By Joanne Richard. Loneliness has long been a growing public health concern in Canada and globally, and COVID-19 is making the loneliness epidemic even worse, especially for the elderly. Older adults are particularly harmed — virtual hugs and kisses don’t cut it. NORC at the University of Chicago found the pandemic has made about a third of adults 70 and older lonelier than usual. “Increased insolation has lead to many seniors worrying about not having enough time left to see there families and connect,” said registered psychotherapist Joshua Peters. And the “upcoming holiday season will  be especially difficult for seniors who worry about the number of holidays they have left in their lifetime.” The enforced isolation in care homes and assisted living facilities has been particularly traumatic – “this can result in an out of sight, out of mind experience that leaves seniors vulnerable,” said Peters, Clinical Manager the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR). Social disconnect isn’t just a problem for the elderly. Anyone, anywhere, of any age can experience loneliness, and with it much pain and suffering, according to Dr. Ami Rokach, a York University professor and clinical psychologist specializing in treating and researching loneliness. “All of us want, and need, is to belong and to be loved.” Rethink Aging With Colin Milner COVID-19 fallout is seeing many older people closed off from family and friends, and bombarded with messages that they are vulnerable, on their way out, and should be extremely cautious, Rokach said. “While they need to be cautious, all that, together, isolates them, physically and socially, and for those who translate social isolation to loneliness, it is frightening, alienating, and creates uncertainty.” Loneliness is debilitating mentally and physically: “It is known to weaken the immune system, lengthen the period of illness, slow recovery, contribute to heart attacks, high blood pressure, dementia in the elderly, and may even hasten death in the old,” Rokach reported. Loneliness leaves the person believing that s/he is not important, unlovable, and does not belong, he said. “Being confined to home, as many elderly may be, feeling like they are forgotten and even abandoned, can clearly affect their mental health.” Peters is optimistic that most seniors will bounce back from this experience assuming that some state of normalcy returns. “Seniors are a hardy and resilient group. They have lived through many world events that have challenged their way of life and survived,” he said. Connecting with family and younger generations is essential to older adults’ wellbeing, Peters stressed. “This allows for social connection and meaning as well as contributing to a sense of generativity — the need to nurture and guide younger people and contribute to the next generation. Generativity is one greatest predictors of wellbeing in older adults.” Safeguarding their wellbeing requires support and community: “Likely we’re headed in the wrong direction if we push seniors into facilities that encourage an outsourcing of care when we have opportunities to provide it elsewhere.” Ageing in place allows seniors to stay where they feel most comfortable and makes visits from family easier, added Peters. It also allows seniors greater independence as well as the ability to stay close to the networks they’ve create over a lifetime.  “These networks are essential during times of crisis to provide support and connection,” Peters said. “A sense of community can combat the loneliness that many seniors may experience. These communities also provide space where seniors can share their wisdom with future generations.” Unfortunately, many seniors facilities do not have the resources to create this type of community, he said, adding that they are less comfortable places to visit, which can make it harder to maintain connections According to Peters, in order to get through this crisis, we need to ensure that we do not forget how vulnerable seniors are to being neglected and connect as much as possible. “In caring for seniors, it is also important to ensure they are given as much independence as possible. Respect should be given for their experiences and the lives that they have lived.”  Key Ideas Being alone does not, necessarily, mean being lonely, according to loneliness expert Dr. Ami Rokach. It just means being alone. “It may arouse boredom, some anxiety, and a wish to see and interact with others, but that does not loneliness make. “Just like when we feel we wish to taste a piece of chocolate or a sweet treat does not mean that we are hungry.” Perception of the situation is very important. Rokach offered these tips for seniors dealing with loneliness: What Can You Do? Mental health expert Joshua Peters offered up this advice for families, friends and neighbours to help seniors cope with isolation and loneliness:

