As winter approaches, it’s a good time to assess whether someone you care about could benefit from personalized home health care and/or support services during the cold, icy months ahead. For individuals with mobility issues or chronic health conditions, for example, winter can make even the simplest daily tasks extremely difficult. Add in the sense of isolation that can come with spending more time indoors with fewer visitors, and the potential for a greatly diminished quality of life becomes very real. The solution? GEM Health Care Services can provide a crucial backup support system that ensures safety, delivers companionship, and safeguards well-being throughout the long winter season.
Nursing services
GEM’s Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses can provide home visits – even ones of very short durations – to deliver personalized care and reduce the need for clients to visit clinics or hospitals during peak cold, flu, RSV and COVID season. They are trained to administer medication and intravenous therapy, provide wound care, deliver foot and nail care and much more. They can also liaise with our personal support workers (PSWs) should they believe additional home care supports are warranted. Our team-based approach provides great relief from worry for clients and their families.
Comprehensive support
Some of the many services that GEM’s PSWs can provide include assisting with meal preparation; light housekeeping including cleaning and laundry; personal care services such as bathing, toileting and dressing; medication reminders; exercise assistance; support for cognitive health and numerous other tasks. GEM’s experienced PSWs will also reach out to our nursing team should they feel further action is warranted on any health-related issues.
Safety first
Not only can home care staff assist with transfers within the home, but they can also provide stability and support to help individuals when navigating slippery entranceways, steps, walkways and sidewalks or when entering and exiting vehicles.
Essential errands
Our PSWs can accompany clients to the grocery store, medical appointments, the library or seniors’ centre. They can also assist with organizing key deliveries such as prescriptions or other supplies, to reduce clients’ need to spend time outdoors in extreme weather.
Caring companionship
Just as it can be difficult or even dangerous for seniors or any individual with mobility challenges to leave home, it can be similarly challenging for family members to make the trip to see friends or relatives during the winter months. Having regular visits from care staff who are eager to engage and provide stimulating companionship provides vital social and emotional contact.
Peace of mind
Snowbirds or others who enjoy travelling throughout the year may be hesitant to embark on their journeys if they have a friend or family member who is relying upon them for support. In addition, when distance or weather makes it difficult to check on a friend or family member, it can be nerve-wracking to wonder how they are truly doing without being able to see them in person. Our trained, compassionate team members are always attentive to any issues with the individual or their home environment that may need to be addressed.
Give GEM a try!
We often hear that individuals are reluctant to accept that they need additional support to maintain their dignity and quality of life but once they give our services a try for the winter, they usually want to continue to receive assistance as they find it improves their well-being substantially. If you feel these services could benefit you or your loved one, contact GEM and we can make arrangements to have someone from our team onsite very quickly – sometimes within 24 hours.