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Home Instead provides non-medical home care services for seniors. Care is available 24 hours a day and can include Personal Care, Companionship Services, Alzheimer's & Dementia Care, Hospice Care Support Services and Respite Care.
08/12/2025
“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.
“Families often wait too long to access hospice care. The truth? Hospice can provide months of support—not just days.”
In this clip from our conversation with Lisa Pahl, hospice social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck, we explore the compassionate side of end-of-life care—supporting caregivers, guiding through symptoms, and holding space in life’s most tender moments.
We’ve cooked up something yummy for our care community. 😋🍉 Save this refreshing watermelon feta salad recipe for your next meal prep win. Perfect for warm-weather caregiving days!
✨ Bonus: It comes with meaningful conversation starters to help you connect while you share. ✨
Tag us in your photos enjoying it with your loved one—we’d love to see your summer caregiving moments! ☀️
08/04/2025
Another throwback to the one and only Mary Maxwell at our 2009 Convention. With her signature humor, she reminded us what it means to age with dignity—and to laugh along the way (especially when you can’t find your car). 😅💚
08/01/2025
It’s hotter than a pepper sprout out there! 🥵
And while we all might be cranking up the AC, older adults need a little extra care to stay safe and comfortable this season.
Here’s a few summer tips for older loved ones:
💧 Keep drinks flowing — Hydration is key. Try lemon water, herbal iced tea, or fruit-infused water for a refreshing twist.
🌿 Stick to shade — Morning and evening are best for fresh air. Think porch chats, garden strolls, or birdwatching under a tree.
🍓 Eat the rainbow — Seasonal foods like berries, melons, cucumbers, and tomatoes are easy, colorful, and packed with nutrients.
🎶 Play their favorite music — It can lift spirits, stir memories, and create connection in an instant.
👂 Be present — Whether it’s a phone call, a visit, or simply sitting nearby, your time means more than you know.
Share this post to shine a light on summer safety for older adults. 🔃
07/31/2025
It’s hotter than a pepper sprout out there! 🥵
And while we’re all reaching for iced drinks and fans, older adults need a little extra care to stay safe in the summer heat.
Here’s your caregiver-approved summer safety toolkit for aging loved ones:
💧 Hydrate with variety – Water is essential, but try chilled fruit, herbal iced tea, smoothies, or even popsicles to keep it fun and refreshing.
👒 Dress smart – Light, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats help regulate temperature and protect sensitive skin.
🌬️ Cool it down – If there’s no AC, use fans, cold washcloths, or even a bowl of cool water for hands and wrists to provide quick relief.
🌿 Time outdoor activities wisely – Early mornings or evenings are safest. A short stroll, porch chat, or birdwatching can bring joy without overheating.
👂 Connect with care – Sometimes, just being present — listening, sharing a memory, or sitting together — is the best form of comfort.
Let’s keep our older adults safe, seen, and supported this summer.
🔁 Share this post to spread the word about senior summer safety.
07/30/2025
“As a caregiver, you're always juggling three things: independence, safety, and the third we could describe as like joy or comfort.” — Adria Thompson
When you're making decisions on behalf of someone else, the stakes feel higher, and the guilt runs deeper. In this episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn and Adria unpack the emotional complexity of caregiving and introduce the idea of choosing a priority in the moment.
Whether your loved one is in the early or late stages of dementia, knowing whether to lead with independence, safety, or joy can guide your choices—and ease some of the pressure. 💚 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 https://apple.co/3RuALpz
07/28/2025
Ever ask someone with dementia what they think?
“Do you like this shirt?” “Should I shave my goatee?”
David Troxel does, and here’s why: when you ask for someone’s opinion, it shows you value them. And for those living with dementia, feeling valued goes a long way.
In this moment, David Troxel shares simple ways to connect through kindness, humor, and everyday activities. Because with dementia care, even 30 seconds of connection can brighten their lives. 🧠💚
🧠 While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are steps you can take to support brain health.
In this video, Dr. Lakelyn shares simple, science-backed tips for preventive care—like staying socially connected, getting regular exercise, and keeping your mind active.
💜 Small habits can make a big difference.
🎥 Watch and learn easy ways to keep your brain healthy as you age.
👉 Follow us for more brain health and caregiving tips year-round.
07/26/2025
After answering the call to caregiving, Betty June Harp is officially retiring at the vibrant age of 90. 🎉
She’s been the heart of so many meaningful moments with our Louisville team, and while we’ll miss seeing her smile each day, we’re celebrating all she’s given—and all that’s ahead.
Congratulations on your retirement, Betty June. You’re a legend, a light, and yes, finally a lady of leisure. 💜
With all our love,
Your Home Instead family
07/25/2025
Supporting a loved one with dementia doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s often the smallest, most consistent moments that make the biggest difference.
With the right approach, emotional connection, and trusted in-home care, family caregivers can help their loved ones feel secure, included, and appreciated every day.
Save this post as your go-to guide for helping older adults stay safe, cool, and cared for all summer long. ⤵
🍋 Try lemon water, herbal iced tea, smoothies, or fresh fruit to make staying hydrated fun and social.
👒 Choose light, breathable fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, and sun-safe accessories to stay cool outdoors.
🕰️ Plan morning porch chats, evening walks, or outdoor music sessions when temperatures are lower.