Conquer The Great Indoors Indoor activities for seniors are important, especially in autumn and winter months, when the weather is typically cold and rainy. So make the most of your time indoors with these 5 autumn activities you can do around the house. 1. Play Mobile Games A new trend boosting the wellbeing for seniors is digital and mobile games! That’s right, a recent study by North Carolina State University found that seniors who actively played digital games reported better feelings of well being than seniors who don’t play digital games. Digital games also happen to be excellent indoor activities for seniors. In addition, the study found that seniors who play digital games are less likely to feel depressed, and also reported higher levels of social functioning. Become a mobile gamer, use your mobile device to download a few games and try them out. Don’t worry if you do not enjoy the game, after trying it out you can always uninstall the game and try another. Your favorite mobile game is waiting for you to discover it! Play Words with Friends Word with friends is a fun mobile game that can be played with friends and family. It is available for Android devices in Google’s play store or on IOS devices in Apple’s app store. Download words with friends to challenge your friends and family to a digital version of Scrabble! Play 2048 2048 is an interactive number puzzle created by Gabriele Cirulli in 2014, and it is incredibly simple – yet satisfying to play. The objective is to swipe numbered tiles together, adding their values to reach a total of 2048. Also available for Android devices in Google’s play store or on IOS devices in Apple’s app store. 2. Practice Indoor Tai Chi Tai Chi promotes balance, and has been proven to lead to better sleep and clearer cognition. It involves slow performed movements while standing, and can be a powerful fall prevention exercise if performed safely. Learn Tai Chi Tai Chi is practiced all over the globe. Someone in your social circle may know Tai Chi, and be able to teach you. Or you can learn online by watching tutorial videos on YouTube. Get started learning Tai Chi by watching this 5 minute video for beginners, and try your best to follow along. Watch a Video Tutorial on YouTube 3. Create A Gratitude Wall Did you know that showing gratitude has scientifically shown to reduce stress and encourage a more rested sleep? Building a gratitude wall is a simple and cost effective way to show a little bit of gratitude each day. Start by putting up a large sheet of paper on the wall in your living room, and write down what you are grateful for. Don’t forget to encourage any friends or family in your social circle to do the same when they come to visit. Need Gratitude Wall Ideas? Take a look at this amazing collection of gratitude wall images by Jill Schoenherr on Pinterest. Get Inspired with Gratitude Wall Ideas. 4. Make Art Pumpkins As fun as it is, pumpkin carving can be dangerous. According to UPI’s Health News, over 3000 people in the U.S were injured carving pumpkins in 2017. In an academy news release, Dr. L. Reid Boyce Nichols, spokesman for the AAOS stated “Pumpkin carving is a fun activity, but it can result in serious cuts on the hand and injuries to bones and tendons,”. With this in mind, you should ditch the dangerous knives this fall, and pick up a paint brush and some art supplies instead. Painting and creating art has been shown to increase resistance to stress in adults over 65, and most importantly artistic and creative exercises are fun indoor activities for seniors. So use your imagination and have fun, and if you get stuck, just head over to Pinterest to get inspired by 100s of painted pumpkin ideas!  Art Pumpkin Ideas Check out this creative collection of painted pumpkins by Debby Peery on Pinterest. Get Creative with Painted Pumpkin Ideas. 5. Watch a Scary Classic Movie According to Psychology Today, nostalgia is a positive emotion, and has the ability to uplift your mood. Nostalgia can also increase a sense of meaning in your life, and boost self-esteem. Watching a classic scary movie is a perfect way to get nostalgic during the fall and winter months, and the best part is you can enjoy a movie alone or in the company of your friends and family. Get the projector out, and hit the lights. Try revisiting some nostalgic classic movies like Hitchcock’s Vertigo, Anthony Perkin’s Murder on the Orient Express, or re-watch some Twilight Zone episodes. Try a Streaming Service If you don’t subscribe to one already, try out a reputable streaming service like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Hulu. Each service has 1000s of TV shows and Movies that are available for you to watch 24/7. Our Seniors Support At Custodia we aid seniors, their families, and seniors support organizations. We make sure seniors can live more independently, and are comfortable in the safety of their home. Custodia Seniors Support provides access to reliable information and affordable professional services. We do it all from safety and accessibility feature installations, to general labor, and handyman services, to seasonal home services like, snow removal, lawn maintenance, gutter cleaning and more! Contact Custodia Seniors Support today. Canada’s choice for senior’s home management Service. Call 1-833-410-HELP any day at any time or email us at services@custodia.

