Just Like Family Home Care Burnaby/New Westminster

09/22/2025

The Importance of Caregiver Support with Physio and Occupational Therapy After Surgery, Stroke, or Heart Attack

Recovering from a surgery, stroke, or heart attack can feel overwhelming — not only for the individual but also for their loved ones. The journey back to strength, independence, and confidence often requires more than just medical treatment. This is where caregiver support, combined with physiotherapy and occupational therapy, makes a life-changing difference.

Why Recovery Support Matters

After a major health event, many people struggle with mobility, balance, or everyday tasks. Without the right support, recovery can be slow and frustrating. Caregivers trained to work alongside physiotherapists and occupational therapists provide both encouragement and practical assistance. This ensures therapy exercises are carried out safely and consistently, helping clients progress with confidence.

Benefits of Caregiver Support with Therapy

Consistency in Exercises – Therapists may visit a few times a week, but caregivers can help clients practice exercises daily, reinforcing progress.
Safety First – Caregivers ensure movements and activities are performed correctly, reducing the risk of falls or re-injury.
Motivation and Encouragement – Recovery takes patience. Having someone by your side for guidance and emotional support helps clients stay motivated.
Daily Living Assistance – Occupational therapy often focuses on regaining independence in activities such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. Caregivers can assist with these while encouraging the client to regain skills.
Holistic Recovery – With both physical and emotional support, clients heal more effectively and regain confidence sooner.

Support Tailored to Each Individual

At Just Like Family Home Care, we understand that every recovery journey is unique. Whether someone needs gentle encouragement after heart surgery, mobility support following a stroke, or help adjusting routines after a hospital stay, our compassionate caregivers work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure safe and steady recovery.

💚 Recovery is not just about getting back on your feet — it’s about restoring independence, dignity, and peace of mind for both clients and their families.

📞 Call us today at 778-244-7742

📧 Email: office@justlikefamily.ca

🌐 Serving families across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island

09/22/2025

Care the way you need and want💗

09/19/2025

Compassionate Palliative Care: Finding the Right Support at Home or in a Facility

When someone we love is facing a life-limiting illness, families are often left with many questions and difficult choices. More than anything, we want our loved one to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for with dignity. This is the heart of palliative care—a type of support that focuses on comfort, pain relief, and emotional well-being for both the individual and their family.

One of the most important decisions is whether to receive care at home or in a facility. Both options can provide meaningful comfort, and the right choice depends on your loved one’s needs and wishes.

The Comfort of Home

For many, being at home brings a sense of peace. Familiar surroundings, family photos, pets, and the everyday comforts of life can help ease stress during this time. With the support of a professional caregiving company, palliative care at home can include:

Gentle help with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.
Comfort-focused support, from medication reminders to meal preparation.
A calm, listening presence to reduce feelings of loneliness or fear.
Respite for family members, allowing them to focus on sharing moments together rather than the demands of daily care.

Care Within a Facility

Sometimes, a facility may be the best option—especially if advanced medical support or specialized equipment is needed. Facilities can provide round-the-clock monitoring and medical expertise. Families may still choose to bring in caregiving support within the facility for companionship and consistency, ensuring their loved one has familiar faces by their side.

Choosing What Feels Right

Every family’s journey is unique. The most important part of this decision is making sure your loved one feels respected, supported, and cared for in a way that honors their wishes. Whether at home or in a facility, professional caregivers can walk alongside families, offering comfort, guidance, and kindness through every step.

Palliative care is about more than care—it’s about love, dignity, and presence in life’s most tender moments. Families don’t have to face this time alone. With compassionate caregivers, there is support to help make this journey a little gentler.

✨ If your family is exploring palliative care options, Just Like Family Home Care is here to provide support with kindness and understanding. Call us at 778-244-7742 or email office@justlikefamily.ca to learn how we can walk alongside you and your loved one.

09/17/2025

Understanding Senior Driving and Dementia in BC
Legal Framework & Assessment Process

In BC, RoadSafetyBC oversees the medical fitness of drivers. When concerns arise—such as a dementia diagnosis—a medical professional (physician, psychologist, optometrist, or nurse practitioner) must report any potentially unsafe individuals to RoadSafetyBC under Section 230 of the Motor Vehicle Act .

Once reported, RoadSafetyBC may require further evaluation through an Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA)—a cognitive and driving test that includes a pre-trip orientation, a 45-minute on-road drive in the driver’s own vehicle, plus feedback and a post-drive review .

Diagnosis ≠ Immediate Disqualification

A dementia diagnosis alone doesn’t automatically strip someone of their driving privileges. If symptoms are mild, individuals may continue driving safely—but only with close monitoring and regular medical reassessments (every 6 months is common).

