Serenitycare: "Nuts & Bolts"

Becoming a Professional Care Associate

This Site is an information portal dedicated to the promotion of Foster Care for Seniors and the Community Initiatives we are involved in

We will continue to post information and update this site so that prospective and current Professional Care Associates are kept up-todate on matters relevant to their interest and commitment in caring for seniors in their home.

Professional Care Associates are individuals or families who are committed to 'fostering' a senior (or two) in their family home.

Please do not hesitate to contact Jim Scott at info@serenitycare.ca if you have any further questions regarding this opportunity.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

"Nuts & Bolts"

You will be pleased to know that we have added a "Nuts & Bolts" section on this site which will be designed to answer questions specific to your experience of "Fostering Seniors." We often get questions from prospective and new caregivers asking for more information about the experience of "Fostering Seniors" as they develop their home to accommodate the care of 1 or 2 seniors.

Our Nuts & Bolts" section will be designed to promote communication within the Network, to empower fostering families to e-mail us asking important questions that might not have already been asked (and responsed to in a timely fashion). These questions, and their responses, are relevant and are posted so that they are available to our entire Network.

When sending your questions address them to Jim, at: info@serenitycare.ca. Your question, and our response, will be posted on the site.

"Working continously to support our Professional Care Associates"

A special thank-you goes out to Rayana for her inspiration.

Jim Scott

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.

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

Charitable Activities

"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.

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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.

Becoming a Professional Care Associate

Saturday, August 9, 2008

"Nuts & Bolts"

Do you believe there is a need for Alternative Family Care for Seniors?

JOIN OUR TEAM

SENIORS-FORUM

PCA Support Line

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (for caregivers)

Charitable Activities

Health & Wellness

FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

"Nuts & Bolts"

Blog Archive

Becoming a Professional Care Associate

Saturday, August 9, 2008

"Nuts & Bolts"

Do you believe there is a need for Alternative Family Care for Seniors?

JOIN OUR TEAM

SENIORS-FORUM

PCA Support Line

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (for caregivers)

Charitable Activities

Health & Wellness

FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

"Nuts & Bolts"

Blog Archive

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