When people start thinking about care for themselves or a loved one, there is often an assumption that care has to be a big commitment.
Maybe someone needs full-time help, and a care provider needs to be there every day. Or maybe the family has reached the point where managing things on their own is no longer possible.
But what if that is not your situation?
A Different Approach to Finding Care
The Care Possible team spent National Seniors Day on October 1st here in Winnipeg with our community at the Pros Know 55+ Active Living Expo and Transcona Seniors Council Health Fair. Talking with attendees brought up an issue many people navigate: What if I am doing great, but just need a little extra support with certain daily routines?
Maybe you can manage your morning routine but need help preparing meals. Maybe your kids can help with a few things most of the time, but you would benefit from someone coming by for a few hours here and there.
That is still care.
And it doesn't have to mean a huge, dramatic change.
Care does not have to be all or nothing
One of the biggest misconceptions about in-home care is that it is only for people who need significant or full-time assistance. In reality, support can look very different from one person to another. The right amount of support depends on the person.
The Province of Manitoba’s approach to aging in place recognizes that many older adults can continue living in their communities when they have help with daily routines and basic needs. Support can change as a person's needs change.
That is important because needing a little help today does not automatically mean needing lots more help tomorrow.
Sometimes a few hours can make a big difference
Think about the difference between having no support and having three hours of support each week.
Those three hours might give you the support you need to prepare meals, go for a walk, get to an appointment, or simply enjoy a conversation with someone.
You still decide what you want help with and how you spend your time. A little support could leave you more time for the things you enjoy, and when family visits, you can spend more of that time together rather than working through a list of tasks.
Small amounts of support can have a surprisingly large effect on a family's routine. Read our article on “When caregivers should explore options for support”
Start with what is actually needed
Instead of asking, “Do I need a care provider?” it can be more helpful to ask:
What has become difficult to do?
Maybe the answer is:
Meal preparation
Transportation
Light household tasks
Getting ready in the morning
Companionship
Personal care
Getting to appointments
Once you know the actual need, it becomes easier to determine the right amount of support. You may discover that you do not need someone there every day; you may simply need another person in your support network.
The goal is not to take independence away
For many people, accepting help can feel like the beginning of losing independence.
That is understandable.
Home is familiar. It is where you have built routines, raised families, and made memories. You may not want someone to come into your home and take things over. The goal of support should be to help with what has become difficult while letting you keep doing what you enjoy and are comfortable with.
A little support today can also help families plan for tomorrow
Care needs do not always change overnight.
Sometimes they gradually shift over months or years. A parent may need a little help now and more support later. Starting with a few hours can give families an opportunity to understand what works.
For families in Winnipeg and across Manitoba, there are different options for arranging care, including publicly supported home care and Self and Family Managed Care for people who want to self-manage their own home care.
Care Possible gives families the option to search for independent care providers, compare profiles, choose based on their needs, and arrange support around their schedule. People can start with a few hours a week and adjust their arrangements as their needs change.
Care does not have to start with a major change. Sometimes it starts with Tuesday afternoon. And sometimes that is exactly the amount of help you need.
About Care Possible
Care Possible is a non-profit social enterprise by Manitoba Possible, dedicated to providing affordable, flexible, and preference-based in-home and respite care services. We support seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families using Self and Family Managed care in Manitoba. Our mission is to ensure that every Manitoban who accesses care has an excellent experience.