🧊 Use simple cooling hacks like fans, chilled washcloths, or soaking hands in cool water.
Check out more care resources to help older adults feel seen, safe, and supported: https://bit.ly/40RvDAY
07/24/2025
“No one can do it 24/7."
Even the most devoted caregivers need time to recharge. Respite care isn't just a luxury, it’s a necessity for your well-being and your loved one’s continued care at home. Whether it's for a coffee break, a workout, or simply a moment of quiet, taking time for yourself helps you show up stronger.
💬 How do you make time for yourself as a caregiver?
🎧 Listen to wherever you get your podcasts – link in bio to hear the full episode. ⤴
07/14/2025
What do you say when your child asks, “Why doesn’t Grandma remember me?”
If you’re navigating dementia in the family, this quick guide shares 5 ways to help kids stay connected with a grandparent who has memory loss—plus where to find age-appropriate support tools. 👇
Supporting a loved one with dementia doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s often the smallest, most consistent moments that make the biggest difference.
With the right approach, emotional connection, and trusted in-home care, family caregivers can help their loved ones feel secure, included, and appreciated every day.
Learn more about how to help your loved one with dementia feel valued and connected: https://bit.ly/4nafqQZ
07/09/2025
Ever ask someone with dementia what they think?
“Do you like this shirt?” “Should I shave my goatee?”
David Troxel does, and here’s why: when you ask for someone’s opinion, it shows you value them. And for those living with dementia, feeling valued goes a long way.
In this moment, David Troxel shares simple ways to connect through kindness, humor, and everyday activities. Because with dementia care, even 30 seconds of connection can brighten their lives. 🧠💚
This Father’s Day, go beyond the card and support Dad from heart to brain. 💚
Here are 5 simple ways to check in on his health: ↓
🫀 Ask about his heart.
“Have you had your blood pressure checked lately?”
🧠 Keep his brain engaged.
“Want to play a game or share a favorite memory?”
🍽️ Share healthy meals.
“Let’s cook something with brain and heart-healthy ingredients.”
😴 Talk about rest and stress.
“How are you sleeping these days? Anything weighing on you?”
🚶♂️ Move together.
“Up for a walk after dinner?”
Because keeping Dad strong is one of the best gifts you can give. 🔁 Share this with someone who loves their dad, too.
06/04/2025
🇨🇦 June is Stroke Awareness Month in Canada. Every five minutes, someone in our country experiences a stroke.
Knowing the signs of a stroke can mean the difference between recovery and lasting damage.
Remember FAST:
👉 Face drooping
👉 Arm weakness
👉 Speech difficulty
👉 Time to call 9-1-1
Stroke doesn’t just change a moment—it can change a life. It’s one of the leading causes of vascular dementia and can deeply affect memory, mobility, and independence.
By raising awareness, we can help protect our loved ones and our communities.
❤️ Please like and reshare to help spread the word.
Together, we can make a difference.
05/31/2025
Helping a loved one stay safe at home? 🏡 Don’t overlook the garage, laundry room, or entryway—these areas can pose real fall risks. A few small updates can help them stay confident and independent. 💚
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Home Instead posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
When his mother fell ill, Alistair Hicks was working in Japan and unable to spend enough time in Canada to care for her. Later introduced to the
remarkable work of Home Instead Senior Care, he knew this was his opportunity to give back. “I had always felt a small void because I couldn’t help my sister care for my mom,” he says. “In my work, I had studied hundreds of franchises and the only one that really captured my heart was this one.”
First to own a Home Instead franchise in Canada 13 years ago, Alistair relocated from Toronto to Victoria. Today it’s one of 1,000 well-respected
franchises around the globe, all of which are locally owned and operated. Serving seniors locally – all phone calls come right to their McKenzie Avenue office – Home Instead provides a personalized service that in turn draws upon a remarkable level of world class research and resources.
“With our dynamic andcompassionate CAREGivers, we try to help people stay at home as long as possible – wherever they call home,” says Alistair. “It’s all about allowing people to maintain their independence, assuring their safety, and keeping their spirits lifted. It often just takes a bit of support to stay in the place they call home.” Services can be as simple as meal preparation, companionship, light housekeeping or transportation to doctor appointments, etc. “Once a week, once a month or every day, it’s a matter of individual need and it’s customizable,” notes Community Outreach Coordinator, Ann Margeson. “While some seniors might worry that non-medical home care will take away their independence, it’s actually the opposite. An in-home approach allows you to maintain your lifestyle while ensuring you are receiving the perfect amount of care in your own home”.
Relationships are the core of their service, and from the very first care consultation, finding the right match for caregiver and client is key. “When CAREGiver Carol, goes to see Mrs. Smith, she knows Mrs. Smith likes cream in her coffee but not in her tea,” Ann explains. At the same time, “Carol also recognizes any health changes that might arise, especially significant in situations where the family doesn’t live in town. In many cases, they become a surrogate family member as the relationship develops.
Home Instead hires CAREGivers who want to make a difference in seniors lives. From the beginning, it’s about the relationship…it’s often the little things that count.” Complementing its person-centered care, Home Instead also offers a Resource Centre to provide information and contacts to help people navigate the system. In addition, they offer free Family Education Workshops regularly throughout the year to families and the greater community. Our unique CAREGiver training approach for Alzheimer’s or other dementias is part of our CARE program, Changing Aging Through Research and Education.