Boosting Your Brain Health Boost your brain health with our simple exercises. Boosting your brain health is an essential part of maintaining your cognitive abilities, charm, and quick wit. 1. Learning and Brain Health A Neurology study, first published June 10, 2015, found that learning activities can help slow down symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and maintain quality of life for a longer period of time. Learning about something of interest is fun, and has many benefits for your brain.  In an article by CCSU, the author discusses how learning something new can make your myelin more dense (your brain’s white-matter). The article shows that increased myelin (more dense) stimulates your brain’s neurons, and will create pathways that are neural that let electric impulses move quicker. Try an Online Course These days there are plenty of online education options to choose from, but we recommend you only subscribe to trusted providers like Skillshare, Masterclass, or Lynda.  2. Brain Games and Brain Health According to a 2016 study in International Psychogeriatrics, brain stimulating games can improve critical thinking skills that can diminish over time, like speed, planning, reaction, decision-making, and short-term memory. In a Health Harvard interview, Dr. Brody-Magid states “Also, your *cognitive* reserve may even help provide resilience against age-related memory loss and dementia,”. This leads Dr. Brody-Magid to believe that brain stimulating games also help your memory by growing your cognitive reserve. Your cognitive reserve is like a savings account that your brain makes a withdrawal from when you need to think quick. Play a Classic or New Brain Game There are many great brain games, from newspaper classics like crossword, sudoku, and spot the difference, there are also new science backed digital brain games from companies like peak, luminosity and happy-neuron. 3. Light Exercise and Brain Health Did you know that light exercise has been proven to relieve stress, increase energy, reduce tiredness, improve sleep, and also reduce cholesterol? A study by the US National Library of Medicine found that regular exercise provides all these mental health benefits and more! The study also finds that aerobic workouts, like walking, going for a swim, riding a bicycle, gardening, and dancing to your favourite music reduce anxiety and depression. The findings state that the improved mood is a result of the exercise-induced increase in blood circulation to the brain. Find an Exercise for You Although exercise has many mental and physical health benefits, it can also be quite dangerous if you do not pick a suitable exercise routine! Avoid heavy exercise while alone, and avoid exercising in areas that may lead to slips or falls. Here are a few safe exercises that you can try in the safety of your home. 4. Puzzles and Brain Health A recent study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that solving puzzles is not only affordable, but also a motivating cognitive leisure activity. What makes a puzzle special is that it’s a great solo activity that can also be played with others in a group. The study also shows that when puzzles are solved with others it combats the feeling of loneliness. In a Reader’s Digest interview with Clinical-Neuropsychologist, Susan Vandermorris of Baycrest Health Sciences shares her belief that any kind of puzzle is good for your brain. She puts an emphasis on the stress related benefits of puzzles, stating that while building a puzzle, you are disconnected from your normal thoughts, instead engaged in the task of the puzzle. Build a Real or Digital Puzzle Grab an old puzzle off the board game shelf, or head to Amazon to buy some new puzzles. You can also give one of the many digital puzzles a try. Digital puzzles are available online, on Google’s Play store, or in Apple’s App store. Take a look below to get started: 5. Reading and Brain Health Evidence in a 2016 study from Yale’s school of Public Health shows reading can lead you to enjoying a longer-life. The study found that readers had a 20% reduction in risk of death over 12 years, compared with non-book readers. A different study from multiple researchers, and published by the US National Library of Medicine used MRI’s to scan the brains of readers and non-readers. The research confirms that improving your reading ability will strengthen your brain’s network of circuits and signals.  Join a Book Club In the current Covid-19 environment it may not be safe to meet with others for unessential reasons like a book club. But luck for us there are plenty of virtual and online book clubs to choose from! Take a look at some of the book club options below, and find one that you like best. Contact Custodia Seniors Support We help seniors enjoy longer and happier lives, in the safety of their home, by helping seniors access trusted information and affordable services that they need to stay in their homes for as long as possible. We do grab bar installations, handyman services, seasonal yard cleaning, tree trimming and removal, snow removal, window washing, gutter cleaning and more! Get in touch with Custodia Seniors Support professionals today – your 5 star home management service, call 1-833-410-HELP. Bundle and save: 5% with three services, 10% with four or five services, and 15% with over five services.

