August 2016 - Aetonix

Is Chronic Disease Management Possible in Rural Places?

Every year, the number of Canadians with chronic diseases grows. The need for services that support chronic disease management has never been greater. Fortunately, there’s reason for optimism. We’re witnessing the rise of the empowered patient. If you work in home care, you’re already aware that this is good news for those with chronic diseases. Empowerment means more control over

Residents Overusing Your Nurse Call Button? Try These Tips

If you work in residential care, you know stress. You know what it’s like to deal with many demands at once. Your facility’s nurse call system is a reminder that resident needs should always come first. Unfortunately, not all residents limit their call button usage to when they truly need assistance. This is a problem because overuse can slow down

3 Ways To Provide Better Continuity of Care at Home

If you work in home care, you understand the importance of consistency. Whether you’re an agency operator, case manager, or caregiver, continuity of care should be one of your biggest priorities. There’s plenty of medical literature on this issue in the context of hospitals and other care facilities, but less has been written about continuity as it relates to care

Can We Improve Palliative Care in the North?

We don’t talk enough about death. Most of us would prefer to imagine we’ll live forever. We’d also like to believe that our loved ones will be with us forever. It’s not just death we’re in denial about, but all things related to it. We really, really don’t like thinking about end-of-life care. Will I be capable of making my

4 Tips For Helping a Loved One with Medication Management

Are you actively engaged in the care of an adult relative? Being a family caregiver is a ton of responsibility. So is overseeing the at-home care a loved one receives from professionals. Juggling life obligations can feel impossible; there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day. One of the best things you can do is get organized.

How Does Your Facility’s Fall Prevention Plan Measure Up?

How many older adults have fallen in your facility this year? Falls aren’t a pleasant thing to think about. But if you’re involved in operating a residential care home, thinking about them is a big part of your job. You probably know the statistics. But they most certainly bear repeating, so here’s a reminder. According to a figure from the

Why Home Care Matters in First Nations Communities

More than ever before, Canadians are receiving health care services in their homes. Home care patients are generally happier and healthier than those in hospitals. The services they receive tend to be less costly, which means big savings for governments. It’s no wonder health care is shifting out of traditional settings. But what do these changes mean for First Nations communities? Due

Reducing Resident Evictions with Nurse to Nurse Communication

It’s a difficult subject. If you run or operate a care facility, resident discharges, evictions, and transfers are the last thing you want to think about. No service provider wants to be in the position of having to refuse care. Telling a resident’s family you can no longer meet the needs of their loved one can be extremely difficult. Your

Ontario’s New Home Care Funding Mean Opportunities for Agencies

It was author Laura Ingalls Wilder who said, “home is the nicest word there is”. Today, nearly 60 years after her passing, these words are as true as ever. Canadians are speaking up about their health care preferences, and the message is clear. Now, more than ever, they want to be cared for at home. And governments are listening. Recently, Ontario announced $100