Our first of many MEDIA ARTICLES. On Saturday July 26, 2008 an article was written about our senior care program in the St. Catherines Standard.
As a result, we have had a number of phones calls from individuals & families who are interested in 'fostering' a senior in their home.
Thanks Linda for the article. It was well-written and right on!
Jim Scott
Do you believe there is a need for Alternative Family Care for Seniors?
JOIN OUR TEAM
Serenity Care for Seniors Inc. is a social purpose business enterprise which is committed to "Fostering Seniors through the development of alternative family care homes in communities around the Globe."
In order to meet our vision on behalf of seniors and their families, we have developed an opportunity for 'Community Partners' to work with us locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. With over 25 years experience in the development of alternative family care environments, we are confident that we can assist you to become a leader in your community.
Become a Leader in your Community:
Do you have an interest in working with us as a 'Community Partner' to the "Fostering Seniors Program" in your community. There is a modest fee which prepares you and offers you the 'tools' to succeed in this capacity.
Interested in learning more, send us an e-mail to info@serenitycare.ca.
Have you ever considered being in business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are making this opportunity available to like-minded individuals.
In order to meet our vision on behalf of seniors and their families, we have developed an opportunity for 'Community Partners' to work with us locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. With over 25 years experience in the development of alternative family care environments, we are confident that we can assist you to become a leader in your community.
Become a Leader in your Community:
Do you have an interest in working with us as a 'Community Partner' to the "Fostering Seniors Program" in your community. There is a modest fee which prepares you and offers you the 'tools' to succeed in this capacity.
Interested in learning more, send us an e-mail to info@serenitycare.ca.
Have you ever considered being in business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are making this opportunity available to like-minded individuals.
SENIORS-FORUM
Along with our not-for-profit/charitable partner organization and business associates, we are pleased to announce that our first "SENIORS-FORUM" is scheduled for November 23, 2008.
The purpose of our SENIORS-FORUM is to have an 'open-house' type forum where seniors, their families, fostering families, professionals and business can attend to learn more about our services/activities in their community, discuss long-term care strategies for seniors, and to network together.
As we move into 2009 our SENIORS-FORUM activities will be scheduled in a number of communities. We will inform communities in advance through various strategies. We believe our SENIORS-FORUMS are a very dynamic way for us to inform communities about our "Fostering Seniors" Program.
Please contact us at info@serenitycare.ca if you have any suggestions about:
> How we can make our SENIORS-FORUM more successful
for all involved.
> How you would like to organize a SENIORS-FORUM in your
community in 'partnership' with us.
Thankyou.
Jim Scott
Founder
The purpose of our SENIORS-FORUM is to have an 'open-house' type forum where seniors, their families, fostering families, professionals and business can attend to learn more about our services/activities in their community, discuss long-term care strategies for seniors, and to network together.
As we move into 2009 our SENIORS-FORUM activities will be scheduled in a number of communities. We will inform communities in advance through various strategies. We believe our SENIORS-FORUMS are a very dynamic way for us to inform communities about our "Fostering Seniors" Program.
Please contact us at info@serenitycare.ca if you have any suggestions about:
> How we can make our SENIORS-FORUM more successful
for all involved.
> How you would like to organize a SENIORS-FORUM in your
community in 'partnership' with us.
Thankyou.
Jim Scott
Founder
PCA Support Line
It is important to the Principals at Serenity Care for Seniors Inc. that our fostering families feel supported. If you as a foster family have any questions, or concerns, please call us directly (in confidence) at:
info@serenitycare.ca
info@serenitycare.ca
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (for caregivers)
We can provide training information for those interested in this opportunity.
Charitable Activities
Serenity Care for Seniors is pleased to announce a strategic alliance with a local senior care advocacy group (not-for-profit, charitable organization) whose commitment to improved outcomes for seniors in long-term care is similar to ours.
An Action Plan is being developed to pursue a number of charitable activities which will be designed to continue to advocate, support and assist seniors (and their families, caregivers, the community at large).
Stay tuned for more news...
An Action Plan is being developed to pursue a number of charitable activities which will be designed to continue to advocate, support and assist seniors (and their families, caregivers, the community at large).
Stay tuned for more news...
Health & Wellness
Learn about health, wellness & anti-aging
FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
We would like to introduce LINFIELD PARALEGAL SERVICES. Our good friend Mr. John Greer is the President of Linfield Paralegal Services who specializes in the development of "Wills & Testaments." This is an important short & long-term strategy for individuals & families.
For more information, please contact Mr. Greer directly:
E-mail: jgreer@talkwireless.ca.
Phone #: (905) 834-1924
Fax #: (905) 834-2070
For more information, please contact Mr. Greer directly:
E-mail: jgreer@talkwireless.ca.
Phone #: (905) 834-1924
Fax #: (905) 834-2070
"Nuts & Bolts"
QUESTION:
"What level of care would any of the seniors require?" Rayana.
RESPONSE:
Seniors suitable for your home would be considered non-medical, and would enjoy the liberties of independence and self-sufficiency. While a 'primary' is identified from the fostering family who is required to be available, each senior will enjoy activities that blend with the family and some that maybe independent of the fostering family.
Seniors bring with them enriched life histories and experiences that have shaped their lives. It is the the 'hand-glove' match that we work towards in bringing seniors and families together.