But as dementia progresses, key skills like memory, judgment, and reaction time worsen, increasing the risk of dangerous errors—mixing gas and brake pedals, ignoring signage, becoming disoriented, or drifting out of the lane .

Navigating the Transition: Practical and Emotional Considerations

Early Planning & Gradual Transition

Start conversations about driving early—when symptoms are mild. Involving the individual, along with family, in planning helps protect autonomy and reduce conflict and emotional distress.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Caregivers should be vigilant for signs like getting lost, poor lane discipline, confusing pedals, ignoring traffic signals, slow decision-making, and minor collisions

Supporting the Transition

Use tools like a “driving contract,” explore alternate transport (public transit, taxis, community services), and begin introducing them while the person is still driving safely.

Worst-Case Legal Scenarios (and How They Play Out)

Reporting a Dangerous Driver

If someone continues to drive despite known impairment, family members or professionals may be obligated—or allowed—to report them to RoadSafetyBC. Anonymous reports are not accepted; written documentation and identification (driver’s details, license plate) are required.

Litigation & Liability Risks

Failing to report or allowing unsafe driving can lead to liability if an accident occurs. While BC-specific cases are less abundant, caregivers and POAs in other jurisdictions have faced legal scrutiny for negligence when knowingly allowing unsafe driving .

In one account, a person noted:

“If the person with dementia… lets him or her drive off with the vehicle, he or she may become responsible for damages incurred because of negligence” .

Confusion and Danger

Many families share heartbreaking stories—including hits, crashes into guardrails, or dangerous confusion at an intersection:

“He got confused, and then scared… he was NOT supposed to be on the road”
“He ran a stop sign… T-boned someone… and died on impact. It could have easily been prevented” .

Additionally, some individuals continue to drive even after failing assessments—up to 28% in one study .

Summary: Key Points for BC Families, Caregivers, and Seniors

Legal Process

Dementia diagnosis and possible reporting to get a RoadSafetyBC-led assessment

Ongoing Driving

Possibly safe early on, but requires regular reassessment and monitoring

Caregiver Role

Watch for red flags, initiate discussions early, help set up alternate transport

Legal Risks

Permitting unsafe driving may lead to accident liability; reporting may be required

Worst-Case Outcomes

Severe injury or death from accidents; legal liability; emotional trauma

Recommendations & Resources

Initiate Early Discussions
Supportive, respectful conversations framed around safety can ease transitions.

Encourage Medical Evaluation
Ask the doctor to evaluate fitness, and—if needed—trigger RoadSafetyBC involvement.

Implement Safeguards
If the person resists stopping, secure keys, limit vehicle access, and develop a transport plan with community services.

Understand Reporting Obligations
Professionals are legally bound to report; family members can report if safety risk is evident.

Know the Legal Implications
Avoiding or delaying action can result in emotional and legal consequences.

Leverage Support Services
Use programs like DriveWise BC seminars or senior-specific transit supports.

Driving represents freedom and independence. But with progressive conditions like dementia, safety must come first. BC’s laws and assessment processes offer structured, compassionate pathways—if families act early, stay informed, and advocate for both legal and emotional well-being.

09/15/2025

Helping Seniors Declutter: Tips for Families to Simplify While Preserving What’s Special

As our loved ones age, the spaces around them often fill with a lifetime of belongings—photographs, heirlooms, furniture, and everyday items collected over decades. While these objects hold memories, too much clutter can make it harder for seniors to stay safe and comfortable at home. Tripping hazards, crowded walkways, and overstuffed cupboards can all create risks.

At the same time, many of these belongings carry emotional meaning. The goal isn’t to “get rid of everything,” but rather to declutter thoughtfully, keeping what is truly special while making the home easier and safer to live in.

Here are some supportive tips for families helping seniors through this process:

1. Start Small and Respectfully

Begin with one drawer, one shelf, or one corner. Avoid tackling the whole house at once—it can feel overwhelming. Approach with kindness: instead of saying, “You don’t need this anymore,” try, “Let’s look through these together and see what’s most meaningful to keep.”

2. Prioritize Safety First

Clear walkways, stairs, and floors to reduce fall risks. Remove loose rugs, stacked magazines, or furniture that blocks mobility aids. Safety should be the top priority while still maintaining a cozy, familiar environment.

3. Keep What Holds Meaning

Encourage your loved one to keep items that spark happy memories—photo albums, treasured gifts, or meaningful letters. These special belongings help maintain a sense of identity and connection. Displaying them in a place of honour can bring joy without overwhelming the space.

4. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule

If something new comes in, consider letting go of one similar item. For example, if your loved one receives a new sweater, perhaps donate an older one that is rarely worn. This keeps clutter from building back up.

5. Create a “Memory Box”

For smaller keepsakes, make a dedicated box or bin where special items can be stored neatly. This allows seniors to revisit those memories anytime without feeling like everything has to stay out on display.

6. Involve the Whole Family

Grandchildren may enjoy hearing the stories behind certain objects. This can turn decluttering into a bonding activity. It also helps ensure meaningful items find new homes within the family if your loved one chooses to pass them on.

7. Donate or Repurpose with Purpose

Knowing that belongings will be appreciated by someone else often makes it easier to let go. Charities, shelters, or community groups may welcome items in good condition. Present it as giving those things a “second life.”

8. Be Patient and Flexible

Decluttering can bring up emotions—nostalgia, grief, or even anxiety. Move at a pace that feels comfortable for your loved one. Remember, this is their home and their story. Respecting that while making the space safer is key.

Decluttering is not just about “tidying up”—it’s about helping seniors live safely while surrounding them with the items that truly matter. By approaching the process gently and thoughtfully, families can help create a home environment that supports both independence and emotional well-being.

09/15/2025

We help with all situations. Take the first step and reach out 778-244-7742

Just Like Family Home Care helps with daily living activities to help with new moms, dementia care, senior care, meal prep, cleaning, errands, laundry, hygiene care, overnight care and more!

09/13/2025

Recovery Care After Being in Hospital: Why It's Important for a Safe Recovery

After being in the hospital for an illness or surgery, it is important to have proper recovery care in place to ensure a safe and successful recovery. This is where Just Like Family Home Care comes in, providing a range of services to support individuals in their recovery journey in the Burnaby & New Westminster areas.

Here are some of the services offered by Just Like Family Home Care:

- Personal care assistance: This includes help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting to ensure that individuals are comfortable and well-cared for during their recovery.

- Medication management: Proper medication management is crucial for a successful recovery. Caregivers can help individuals stay on track with their medication schedule and ensure they are taking the right doses at the right times.

- Meal preparation: Eating nutritious meals is essential for healing and recovery. Caregivers can help plan and prepare healthy meals to support individuals in their recovery journey.

- Transportation assistance: Getting to follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and other medical appointments is important for a smooth recovery. Caregivers can provide transportation assistance to ensure individuals can get to where they need to be.

- Companionship: Recovery can be a lonely and isolating time, especially for individuals who live alone. Caregivers can provide companionship and emotional support to help individuals feel less alone during their recovery.

Recovery care is important for a safe and successful recovery after being in the hospital. By enlisting the help of Just Like Family Home Care, individuals can receive the support and assistance they need to heal and regain their strength. With personalized care and attention, individuals can rest assured that they are in good hands as they navigate their recovery journey.

09/11/2025

Dementia doesn’t just affect memory — it changes the way a person experiences the world. For families, watching a loved one struggle with confusion, mood changes, or daily activities can be heartbreaking. While many family members start by providing care themselves, the unique challenges of dementia often call for specialized support to ensure safety, comfort, and dignity.

Why Dementia Care Requires Special Skills

Unlike general caregiving, dementia care involves understanding:

Cognitive changes — including memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty with language.

Behavioral changes — such as wandering, agitation, or sudden mood shifts.

Safety risks — from falls to forgetting to turn off appliances.

Emotional needs — including reassurance, familiarity, and maintaining a sense of independence.

Specialized dementia caregivers are trained to respond with patience, adapt communication styles, and create structured routines that reduce confusion and anxiety.

Benefits of Specialized Dementia Care

1. Personalized Care Plans

Specialized caregivers work with families and healthcare professionals to tailor care based on the stage of dementia, daily habits, and personality of the individual. This ensures care is both effective and compassionate.

2. Improved Safety

From fall prevention to monitoring wandering risks, trained dementia caregivers know how to create a safe home environment while still allowing independence where possible.

3. Enhanced Quality of Life

Engaging activities, sensory stimulation, and gentle routines can slow cognitive decline and help your loved one find joy in familiar experiences.

4. Reduced Family Stress

Having a skilled caregiver in place allows family members to focus on being a spouse, son, or daughter again — not just a full-time caregiver. This can preserve relationships and emotional well-being.

5. Specialized Communication

Dementia-trained caregivers use techniques like validation therapy, reminiscence, and non-verbal cues to connect in ways that reduce frustration and build trust.

6. Support for Daily Needs

Specialized caregivers assist with bathing, dressing, meals, and medications — all while maintaining dignity and respecting personal preferences.

