Read time: 2 min
By Martin Dumont
Have you ever felt vulnerable, or have you accompanied a loved one who is gradually losing their autonomy because of illness or aging?
When a person’s routine is disrupted and independence declines, some important questions arise. How can a person preserve quality of life without having to leave their home? And can one remain at home without becoming a burden to loved ones?
The answer is yes. With home care it is possible to live safely and with required help in the comfort of one’s own home.
What is home care?
Home care can provide everything that can be done to allow people to live safely in their homes for as long as possible.
In the MRC des Laurentides, a team is at work every day to help make this possible. Led by a home support manager working out of Tremblant-Labelle, this interdisciplinary team brings together professionals from various fields: nursing, respiratory therapy, home care, psychosocial services, nutritionists, and rehabilitation workers. These health care providers accompany clients with special needs or at the end of life, in their homes.
“The goal is to offer the right services at the right time, and to the right person,” explains Annie Paquette, manager at the SAD des Sommets (Service à Domicile) in the Laurentians. The team can adjust their care according to changes in the person’s condition and even bring in specialized equipment when necessary. Until the very end, keeping the person at home remains the priority.
Alerting signs
As for signs that could draw the attention of the family or friends of a person who could benefit from the services of the SAD, specialists look for any noteworthy changes in living habits. “It’s not just occasional forgetfulness like misplacing your keys once, but rather when you start to see significant changes in habits or behavior.” Signs to watch out for include repeated falls or increased physical unsteadiness, difficulty with medications or managing prescriptions, frequent memory lapses or regular episodes of confusion, and changes in behaviour or mental state compared to usual. “When such signs appear, it is essential to pay close attention and consider getting a needs assessment,” says Annie Paquette.
It is important to know that you can call us on behalf of a loved one. “The sooner we can intervene, the better chance the client will have to stay at home for as long as possible. But we always act in agreement and in partnership with the client.”
How to benefit from home care?
Do you suspect that you or a loved one needs help? The first step is simple: contact SAPA at 1-833-217-5365 (Laurentians). There is no complicated paperwork or long form to fill out. A human being will speak with you, assesses your situation, and will guide you step by step.
A needs assessment will be done. If you are eligible, appropriate care will be arranged quickly. And if our team is not the one needed, other organizations can take over. “What is certain is that we will not let you down” concludes Annie Paquette.