendant services (personal support and homemaking services), outreach in an individual's home, work place, educational institution, and respite for persons requiring long term health care needs.

The Friends

1-888-746-5102

Bracebridge	645-3009
Huntsville	788-2575
Parry Sound	746-5102

Adult Day Away Program offers structured social and recreational activities in a group setting for elderly individuals or adults with physical disabilities - held in many1 communities.

The Friends Adult Day Away Program

1-888-259-6661

Ý

---

Programs, services and information on many health issues that affect seniors - flu shot clinics, injury prevention, wise use of medications, etc.. Ask to speak to a Public Health Nurse.

Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit	1-800-563-2808
Gravenhurst	684-9090
Burk's Falls	382-2018
Huntsville	789-8813
Parry Sound	746-5801

Ý

---

---

 

Assistive Devices Program	1-800-268-6021
Bell Canada Special Needs Centre	1-800-268-9243
CNIB - Muskoka	1-800-563-0887
CNIB - Parry Sound Call collect-	705-472-2710
Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Seniors Home Help Programs	Page 6
The Friends	Page 7-8
Veterans Affairs Canada
Muskoka	1-800-668-5308
Parry Sound	1-800-465-0111
Arthritis Society Client Services Muskoka & Parry Sound	705-645-8548
RISE Centre for Independent Living	1-800-634-6828
Parry Sound	746-6996

Equipment Loans Many local service clubs have loan cupboards. Contact your local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Rotary, Lions, Kinsmen, Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, etc.

Yellow Pages - Hospital Equipment; Hearing Aids

Ý

 

Seniors Luncheons - Contact Seniors Home Help Programs	Page 6
Meals on Wheels Programs - For a program in your area contact CCAC's	Page 5
Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit	Page 8
Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
(For nutrition counselling)
Diabetes Education Programs:
Bracebridge	645-8824
Huntsville	789-6633
Parry Sound	746-5461

Ý

 

Seniors Home Help Programs

Page 6

Yellow Pages - Home Health

Ý

 

District Municipality of Muskoka Community Housing (Call collect)	645-9261
District of Parry Sound Housing Department	1-877-767-6060
Municipal Non-profit Housing (Rent geared to income and market rent):
Bracebridge	645-3303
Gravenhurst	687-6795
Huntsville	787-0510
Community Living Associations (Developmental Disabilities):
South Muskoka	645-5494
Huntsville	789-4543
Almaguin Highlands	384-5384
West Parry Sound	746-9330
Christian Horizons (Developmental Disabilities)	789-1725
The Friends (Physical Disabilities)	Page 7

Yellow Pages - Retirement Communities & Homes; Homes - Elderly People

Ý

 

Seniors Clubs: For one in your area call Caregivers' Support Network	Page 4
The Friends Adult Day Away Program	Page 8
Community Living Associations (Developmental Disabilities)	Page 10
Muskoka/Parry Sound Community Mental Health Peer Support Drop In Centres	Page 7

 

Also local churches, seniors centres, municipal recreation departments, Royal Canadian Legions. Some retirement homes have seniors day programs.

Yellow Pages - Retirement Communities and Homes.

Ý

 

Seniors Home Support Programs

Page 6

Yellow Pages - Home Improvements

Ý

 

Lake Country Community Legal Clinic (serves Muskoka & Parry Sound Districts)	1-800-263-4819
Bracebridge	645-6607
Legal Aid Ontario
Muskoka	645-6622
Parry Sound	746-4011
Office of the Public Guardian & Trustee	1-800-366-0335

Yellow Pages - Lawyers

Ý

 

Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Seniors Home Help Programs	Page 6
The Friends	Page 7-8

Yellow Pages - Home Health Services & Supplies; Nurses

Ý

 

Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Arthritis Society Client Services Muskoka/Parry Sound	705-645-8548
Muskoka-Parry Sound Community Mental Health Service	Page 7

Yellow Pages - Physicians

Ý

 

Seniors Home Help Programs	Page 6
Many churches have lay visitors.

Ý

 

Foot care - contact CCACs	Page 5
McConnell Foundation (Financial Assistance)	645-2231, Ext. 228

Yellow Pages - Audiologists (hearing); Chiropodists (foot care); Dentists; Denturists; Opticians, Optometrists (eye care).

Ý

 

Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Canadian Red Cross Homemakers	1-800-563-1054
Bracebridge	645-6233
Almaguin Palliative Care Team	636-5893
Hospice Huntsville	789-6878
Hospice Muskoka	646-7677
Hospice West Parry Sound	746-9321, Ext. 6297
Near North Palliative Care Network	1-800-287-9441
Veterans Affairs Canada:
Muskoka	1-800-668-5308
Parry Sound	1-800-465-0111

Yellow Pages - Home Health Services & Supplies; Nurses

Ý

 

Almaguin Palliative Care Team	636-5893
Hospice Huntsville	789-6878
Hospice Muskoka	646-7677
Hospice West Parry Sound	746-9321, Ext. 6297
Near North Palliative Care Network	1-800-287-9441
Contact your local church or faith organization.