The Role of a Dementia Care Team

Specialized dementia care is often a team effort. Agencies like Just Like Family Home Care provide:

Consistent caregivers to build familiarity and comfort.

Ongoing training to ensure up-to-date dementia care approaches.

Flexible schedules for respite, part-time, or full-time care.

Family guidance so everyone understands the best ways to interact and support their loved one.

Dementia is a journey that affects the entire family. Choosing specialized care is not about giving up your role — it’s about making sure your loved one receives compassionate, knowledgeable support that meets their changing needs.

With the right care team, you can focus on what matters most: cherishing the moments, big and small, that you share together.

09/09/2025

Professional Caregiving Agency vs. Hiring a Friend, Neighbor or other Contact — What You Need to Know

When a loved one needs care, many families face the decision: hire through a professional home care agency or find someone privately, such as a friend, acquaintance, or someone from a Facebook community group.

While both options can provide valuable support, there are important differences to consider before making your choice.

Hiring a Professional Caregiving Agency

Pros:

Screened and trained staff – Agencies complete background checks, reference checks, and skills training before sending a caregiver into your home.
Backup coverage – If your regular caregiver is sick or unavailable, the agency provides a replacement so care isn’t disrupted.
Liability and insurance protection – Agencies carry insurance and workers’ compensation, protecting you from potential legal and financial issues if an accident occurs.
Ongoing supervision – Caregivers are supported by a management team who can monitor quality and address concerns.
Specialized experience – Many agency caregivers have training in dementia care, mobility assistance, and chronic illness support.

Cons:

Higher hourly rate – Professional services often cost more than hiring someone directly.
Less flexibility in certain arrangements – Agencies must follow set policies and care plans, which may not be as casual as a friend’s help.

Hiring a Friend or Someone from Facebook

Pros:

Lower cost – You may pay less per hour than an agency rate.
Personal familiarity – If it’s a friend, there may already be a comfort level and trust.
Flexible arrangements – May be easier to negotiate schedules or extra tasks.

Cons:

No background checks or formal training – You’re responsible for verifying their skills and trustworthiness.
No coverage if they cancel – If they’re sick or unavailable, you may be left scrambling for help.
Potential legal/financial risk – Without proper insurance or workers’ compensation, you could be liable for accidents or injuries.
Emotional complications – Mixing friendship and employment can strain relationships if issues arise.
Limited specialized knowledge – May not have training for conditions like dementia, stroke recovery, or palliative care.

Bottom Line

Choosing between a professional caregiving agency and hiring someone privately depends on your priorities: safety, training, and reliability vs. lower cost and personal familiarity. Many families choose agencies for peace of mind and consistency, while others may combine both — using a professional for skilled care and a friend for extra companionship or errands.

When making your decision, weigh not only the hourly cost but also the value of reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability.

09/08/2025

As we age, it is important to receive compassionate and dignified care that respects our individual needs and values. Just Like Family Home Care understands the importance of providing seniors with the highest quality of care that promotes their well-being and enhances their quality of life.

At Just Like Family Home Care, we believe that every senior deserves to be treated with respect, kindness, and compassion. Our caregivers are trained to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs of each individual. Whether it is assistance with daily tasks, medication reminders, or companionship, our caregivers are dedicated to providing the support and care that seniors need to live comfortably and independently.

We understand that aging can be a challenging and vulnerable time in life, which is why we prioritize compassion and empathy in our care services. Our caregivers are not only trained to provide physical assistance, but also emotional support and companionship. We strive to create a warm and nurturing environment where seniors feel valued, respected, and cared for.

Dignity is a core value in our approach to senior care. We believe that every senior has the right to maintain their dignity and autonomy, regardless of their age or abilities. Our caregivers are committed to upholding the dignity of each individual by treating them with respect, honoring their preferences, and empowering them to make their own choices.

At Just Like Family Home Care, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and dignified care for seniors. Our goal is to support seniors in living their best lives by promoting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. If you or a loved one are in need of care services that prioritize compassion and dignity, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized care services for seniors.

778-244-7742

09/06/2025

Being a caregiver isn't a formal title, but rather a role that involves taking care of loved ones before and after work, on weekends, and whenever needed.

It can be a demanding job that takes a toll on one's time, energy, and overall well-being, often leading to caregiver burnout.

Many caregivers don't identify themselves as such, simply seeing themselves as spouses, children, or other family members fulfilling their duties. Just Like Family Home Care understands the challenges faced by family caregivers and offers a supportive environment to help them stay healthy and feel supported in their caregiving journey.

We provide resources and assistance to make the caregiving experience more manageable. Contact us to learn more about the support we can offer you and your family members. 778-244-7742