According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 3 seniors over 65 are likely to fall at least once in a year. For many, these falls can lead to injuries requiring hospitalization. In fact, each year, 85% of injury-related hospitalizations in seniors are due to falls. The Public Health Agency of Canada say that over one-third of these seniors are placed into long-term care as a result of their fall injury. These numbers are frightening. But, with a safer home, they can be avoided. First, consider whether someone is at a higher risk for a fall. The CDC states that risk factors for falling can be vision problems, difficulty with balance, sedative medications, vitamin D deficiency, foot pain or poor footwear, and general body weakness. There is a higher risk when the home is cluttered, has uneven stairs, low lighting, or unsecured throw rugs. The bathroom is a very common spot for falls to occur; the slick, flat, slippery surfaces are dangerous to even the most able-bodied people. When you consider how many fall hazards there are around the home combined with the statistics on seniors falling, it’s frightening. With more and more seniors opting to age in place at their own homes, it is imperative that their space be made as safe as can be. One easy way a safe home can be achieved is with the simple installation of mobility devices like grab bars. Grab bars are typically used in the bathroom to assist with entering and exiting the shower/tub, and to help with getting on/off the toilet. However, they can be installed all around the home wherever a little extra stability assistance is needed. Grab bars can be easily installed on your own, but when someone is relying totally on them, its best to have it done the safest possible way by a professional. Different Types of Grab Bars When it comes to grab bars, there are 3 main differences in installation. Some are installed vertically, some horizontally, and some on an angle. You could also install two bars together to create an L-shape. Each bar supports differently. Vertical bars are typically better for standing positions, like stepping in and out of the shower, while horizontal bars are better for use when lowering and raising the body. Angled bars are typically more similar to horizontal, but can combine the two. Within these types of bars, there are also many other differences. Some bars are textured, some are installed by suction rather than screws, and some even serve other functions in the bathroom as well. It’s a confusing space to navigate. To help make the choice easier, we have narrowed down what we think are the 7 best grab bars easily available for purchase in Canada. The 7 Best Grab Bars Best Overall – Moen SecureMount 18 inch Click here to view on Amazon Canada This sleek stainless steel grab bar is simple and effective. It’s textured to assist with grip, is rust-resistant, and can withstand up to 500 pounds of weight when installed properly. It can be installed vertically, horizontally, or on an angle, and the screws are concealed for a cleaner look. Best Suction – Mommy’s Helper 17 inch Safe-er Grip Click here to view on Amazon Canada A suction grab bar option is great for when drilling isn’t possible. However, it can be a little finicky. It must be applied to smooth, clean, flat, non-porous surfaces. It will not work over grout lines or textured surfaces. It must be reattached and tested before every use, as the suction could have weakened since the last use. Once it is clean and reset, it is very strong, though it’s still not recommended that full body weight be placed on it. Best Angled – ROVATE 17 inch Angled Grab Bar Click here to view on Amazon Canada This is an excellent angled option. It is sleek stainless steel, will not rust, and can withstand 300 pounds of weight when installed correctly. The screws are concealed for a sleeker look. Best Flip-Up – Moen 30 inch Flip-Up Grab Bar Click here to view on Amazon Canada This option is wonderful for small spaces, as it flips up out of the way when not in use. This style of bar is especially great for installation by the toilet. It will support up to 300 pounds, or 500 pounds when installed to a wall stud. It is stainless steel and will not rust. Best for Small Space – DELTA Corner Shelf with Assist Bar Click here to view on Amazon Canada This beautiful stainless steel multifunction corner shelf is a great option for small spaces. It holds your toiletries and offers your support! It is more