Life can be a rollercoaster, and for many of us, it's our loved ones who ride beside us, offering support through the ups and downs. This is especially true when it comes to mental health challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore the perspective of one of our clients, who struggles daily with bipolar disorder, severe depression, and suicidal thoughts, and her daughter's life-long struggle to care for herself, her mother and the invisible illness that haunts her.

A Daughter's Perspective (Renee’s fight to help her mother): The Emotional Struggles
Growing up, my mother was my hero. She was strong, vibrant, so smart and full of life. However, from her first hospitalization for debilitating depression when I was only 10-years old, our relationship reversed rolls, as I took on the roll of parent. The conflicting emotions I still struggle with, between anger that she couldn’t take care of me when I really needed it (and still do sometimes), and my fear of losing my beautiful mom to her inner demons will always be a haunting presence in my life.

It was a painful realization that she was battling something much larger than herself - and it became my responsibility to care for her, at an age when I still needed caring for.  But, I have also been a touch envious of her ability to check out from reality with annual vacations in the psych ward.  Cue the 1966 classic Funny Farm lyrics:
“They´re coming to take me away,
Haha, they´re coming to take me away,
Ho ho, hee hee, ha ha,
To the funny farm
Where life is beautiful all the time
And I´ll be happy to see
Those nice young men
In their clean white coats
And they´re coming to take me AWAY,
HA HAAAA”

But alas, I have always been too busy trying to hold everything together to fully let go of my sanity enough to earn a paid vacation in the Loonie bin.  I joke, but in all seriousness, witnessing a parent’s mental health deteriorate often feels like you are drowning and the only life preserver available is a warped sense of humor.

It's a constant balancing act between supporting them, worrying about their safety, trying to maintain your own well-being (and your own kids/spouse, etc...), desperately needing support, but refusing to admit that you can’t do it alone.  If that isn’t enough, you also worry others might believe you are tainted with the “crazy” gene.  It’s best to paint a perfect picture of your family and make excuses for your mom’s crazy behavior that nobody believes anyways.

The Power of a Support Network: A Lifeline
During these challenging times, I discovered that having a support network is a lifeline. Friends, family, and support groups/programs became pillars of strength. They offered me a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, and guidance on navigating the turbulent waters of mental illness. Their unwavering support reminded me that I was not alone in this journey.

The Role of In-Home Care Companies: Enter Sunshine Coast Senior Care
Amidst the chaos, when the rest of my mother’s friends and family had given up, I found a beacon of hope in the form of Sunshine Coast Senior Care. Their mantra of “no senior left alone” has evolved in my mind to “nobody left alone”, as their deep caring and empathy extends beyond just helping seniors to also include those struggling with mental health issues and their families. 

Companionship and Care: A Vital Combination
Sunshine Coast Senior Care offered both my mom and I something priceless– companionship and care. Their dedicated staff visit my mother twice a week, ensuring she is taking care of herself. They gently, but firmly encourage her get up and into the shower, to eat properly, help with chores, get her outside for fresh air, vitamin D and exercise, etc…  but most importantly, they provide her with companionship, and have gained her trust and confidence.

These seemingly minor acts have gigantic effects that ripple through our lives, lifting some of the burden I have carried alone for decades, including the gut-wrenching guilt when I just don’t have anything left to give my mom, when she is in pain.

Emergency Support: A Lifesaver
In those urgent moments when I simply cannot be there for my mother, whether because of physical distance or just emotionally spent, knowing there is a team ready to help, provides immense relief for both of us.  During times of crisis, the staff at Sunshine Coast Senior Care have been just a phone call away.  Charlene, Michelle, and Laurie have all jumped into action with open hearts to help my mother; without judgement that I had nothing left for her in that moment.

Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience
Supporting a loved one battling mental health challenges is an arduous journey. But with the right support network and professional care services like Sunshine Coast Senior Care, it's a journey we can navigate together. My mother's story is one of resilience and hope, a testament to the power of love, companionship, and professional compassionate support.

As we continue to stand by our loved ones through their battles, let's remember that there is strength in seeking help, in reaching out and admitting we can’t do it alone, and in the unwavering bonds of our support networks.
​Together, we can be the safety net that saves lives and brings light to the darkest of days.

