Home Instead

10/28/2025

It started with a fall. It grew into friendship that feels like family.

After a lifetime of working the land, Mr. Eddy lost his mobility in an instant. “I just had to lay there until someone came. I couldn’t get up,” he says.

His family lives nearly 700 miles away, and while they couldn’t be there every day to help, his daughter knew he still deserved to feel safe, supported, and cared for.

That’s when she found Home Instead—and Jacquie came into his life.

From the beginning, they just clicked.
They’ve got their own secret handshake.

Mr. Eddy can’t get enough of her southern cooking.
And Jacquie? She listens like a friend, soaking up his stories and life lessons from decades on the farm.

What started as help around the house became something deeper—companionship, laughter, and trust.

Because when family can’t be there, someone like Jacquie can. Someone who shows up with heart. ❤️

Share this story with someone who needs a little hope today. ✨

10/27/2025

We have no control over diagnosis or decline. What we can control is our acceptance, and that helps us move through caregiving with more ease.

Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and former caregiver to her mom who lived with frontotemporal dementia.

Katie shares what it was like to care for her mom while raising four kids and running a business, and how she found peace by letting go of control. She also talks about her new film Wake Up Maggie, a love letter to caregivers everywhere. 💌

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts: https://homeinsteadinc.visitlink.me/HHHZVX

10/24/2025

This week, our VP of Growth, Geeve, and Senior Sales Associate, Zac, had the pleasure of representing Home Instead at the 2025 Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) Conference in Markham!

This year’s theme, “Shifting the Balance: When Upstream Becomes Mainstream,” brought together inspiring keynote speakers, insightful workshops, and meaningful opportunities to connect with professionals across Home and Community Care and the broader health system.

A huge thank you to OCSA for hosting such an incredible event, we’re always grateful for the opportunity to learn, share, and connect. It was also wonderful to see our Community Partners, including CANES, CHATS, Alzheimer’s Society Ontario, and Carefor. We truly value the collaboration and shared commitment to providing exceptional supports for aging adults and families across Ontario.

We’re proud to be part of a community that’s shaping the future of care — one that focuses on prevention, innovation, and collaboration to better support aging adults and families across Ontario.

10/23/2025

Big day at Home Instead! Our Franchise Owner, Brenda Enright, recorded with radio host Katherine Dines today.
They discussed the ways Home Instead helps families navigate the challenges of caring for aging loved ones — with personalized, compassionate in-home care.

Stay tuned for the radio spot! 💚

10/21/2025

You want the best for your loved ones, and so do we. 🫶

With 30+ years of experience and a trusted network of compassionate Care Pros, we’re here when it matters most. 🏡 Learn more at homeinstead.com.

10/17/2025

Tune in to our latest Caregiver Chats episodes for expert advice, resources, and real stories designed to support caregivers everywhere.

🎧 Listen now: https://apple.co/3RuALpz

10/16/2025

Today we’re unpacking the surprising sides of grief, and how to resist the urge to judge it when it shows up differently for others.

Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and former caregiver to her mom who lived with frontotemporal dementia.

Katie opens up about what it was like to care for her mom while raising four kids and running a business, and how she learned to let go of control and find peace through acceptance. She also shares the heart behind her new film, Wake Up Maggie—a love letter to caregivers everywhere. 💌

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3KIelBj?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fhomeinsteadinc%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F594035843

10/15/2025

“There’s no do-overs in grief, and so there’s a ton of second guessing in grief.” — Lisa Pahl

It’s never easy to talk about death. But avoiding it? That can leave our loved ones with conflict, confusion, and a heavy burden of “what ifs.”
In this episode of , Dr. Lakelyn sits down with hospice social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck, Lisa Pahl to explore the real consequences of not planning ahead.

Starting the conversation now won’t take away the pain of loss, but it can offer clarity, connection, and peace when it matters most.

🎧 Listen to wherever you get your podcasts. https://apple.co/3RuALpz

10/14/2025

Caregiving can feel like chaos—especially when you’re trying to hold it all together. In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and former caregiver to her mom, who lived with frontotemporal dementia.

Katie shares what it was like to care for her mom while raising four kids and running a business, and how she learned to let go of control and find peace through acceptance. She also talks about her new film, Wake Up Maggie—a love letter to caregivers everywhere.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3KIelBj?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fhomeinsteadinc%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F592846977

10/14/2025

When life changes in an instant, the right support can mean everything. ❤‍🩹 Mr. Eddy didn’t just find care after a fall, he found companionship too. Share this with someone who needs a little hope today. 🥹

10/09/2025

💸 Did you know family caregivers spend an average of $7,000 out of pocket each year, and for long-distance caregivers, it can be even more?

On this episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn and Certified Financial Planner™ Danielle Miura talk about the hidden costs of caregiving and why it’s so important to plan ahead. From workplace benefits to government resources, knowing your options can help you avoid burnout and protect your financial future.

🎧 Listen to Episode 55: Navigating Financial Stability as a Family Caregiver: https://homeinsteadinc.visitlink.me/FSBkeu

10/07/2025

Today we’re celebrating Amber’s one-year anniversary as a Client Care Coordinator at Home Instead Ottawa! Over the past year, Amber has completed numerous Care Consultations and Quality Assurance visits, helping families navigate their home care needs with compassion and clarity.

Clients often share how Amber’s warmth, kindness, and reassuring presence have made a meaningful impact during what can often be a challenging time. Her dedication to providing thoughtful, personalized support truly embodies what it means to be part of the Home Instead family.

Amber, thank you for the important work you do and for the heart you bring to every interaction. We’re so grateful to have you on the team!