designed for assistance rather than placing entire body weight on, but will still support 250 pounds when installed correctly. Best Standing Bar – Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar Click here to view on Amazon Canada The most expensive item on our list, this bar is secured to the ceiling and floor and can be used all around the house as well as in the bathroom to assist with standing and sitting, or stepping in and out of the shower/bath. It is adjustable at 7-10 feet tall and will support up to 300 pounds. It is important to note that it will not work on a curved or textured ceiling. Best Multi-Use – Moen Home Care Grab Bar Toilet Paper Holder Click here to view on Amazon Canada This is a marvelous option for someone who may not like the look of grab bars, and just wants a little assistance getting on or off the toilet. This toilet paper holder, when installed correctly, will support up to 250 pounds. It’s a wonderful subtle option, but not for those who would need to apply their full body weight. Installation is easy with Custodia It’s simple: grab bars make the home a safer place for seniors to live. Whatever style of bar you choose, adding grab bars…
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Are you surprised seniors want to age at home during COVID-19? TORONTO, April 29, 2020 /CNW/ – As the deadly COVID-19 outbreak spreads, so too does anxiety amongst seniors and their loved ones. Now more than ever, seniors are reconsidering their move into a retirement residence or assisted living facility, vowing to age in place by bringing in support and services. And there’s a brand new App for that and a Hotline too – both free – to help seniors stay in their home sweet home. Custodia Seniors Support has developed a free aging-in-place planning App and a free 24/7 Hotline at 1-833-410-HELP, where seniors can access information and be directed to essential personal support and home management services, and to vital non-profit organizations that are focused on seniors. Government support for Canadian seniors to age at home has been inadequate, but the pandemic could change that. “I think this pandemic will cause a massive rethink of how we are delivering long-term care in Canada, and how to support people to age in place,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, Canada’s foremost geriatrics expert. Most people want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, said Sinha, adding that it’s also cheaper for governments to promote and support rethink aging in place rather than in an institutional setting.  “After this nightmare is over, I would not be surprised to see governments pivoting their long-term care strategy to be investing more in nursing home alternatives of care that are actually on balance cheaper to deliver and more in line with what people actually want,” said Sinha, a passionate advocate for elderly patients and Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and the University Health Network. Technologies and systems that support seniors aging in place have been neglected far too long. “We need to invest in community-based services and home-care supports for seniors. This cannot be stated enough: There is a desperate need now and after the pandemic subsides,” said Geoff Whitlock, founder of Custodia.  Traffic to custodia.com has grown by over 2800%. “Some seniors are running out of groceries. Others need help around the home and they don’t know where to turn,” said Whitlock. “We’ve arranged for essential home services, personal support, for masks, and even helping seniors access medical assistance. It’s a very stressful time for the elderly, especially if they are isolated and have no family living close by,” said Whitlock. Custodia has partnered with many reputable non-profits and business that also are dedicated to seniors, including St. Joseph’s Home Care, Alzheimer Society Peel, and many others.  Whitlock launched Custodia 18 months ago to fill the needs of those who want to age in place. “We’ve helped thousands of seniors reduce stress and live more enjoyable lives at home because that’s where they want to be.” About Custodia: Custodia is an aging in place company that helps seniors-focused organizations, seniors, and their families plan and access trusted information and affordable services they need to stay at home for the long term. SOURCE Custodia Inc. For further information: For more information contact Geoff at geoff@custodia.com or 416-919-6112.