Yellow Pages - Marriage, Family & Individual Counsellors; Funeral Homes

Ý

 

Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Seniors Home Help Programs	Page 6
The Friends Adult Day Away Program	Page 7-8
Caregivers Muskoka/Parry Sound	Page 4
Veterans Affairs Canada
Muskoka	1-800-668-5308
Parry Sound	1-800-465-0111

Yellow Pages - Home Health Services & Supplies; Nurses; Retirement Communities & Homes

Ý

 

Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Placement Services	Page 5

Yellow Pages - Home Health Services & Supplies; Retirement Communities & Homes

Ý

 

McConnell Foundation	645-2231, Ext.228
Canada Pension Plan (Benefits) & Old Age Security	1-800-277-9914
Veterans Affairs Canada
Muskoka	1-800-668-5308
Parry Sound	1-800-465-0111
Assistive Devices Program	1-800-268-6021
Seniors Information Line  -  Medication Assistance for 65+	1-888-405-0405
Trillium Drug Program - Medication Assistance for under 65	1-800-575-5386
Ontario Ministry of Finance - Tax Grants 65+ & Guaranteed Annual Income System  (GAINS)	1-800-263-7965
Ontario Works (Income Assistance) for under age 65
Muskoka District	1-800-461-4215 or 645-2412
Parry Sound District	1-800-461-4464 or 746-8886
Ontario Disability Support Plan - for under age 65
Muskoka & Parry Sound Districts	1-800-665-9718 or 645-8718

Ý

 

Canadian Red Cross

1-800-563-1054 or 645-4567

Yellow Pages - Medical Alarms

Ý

 

Seniors Home Help Programs	Page 6
Huntsville Transit (Accessible bus)	789-1751 ext. 0
To book wheelchair space	788-6365
Para Bus - Burk's Falls	382-3138
Canadian Cancer Society (For people with Cancer)
Almaguin South	386-2496
Bracebridge	645-8557
Gravenhurst	1-800-555-7922
Huntsville	789-9433
Parry Sound District	1-888-208-2125
Sundridge South River	384-5329
A&P Bus - Bracebridge/Huntsville - for Information	645-5431

Ý

 

Native Health Services	746-5807
Native Mental Health Program	746-2512

Ý

Addiction Outreach provides assessment, referral, counselling, treatment for individuals and family due to substance abuse and gambling problems.

Addiction Outreach	1-800-668-5192
Bracebridge	645-1311
Parry Sound, Burks Falls, Sundridge	746-7113

Ý

 

The Police should always be called in every situation where the victim's life or immediate safety is in jeopardy or where they are the victim of a criminal offense.
 

Ontario Provincial Police Communications Centre	1-888-310-1122
If you suspect elder abuse contact the CCACs	Page 5
Muskoka Interval House - for abused women and their children:
Bracebridge	645-4461 or 1-800-461-1740
Esprit Place-Crisis Centre - for abused women and their children:
Parry Sound	746-4800 or 1-800-461-1707
Muskoka/Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services:
Bracebridge	646-2122
Parry Sound	774-9083
South River	386-1332
24 Hour Sexual Assault Helpline	1-800-461-2929
Seniors Mental Health Consultation Program	Page 7
Adult Protective Service	Page 7
Muskoka Network Against Elder Abuse	Page 4
PhoneBusters & SeniorBusters - phone fraud	1-888-495-8501

Ý

24 Hour Health Care Advice

 

Telehealth Ontario - 24 hour health information, advice and referral from Registered Nurses

1-866-797-0000

Ý

Help for the Caregiver

 

Information about aging, services for seniors and people with disabilities is available from these organizations.
Caregivers Muskoka/Parry Sound	Page 4
Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Seniors Home Help Programs	Page 6
Muskoka/Parry Sound Community Mental Health	Page 7
The Friends	Page 7-8
Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit	Page 8

Yellow Pages - Marriage, Family & Individual Counsellors; Physicians

Ý

Information About Specific Illnesses

 

Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit	Page 8
Alzheimer Society - Muskoka & W. Parry Sound	1-800-605-2075
East Parry Sound	707-495-4342

 

Specific organizations have information to share and some may have a support group in your area. (Such as cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, arthritis, post-polio, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, schizophrenia, spinal cord, brain injury, stroke recovery, Lou Gehrig, epilepsy, Tourette's, etc) For information contact Caregivers Support Network - Page 4.

Ý

Respite From Caregiving

Community Care Access Centres	Page 5
Short Stay Beds at Long-Term Care Facilities (Nursing Homes)       Contact Community Care Access Centres..	Page 5
The Friends Adult Day Away Program	Page 7-8
The Friends Short Stay Respite Program	Page 7-8
Community Living Respite Program (Developmental Disabilities):
South Muskoka	645-5494
Almaguin Highlands	384-5384
West Parry Sound	746-9330

Yellow Pages - Home Health Services; Nurses; Retirement Communities & Homes; Homes - Elderly People; Nursing Homes

Ý

WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?