QUESTION:
"Can Seniors be left alone for a few hours? Overnight?" Rayana.
RESPONSE:
As mentioned, it is permitted that seniors function in the home as part of the family, but also maintain their own level of autonmy. Fostering families have the opportunity to work outside the home and have personal goals which they maintain so they too have their own independence and autonmy.
Communication is key in having a 'family plan' which outlines the needs and expectations of the 'household'. Through this plan each member identifies what is important to them and each member supports the other(s) in achieving these goals.
************************************************************************
The following policy issues are being addressed as a training issue for Fostering Families:
1. "The role of 'parent' in caring for seniors could be disrespectful and demeaning."
RESPONSE:
There maybe situations that permit us to get a better understanding of the 'foster' families and their approach towards the concept of 'parenting.' While we are not expecting caregivers, not do we want fostering families, to 'parent' seniors, there are circumstances where learning about their experiences (especially if the family have their own biologicial children) may be relevant in caring for seniors.
The questionnaires we use are designed to have prospective fostering families think seriously about this opportunity. It prompts people to ask questions, where they may need answers, in making an informed decision about "Fostering Seniors" in their home.
2. "An expectation a fostering family has of a senior contributing to the household (i.e., cleaning, dog sitting, gardening, etc) may not be a realistic expectation for a potential fostering family, and may in and of itself lead to elder abuse."
RESPONSE:
The 'houshold' part is something that is discussed as part of the permanency plan when a final decision has been made for the senior to reside in the home. Seniors participating in the 'house' is one way for the senior to assimilate into the family in terms of them feeling empowered to continue to remain independant and self-sufficient. This is not something that is expected, but something that they (the senior) themselves may feel they want to do (not because they have to but because it might make them believe it would make them feel more "a part" of the family unit).
We would check in with the fostering family/senior regularly to ensure that things are on-track and any issues are addressed immediately. Every home environment is unique to the next! Every familial relationship will be as unique and will require the art of open and honest dialogue and successful communication to arrive at various comfort zones.
COMMENT
Hi Jim. Excellent idea! These are questions that some people may be reluctant to ask. I believe the program you have is such a great idea. I have met some wonderful seniors in retirement homes, and nursing homes lacking the mental and emotional stimulation of the every day interactions we take for granted. To be wanted and accepted would be a dream come true for many seniors that don't have a family or advocate of their own. The screening process is a difficult one, and I am happy that the process has been carefully thought out. I look forward to continued association with your program.
Thanks. Cheryl.
"What level of care would any of the seniors require?" Rayana.
RESPONSE:
Seniors suitable for your home would be considered non-medical, and would enjoy the liberties of independence and self-sufficiency. While a 'primary' is identified from the fostering family who is required to be available, each senior will enjoy activities that blend with the family and some that maybe independent of the fostering family.
Seniors bring with them enriched life histories and experiences that have shaped their lives. It is the the 'hand-glove' match that we work towards in bringing seniors and families together.
QUESTION:
"Can Seniors be left alone for a few hours? Overnight?" Rayana.
RESPONSE:
As mentioned, it is permitted that seniors function in the home as part of the family, but also maintain their own level of autonmy. Fostering families have the opportunity to work outside the home and have personal goals which they maintain so they too have their own independence and autonmy.
Communication is key in having a 'family plan' which outlines the needs and expectations of the 'household'. Through this plan each member identifies what is important to them and each member supports the other(s) in achieving these goals.
************************************************************************
The following policy issues are being addressed as a training issue for Fostering Families:
1. "The role of 'parent' in caring for seniors could be disrespectful and demeaning."
RESPONSE:
There maybe situations that permit us to get a better understanding of the 'foster' families and their approach towards the concept of 'parenting.' While we are not expecting caregivers, not do we want fostering families, to 'parent' seniors, there are circumstances where learning about their experiences (especially if the family have their own biologicial children) may be relevant in caring for seniors.
The questionnaires we use are designed to have prospective fostering families think seriously about this opportunity. It prompts people to ask questions, where they may need answers, in making an informed decision about "Fostering Seniors" in their home.
2. "An expectation a fostering family has of a senior contributing to the household (i.e., cleaning, dog sitting, gardening, etc) may not be a realistic expectation for a potential fostering family, and may in and of itself lead to elder abuse."
RESPONSE:
The 'houshold' part is something that is discussed as part of the permanency plan when a final decision has been made for the senior to reside in the home. Seniors participating in the 'house' is one way for the senior to assimilate into the family in terms of them feeling empowered to continue to remain independant and self-sufficient. This is not something that is expected, but something that they (the senior) themselves may feel they want to do (not because they have to but because it might make them believe it would make them feel more "a part" of the family unit).
We would check in with the fostering family/senior regularly to ensure that things are on-track and any issues are addressed immediately. Every home environment is unique to the next! Every familial relationship will be as unique and will require the art of open and honest dialogue and successful communication to arrive at various comfort zones.
COMMENT
Hi Jim. Excellent idea! These are questions that some people may be reluctant to ask. I believe the program you have is such a great idea. I have met some wonderful seniors in retirement homes, and nursing homes lacking the mental and emotional stimulation of the every day interactions we take for granted. To be wanted and accepted would be a dream come true for many seniors that don't have a family or advocate of their own. The screening process is a difficult one, and I am happy that the process has been carefully thought out. I look forward to continued association with your program.
Thanks. Cheryl.
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