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Hospital and institutional care
In Canada, over 55 per cent of acute care hospital beds are occupied by older adults. Making your hospital stay as easy and smooth as possible can help the recovery process. Moreover, for many, long-term care homes are key options to consider.
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Complaints as a learning and improvement tool
Each year, many patients, families and caregivers who interact with the health and social systems experience dissatisfaction and adverse events. Complaint mechanisms can be seen as a tool for learning and improvement. But what do we know about the nature of complaints and their effects? -
3 evidence-based tips for living with heart failure
Are you looking for strategies to help you manage a heart failure diagnosis? Check out what the research has to say on exercise, self-care, and transitional care. -
Going home: Plan your transition before being discharged
Going home from the hospital can be both an exciting and stressful time for patients and their caregivers. Make sure that you play an active role in planning your transition back home. -
Treated and discharged: How to avoid repeat hospital visits
Research evidence shows there are things we can do to avoid repeat hospital visits. -
Living with heart failure: How to avoid hospital re-admission
Many people end up back in the hospital after heart failure. “Transitional care” can help ease the move from hospital to home and avoid repeat visits to the ER. -
3 simple ways to manage challenging behaviours associated with dementia
What can caregivers do to help manage common behavior challenges among people with dementia? Three tips supported by research evidence. -
Mini-incision hip replacement surgery: Is it right for you?
If you or someone you know requires a hip replacement, find out the latest research comparing the benefits of mini-incision to standard surgery. -
Combat loneliness and depression by sharing memories: Relive those glory days!
One of the pleasures in life is spending time with family and friends. Another is getting together to relive those good times and memorable moments. Research shows that group activities involving reminiscing can help relieve loneliness and depression. -
Does caregiver stress affect the move to long term care?
Providing care for family members with challenging chronic diseases like dementia can be highly stressful and take a toll on caregivers’ physical and psychological health. When caregivers become “burnt out” are their loved ones more likely to be placed in long term care facilities? -
3 tips to prevent bed sores
Long periods of lying or sitting in one position can lead to pressure sores (also known as bed sores). There are simple and effective options to help prevent this painful condition. -
Nurse-led clinics offer support for people with heart disease
Nurse-led clinics can help patients with cardiovascular diseases manage their medications and make and maintain lifestyles changes, benefiting long-term health and survival compared to usual care. -
Telemedicine for foot care: Using technology to get back on your feet
One study suggests that patients receiving follow-up care for diabetic foot or leg ulcers via telemedicine (online or by phone) may spend less time travelling without any negative effect on their health and lower costs to the healthcare system. Dr. Perry Mayer – an expert in diabetic foot care – offers his perspective on the issue. -
Make it stop! Should patients manage their own pain after surgery?
Most people experience pain after surgery and need to take pain killers for at least a few days. Being in charge of their own medications gives patients some control and may result in improved pain relief. -
Transitioning to end of life care: Communication is key
The latest research shows healthcare providers and their elderly patients find it difficult to talk about end-of-life prognosis and preferences for care. Dr. John You – a doctor and expert in end-of-life communication – shares his perspective. -
Advance care planning and intensive care: Planning ahead for your end of life wishes
Patients who have an advance care plan are less likely to receive unwanted intensive care in hospital. Dr. Michelle Howard – an expert in end-of-life communication – provides a professional view on the topic and citizen contributor Diane shares her personal experience. -
Preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a critical illness
People who survive a critical illness are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Keeping an ICU ‘diary’ is a promising way to help prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms -
Can you relate? Options to improve support for unpaid caregivers
Providing unpaid care offers both rewards and challenges. A panel of caregivers share their thoughts and suggestions about how to better support caregivers. -
Stroke centre or local hospital? In an emergency just call 911!
Specialized, designated stroke centres help reduce death and disability due to stroke. However, in an emergency, is it worth bypassing closer local hospitals to take stroke victims to a designated centre? -
Hospital in the home: After emergency room treatment, follow-up care at home can be an effective and preferred option
After a medical emergency, many people prefer to recuperate at home. New research compares the benefits of home care vs hospital care. Citizen contributor Lillian shares her personal perspective. -
Collaborative care benefits adults suffering from depression and diabetes
People struggling to cope with both diabetes and depression are often at increased health risk. A collaborative care approach can reduce symptoms of both diseases and promote improved overall health. -
Options for long-term care mean more choice for older adults
Home and community based care, assisted living and nursing home care all have related risks and benefits. Decisions about long term care settings should consider the needs and unique circumstances of older adults and the people caring for them. -
Person-centred care for patients with dementia may also benefit caregivers
A person-centred care approach focuses on a patient’s unique abilities, interests, habits and wishes. Care providers who receive training in person-centred care may have higher job satisfaction and experience less career burnout. -
Treating behavioural problems of dementia: When confusion leads to controversy
The majority of people with Alzheimer’s will develop behaviour problems over time and this causes much suffering and stress for patients and caregivers. There are solutions to manage this. -
Recognize and prevent delirium (confusion and agitation) when in hospital.
Simple interventions (family visits, familiar objects, clocks) may help to prevent or recover from acute delirium in hospital. Recognize confusion or agitation and inform staff.
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