When dealing with older adults, you might encounter situations that could be considered as elder abuse. It is important to know what elder abuse is in order to prevent it or report it.

Physical Abuse:

• direct infliction of physical pain or injury, shoving, slapping, pinching, hitting, kicking, restriction of freedom, movement, or affection and over/under medication abuse. Sexual abuse.

Psychological Abuse:

• socially isolating, insulting, threatening, yelling at, withholding affection and denying privileges.

Financial or Material Abuse:

• theft, by a relative or paid caregiver, of money or object of value belonging to the elder, forging signatures, misuse of money, withholding funds.

Neglect:

• failing to provide necessities of life such as adequate heat, food, clothing, cleanliness, providing inadequate supervision.

               

 

 

HELPFUL TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

Ý

• You are not alone; there are many others in your community who are also care giving. It will help you to share your questions, feelings, and joys about caregiving.
   

• Take time for yourself, so that you stay healthy. If you become ill, who will care for your loved one?
   

• Have a backup plan for care in case you are sick; for example, friends or relatives who can be called in on short notice or an emergency.
   

• Keep a diary or notebook to help you remember changes in health status, events, appointments.
   

• Help the person remain independent by letting them do as much as they can for themselves.
   

• Become familiar with the services available in your community. Ask for help; you may be surprised at how much help is available.
   

• Be informed about the person's medical condition; being prepared can reduce stress.
   

• Know the physician, pharmacist, dentist and other service providers in your area.
   

• Have a list of the person's medications on hand in case of emergency.
   

• Have a list of emergency and frequently called numbers, in bold print, by the person's telephone.
   

• Become familiar with legal issues: wills, Power of Attorney (financial and personal care).
  
  

Remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE, HELP IS AVAILABLE. THIS RESOURCE GUIDE CAN HELP YOU FIND IT.

 

Ý

 

LONG DISTANCE CAREGIVING

Many adult children live miles from their elderly parents. Here are some ideas to help close that gap and bring peace of mind.

• Establish a routine time for telephoning.
   

• Exchange telephone numbers with your relative's neighbours.
   

• Make yourself known to professionals involved in your relative's care: physicians, their staff, home care case managers, pharmacist, family lawyer, bank manager, faith leader and make sure they know how and where to reach you.
   

• Register your parent in available security check programs: Telephone Assurance; Letter Carrier Alert; electronic medical protective devices.
   

• When you visit your parent, observe their physical and mental health. Check on conditions such as cleanliness of bed linens, clothes, kitchen and bathroom; quantity and quality of food and medications; safety factors such as smoke detectors, loose carpets, obstacles and steps where falls could occur.
   

• Find out what community services are available to help your relative, such as transportation, friendly visiting, meals on wheels, seniors luncheons, day away programs, respite, recreation activities through seniors centres, homemaking, and home maintenance.
   

• Discuss the available services with your relative and siblings. Talk about what your relative would accept - now and in the future if their health changes.
   

• Plan for emergencies. Leave a key to your parent's home with a trusted person for quick access.
   

• Have a "communication book" in the home where all care providers can note concerns or questions. This will help keep you informed.
   

• Prioritize tasks that you want to accomplish with each visit, such as people to talk to and things to do.
   

• If a sibling has responsibility for caregiving your relative, offer emotional support and financial assistance (if possible) to give them a break.

• Community Care Access Centres in Ontario provide information about health care and other services available in the home and community. Similar organizations exist in other parts of Canada. Public libraries, seniors clubs or community information centres are also good sources.
  

• Working together with your relative and other family members can help to ease the strain of living far apart.

Ý

YOU CAN HELP A CAREGIVER

• Listening is the most important thing you can do for a caregiver.

• Give the caregiver a break by offering to stay with their loved one.

• Invite the caregiver to go out.

• Offer specific help, such as shopping, yard work, meal preparation.

• Don't give advice unless it is asked for.

• Be supportive of decisions the caregiver makes.
   

Ý

COMMUNICATING WITH AGENCIES

Have your diary/notebook handy. Write your questions ahead of time.

• Record name and extension of the resource person and write down comments/impressions.

• Have personal numbers handy: Old Age Security, Ontario Health Card, Social Insurance...

• Be patient; you might have to repeat your story, or you may be put on hold or transferred. Finding the right answer/person may take longer than expected.

• Be specific - polite but firm. Speak up... never assume others know what you need.

• Phone in the morning or right after lunch.

• Do not apologize for asking for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

• If you have to go for an interview or a meeting, ask what you need to bring. Ask also if the person makes home visits.
  
  

Ý

VISITING THE DOCTOR

(Adapted from Lifeline Connections, Vol. 5, No. 1, January 1998)

• Write it down: Before seeing your doctor, and when you're relaxed and clearheaded, write down a list of what you would like to talk about. For instance, you might note that you have had a bad cough fo