Strides for Sick Kids, an innovative idea to open up hospital beds, and a report on caregivers in Canada

It's May 3, 2024, this is the week in elder care news.

Seasons Cambridge resident Joan Tomlinson kicks off Strides for Sick Kids

Joan Thomlinson is aiming to walk 98 laps around the outdoor walking track at Seasons Cambridge while raising money for Sick Kids. Joan calls it 'Strides for Sick Kids'. Last year Joan walked 97 laps and raised $1600. Joan turned 98 this year, and she is aiming to raise $2098 by walking 98 laps. Good luck Joan!

Read more about Strides for Sick Kids HERE.

HERE is a link to Joan's Strides for Sick Kids fundraising page.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare proposed a Hospital Reactivation unit to free up hospital beds

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has proposed a Hospital Reactivation Unit to free up hospital beds, while also improving quality of care for ALC patients. An ALC patient could be someone in the hospital waiting for long-term care. ALC patients take up 30-50% of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare acute care beds. Key elements of the Reactivation Unit include a dining room for communal meals, access to a gym or rehabilitation staff for physical therapy, and activity spaces like TV lounges for recreation.

Learn more about Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare's plan HERE.

The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence calls for caregiver compensation, respite, home care, and improved workplace policies

The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence released a report on the results of their survey of 3,100 caregivers. (Click HERE to read the full report) Respondents provided an average 5-hours of care per day. 50% of caregivers experienced financial stress in the past year, and one quarter reported poor mental health. The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence says the report highlights the need for compensation for caregivers, respite so they can take a break, easily accessible home care, and workplace policies to support people juggling work and care.

Read the full story HERE.