It’s been a strange few weeks for us all, our lives and our communities are changing. As these challenges persist, we maintain focus on our team training and safety while improving service for the seniors we serve. Here are a few updates to be aware of: Essential Services Free Mobile App Launched Free Seniors Support Hotline expanded 24/7 Refer-A-Friend Service Helping the Community We stand by the entire community as we navigate these changes together. Take care of yourself, your family, and neighbours by continuing to follow your local public health guidelines. Stay safe, happy, and healthyGeoff WhitlockFounder of Custodia

April 3, 2:47 PM – Today is an important day for everyone in our province, and the Premier has been clear about the need for all of us to stay home as much as possible. Premier Ford also asked us all to step up and to do our part to help seniors stop the spread of COVID-19. Here are the articles cited that relate to our business, giving Custodia the opportunity to step up and help seniors in our communities. All property maintenance, essential personal support, handyman services, phone support, will all be active for seniors throughout the pandemic. Custodia will only be performing essential personal support and home management services for seniors at this time. Maintenance Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings. Health care and social services Organizations and providers that deliver home care services or personal support services to seniors and persons with disabilities. Articles #20 and #36 from the Ontario Government are our queue to continue our work helping seniors in our communities. Read more about the Custodia COVID-19 Work Day policy Read out message from our founder on COVID-19 Watch and read more on CBC For more information contact 1-833-410-4357 or email service@custodia.com.

COVID-19 Work Day Policy Procedure: Information Facilitation Workplace Sanitization Social Distancing Measures Sick Leave Policy Taking Employees’ Temperatures as a Screening Mechanism (optional) Some franchise systems across Canada have started to implement temperature screening prior to allowing an employee access to the office or a worksite. Custodia believes it is imperative that we check temperatures of employees prior to working inside with vulnerable seniors. This is not yet mandatory in our FDD but is highly encouraged as we help to battle this pandemic. Health Canada: Given the nature of COVID-19 policy and infection rates across Canada, it is arguable that, in certain workplaces, temperature checks may be a reasonable screening mechanism in the circumstances. Read about Uncertainty During COVID-19 However, franchisees should be mindful of the following COVID-19 work day policy: PROPER HAND WASHING PROPER SNEEZE AND COUGH ETIQUETTE This policy was adapted from the Government of Canada’s guidelines available on the Health Canada website. QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE CUSTODIA COVID-19 WORK DAY POLICY: CONTACT SERVICE@CUSTODIA.COM.

The Custodia Seniors Concierge App curates a timely list of tasks, ideas, and content that are delivered in a smart aging in place plan to your mobile phone. Each seniors plan is prioritized based on the current state of the seniors home and personal well-being. We further enhance the feed using targeted local information, weather forecasts, and many other data points to make a more relevant and simple to use experience. Example: If the senior has poor mobility and an old house, the plan will prioritize items differently than if they were in good health in a well-maintained condo. Each item in the feed is assigned a value based on how important the item is to the present state of things for that particular senior. You earn points by completing or requesting the item. Your points are added up to make the Home Score. Each week, there are more points to collect and a home score to update. A better home score means the stress levels in the home should be lower, the home is safe, and the seniors living there can remain as long as they like. Custodia allows users to quickly scroll through the various items, complete them, learn about them, or request help to do them. Users can simply request the service right from the app and trust that a vetted, insured helper will come support them in thier time of need. The vision to make aging in place easier on seniors, their families, and their local support systems has led us to Custodia. A vertically integrated app and front-line service solution that helps seniors live more enjoyable lives at home. Send us your feedback to service@custodia.com.

I’m writing this note to share the steps we’re taking to ensure that all of our teams, customers, and partners continue to have a safe and positive experience in light of recent developments regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Reducing the stress of seniors and their families is our top priority and a commitment that we take seriously. Please take a moment to review the precautionary measures we’re taking: Read also, 5 Ways Seniors Can Cope With Uncertainty During COVID-19 We encourage our customers and others who interact with seniors to strictly abide by the Health Canada prevention and preparation best practices. You can start by avoiding crowded spaces, reducing contact with others, staying home and having Custodia deliver supplies and essentials instead of running errands. None of us really know what the future will hold. Even so, you can rely on Custodia to be there for seniors, not-for-profits, places of worship an others who help seniors in their time of need. We will continue to follow developments closely. Please rest assured that Custodia will continue to provide the same great service you are used to while observing the highest standards of health and safety. Should you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we are always happy to help. Geoff WhitlockFounder of Custodia Seniors Support