Anonymous Client of Sunshine Coast Senior Care

​Why Seniors Are Vulnerable to Scams
​Seniors can be more susceptible to scams due to a combination of factors, including isolation, trust, and cognitive decline. They often don't understand the new technology and how easily they can be compromised, for example, with just a click on a link in a phishing email.  Recognizing these vulnerabilities is the first step in protecting them from potential scams.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors
To effectively protect seniors from scams, it's essential to be aware of the types of scams that are prevalent:

1. Telemarketing Fraud: Scammers use phone calls to sell fake products, services, or investment opportunities.
2. Phishing and Email Scams: Seniors may receive emails or messages that appear legitimate, like from Canada Revenue, but are designed to steal personal information or money.
3. Social Engineering: Scammers may impersonate family members or friends, requesting money for emergencies or posing as trusted organizations.  These scams are especially prevalent on social media (i.e. Facebook & Instagram) and can also be their own accounts that are being used to deceive friends and family.
4. Medicare and Healthcare Fraud: Seniors may be targeted with false medical treatments, insurance fraud, or Medicare scams.
5. Catfishing:  Especially for seniors who are recently single and feeling some renewed "energy", they may attempt to jump back into the dating ring through dating sites or apps.  They may not be in their "prime" anymore, but they are prime targets for scammers to pretend undying love and then trick them into sending them personal details and money.  And... these wolfs in sheep's clothing have very sneaky ways of gaining trust, like reverse scams where they offer help by sending them money and the victim gives up their bank bank or credit card details without even questioning it.
6. Physical or Virtual Theft of Bank and/or Credit Cards:  Whether online or at the store, seniors are often easy targets.  A thief can gain the senior's trust by offering help to get close enough to see their PIN number and can slip the card away right under the senior's nose.  This happened to my father-in-law a couple times, so my partner set him up with an Apple Watch with Apple Pay.

The Role of Family & Caregivers (including professional In-Home Care providers)
It is so important for family and caregivers to help educate the seniors in their care, take extra steps to ensure they are well protected, and keep a vigilant watch if they see or hear anything suspicious.  
 ​At Sunshine Coast Senior Care, our Registered Care Aides and Nurses are more than just caregivers; they are trusted companions who are often deeply connected with the seniors they assist. Here's how we can all work together to protect our seniors from scams:

1. Education: Caregivers can help educate seniors about common scams, warning signs, and how to spot fraudulent requests or suspicious activity. They can provide valuable insights to both seniors and their families.
2. Monitoring: Caregivers and family can keep a watchful eye to identify any suspicious communications. When having conversations with seniors and sharing stories/events, keep an ear out for anything suspect, like a call from CRA to collect outstanding taxes.  This vigilance is an additional layer of protection and an essential element to keep those in our care safe from being taken advantage of.
3. Encouraging Vigilance: Caregivers can encourage seniors to be cautious, ask questions, verify requests, and seek advice from people they trust before making any financial decisions or give out information.  
4. Reporting: If there's any suspicion of a scam, caregivers should promptly report it to family members and the relevant authorities.

Tips for Families and Caregivers to Prevent Scams
Here are some actionable tips for families and caregivers to work together in preventing seniors from falling victim to scams:

1. Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your loved one and their caregivers, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding their care and safety.
2. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of common scams and warning signs through reliable sources, and share this information with caregivers and your senior loved ones.  
3. Regular Check-Ins: Regularly check in with your senior family member to discuss any unusual or suspicious communications they may have received.
4. Be Supportive: Ensure that your senior loved one feels comfortable sharing their concerns and experiences with you and their caregivers.
5. Immediate Action: If a scam is suspected, take immediate action by reporting it to local authorities and relevant consumer protection agencies.

At Sunshine Coast Senior Care, we emphasize the importance of a collaborative effort to protect our senior clients from many of the pitfalls that they are vulnerable to, including scams. Our dedicated caregivers, Registered Care Aides, and Nurses, are valuable partners in this endeavor. Together, we can create a secure and supportive environment in which seniors can age gracefully and confidently in their homes, knowing that their physical and emotional safety are our top priority.

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