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The March Edition | March 16, 2017
Katherine Peters
President & CEO

Message from the President

Greetings friend, and welcome to the March Comfort Connection!
Lately we’ve been talking a lot about our "new" Share Your Care initiative at Comforts of Home – Care. In some ways, it's new, and in other ways, it goes way back. Let me explain.
Back in 2004, I worked as a social worker in a personal care home. My job description included visiting one resident a week to determine a possible new care plan.
I entered the room of one resident who was parked in her wheelchair, facing the window. The room was so still and so quiet. She didn’t respond when I said hello; she just looked at me with a vacant stare.
I looked around for something, anything that could give me a clue to help me fill out her report. There on the bulletin board was a solitary Christmas card.
I took her hand in my hand, and what happened next surprised me. She grasped my hand so tightly that she wouldn’t let go. Her eyes connected with mine. As I was locked in that moment, I realized how much she would benefit from a companion. 
The Director of Care scoffed when I recommended a companion for this "non-communicative" resident.
In my time there, I saw such a high need for companion care. But I realized not every resident would benefit from a three-hour visit, which is typically the minimum time.
As the social worker in the home, I organized three to four residents to be visited by the same companion in her minimum three-hour visit. It worked fabulously! She brought some crafts and games and spent a shorter time with several residents.
So it’s no wonder that less than a year later, I started Comforts of Home – Care; a company that provides companions to help elderly people stay engaged with life, preventing isolation and bringing connection and hope.
Since that time, we have a specially-organized program called "Share Your Care." 
If you work in a personal care home or assisted living facility, or if you have a loved one in a facility, please contact us to learn more about the program! Simply hit reply to this email or give us a call at 204-949-3234.

Blessings,
Katherine

Katherine Peters
President & CEO

Free Courses for Family Caregivers

Adult children of parents with dementia or increased care needs can often feel overwhelmed, both physically and emotionally. They come willing but at times unprepared  but there is help!
Having the right information and training can better equip you as a family caregiver, as well as reduce stress and depression associated with caring for a loved one.
At Comforts of Home  Care, we lift the burden by providing much-needed help through our companion services.
...But we also want to reach out specifically to your personal well-being as a family caregiver.
Understanding what mom or dad are going through, and having the appropriate resources and information, will really help to lift that caregiver burden.
Get help and information through our free online training courses  a wealth of information is available in over 50 highly visual, engaging and interactive courses.

Recipe of the Month: Stir-fried Broccoli, Red Peppers & Beef

Looking for a quick meal that's packed with protein and veggies?
Try this stir-fried broccoli, red peppers and beef recipe from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada!
It provides plenty of flavour along with the nutrients  and you could even sneak in some extra vegetables if you feel so inclined.

Video: This Will Change Your Understanding of Dementia

In this brief video, one woman talks about her experience with dementia. 
"You can still live positively and independently, if you accept that changes need to be made. Every day is different... On bad days, it's like a fog descends on the brain, and confusion reigns."
Be sure to watch the video right to the end – her message is an important one!

Click here to watch the video now.

Caregiver of the Season

This month's Caregiver of the Season is Brenda T.! She has been a part of the Comforts of Home  Care team since April 2012.
"Comforts of Home  Care gives me the opportunity to brighten a senior's day, whether it is assisting with activities of daily living, taking them to an appointment, or sharing a cup of tea and a good laugh. It's always nice to be appreciated, and I really feel that from my coworkers in the office, my seniors, and their families."
Brenda's life has always involved caregiving. By the age of 12, she was babysitting; as she grew up, she went into nursing, raised her children, and then retired from nursing. She was eager to return to caregiving, so Comforts of Home  Care has been a wonderful fit.
"I have a great appreciation for our seniors and the sacrifices they have made to create a better life for us," Brenda says. "Canada is celebrating 150 years this year  and the people who are entrusted to our care are a very big part of this accomplishment! I have learned so much from many of them, and I try to pass on that wisdom to my children and grandchildren."
In her spare time, Brenda enjoys visiting with family, cooking, and working in her yard.
Thank you, Brenda, for all that you do!

Caregiver Recognition Day

Caregiver Recognition Day is just a few weeks away, on Tuesday, April 4.
It is an opportunity to celebrate and honour family caregivers and their social and economic contributions, as well as to provide caregivers with additional resources and information.
Caregiver Recognition Day is about giving back to the caregivers all across Manitoba!

Joke of the Month

Due to a job transfer, a man moved from his hometown to New York City.
Being that he had a very comprehensive health history, he brought along all of his medical paperwork when it came time for his first check up with his new doctor.
After browsing through the extensive medical history, the doctor stared at his patient for a few moments and said, "Well there’s one thing I can say for certain, you sure look better in person than you do on paper!"
Comforts of Home - Care
P: 204.949.3234 | F: 204.949.9049 | E: info@cohcinc.com | W: ComfortsOfHomeCare.ca
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