10/06/2025

Caregiving can no longer be a solo act. In this clip from our podcast, guest Jason Resendez shares how important it is to ask for help—and to offer it—in order to make caregiving more sustainable for everyone, especially sandwich caregivers.

Whether you're caring for both a parent and a child or simply know someone who is, showing up matters. Don’t wait to be asked. A text, a meal, or a short visit can make all the difference.

🎧 Hear more from Jason, President & CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, in our latest episode. (Link in bio)

10/03/2025

Our very own Dan, Director of Community Relations, and Belinda, Director of Care, were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of Amica Credit Mills this past weekend! Pictured with them is Frances Taruc, Director of Care at Amica Credit Mills.

Amica Credit Mills is its own vibrant, multi-generational neighbourhood, and offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. With beautiful natural green spaces, thoughtfully designed private and shared areas, and a strong focus on comfort, accessibility, and healthy living, it's truly a place where residents can thrive today and for years to come. 🌿🏡

Welcome to the community, Amica Credit Mills!

10/03/2025

This week, Mike, one of our dedicated Business Development Associates here in Ottawa, had the pleasure of giving a presentation on Understanding Heart Disease & Stroke at Rose Park Riverstone Retirement Residence.

We’re proud to support education and wellness in our local community, and it was an honor to connect with the wonderful residents and staff at Rose Park. Thank you for the warm welcome and thoughtful questions!

Together, we're building a healthier, more informed community.

10/03/2025

“At first, my dad’s dementia showed up in small ways. He’d leave the garage door wide open. He’d forget to take his phone with him when he left the house. Little things. Easy to explain away—until they weren’t.”

Then the emergencies came. Her mom was overwhelmed. Debbie was juggling a demanding job, raising her kids, and trying to make sense of a world that suddenly felt upside down.

She didn’t know what was normal, what was urgent, or where to turn. No one told her what to expect.

They learned the hard way.

So many calls from her mom asking her to come over—and plenty of 911 calls, falls, and difficulty physically helping him in the shower or getting dressed.

And then, outside a grocery store, she saw a sign: “Home Care Assistance.”
“I didn’t know what that meant. But I knew I needed it.”

That moment opened the door to care—compassionate people who helped her dad feel safe. Professionals who gave Debbie’s family a sense of calm and control again.

That experience changed Debbie’s life. It lit a fire in her.

Today, she owns three Home Instead franchises in Arizona. Her mission is deeply personal: to give families the kind of care and guidance she wishes she had earlier.

Because the signs are always there. Families just need someone to help them see them, trust them, and know they don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Home Instead stands for that kind of care—care rooted in empathy, built on trust, and delivered with heart. Debbie knows because she lived it. And now she’s making sure other families don’t have to walk that road alone.

09/29/2025

Charles spent his early years surrounded by books and artifacts, studying archaeology and collecting antiques wherever he could. His home still reflects that passion, lined with treasures from a life spent exploring.

An accident in his thirties, followed by a stroke years later, changed what life looked like. Now in a power chair, Charles depends on daily support. But thanks to Valarie, his longtime Home Instead Care Pro, the world he loves is still within reach.

Valarie helps him hold on to the routines and passions that bring him joy. “He likes to be read to,” she says. “I try, but he laughs at me. I cannot pronounce the words.” Still, she reads. They water the garden together and talk about what to cook. “One thing he loves is good food, and I can cook,” she says. “I will say, I will cook you meatloaf and green beans.” It is a familiar bribe when it is time for a haircut.

Outings take more planning now, but Valarie makes sure they still happen. She arranges rides for trips to antique stores, museums, and the zoo, sometimes bringing her granddaughter along. “We are going to the zoo next week,” she says. “I have pictures of all our trips.”

It is in these small comforts that their connection has grown stronger. Valarie says it best: “We are here to accommodate them. They are not here to accommodate us.”

Because with the right care, life does not stop. It keeps going with comfort, joy, and connection. 💚

Share this story with someone who needs a reminder of the power of care.

09/26/2025

Last weekend, the Ottawa Home Instead team took part in the 2025 Walk for Dementia — walking for awareness, for connection, and for change. 👟

We’re honored to support the incredible work of the Dementia Society, which provides compassionate support and practical education for those impacted by dementia. Their efforts are helping to build a more inclusive, understanding community, and we’re proud to walk alongside them.

Thank you to everyone who joined, donated, or cheered us on! Together, we’re making a difference. 💪✨

09/22/2025

More than 55 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Today, on World Alzheimer’s Day, we honor every life touched by this journey — individuals living with dementia, as well as the caregivers, families, and partners who walk alongside them. 🫂

Together, we can make a difference. 💜
Join us in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by donating at alz.org.

Looking for extra support? Link in bio to explore our podcast for real stories and resources from the caregiving community. ⤴

09/16/2025

09/04/2025

This is why we walk. 💜

When Michelle’s dad, Don, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 69, her family’s world changed forever. Over 10 years, she watched him go from living at home with caregivers to assisted living, and eventually to an Alzheimer’s unit before he passed away at age 79.

Earlier this year, dementia touched her family again when Michelle’s mom, Sandy, had a stroke and heart attack that rapidly advanced her dementia. Now in memory care, Michelle visits Sandy every evening. Despite these challenges, she finds gratitude: “Even though my mom has changed, I’m still creating memories with her.”

For Michelle, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is about honoring her parents and connecting with others. Each year, she joins her Home Instead team and others in the senior care community to walk not in sadness, but in hope for a cure.

It’s because of passionate people like Michelle that Home Instead, a Walk to End Alzheimer’s Gold National Team, has raised nearly $5.5 million over the past 17 years — including $280,000 just last year — to advance critical Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Together with the , we’re fighting for a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet. 💪

Learn how you can get involved: alz.org/walk 🚶🏽‍♀️