Blog Posts: Community and social services

Retirement can be the beginning of new projects and new role, and for some this might include “social entrepreneurship”—engaging in small ventures that address real community needs while promoting social participation, providing an outlet for creativity, and generating income.

Finding qualified and trusted staff to care for your loved ones during the day is one thing. But with staff shortages plaguing all employment sectors, finding qualified and trusted staff working night shifts is a big challenge.

Being prescribed a forest bath, a yoga class, or a cooking class? Social prescribing recognizes that people's health and well-being are primarily determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors.

Can turning to our peers hold benefits for our health? You’ll be happy to know that research lends support to the use of this strategy.

Supporting people who are homeless or who are precariously housed remains a complex issue, even more so in the context of a pandemic. Various support strategies could be put in place, including the use of case managers.

We have been witnessing the emergence of a new profession related to end-of-life care: the end-of-life doulas (sometimes referred as "death doulas"). End-of-life doulas offer continuous support and comfort to people at the end of life and their families.

"Successful aging" has become an important concept to describe the quality of aging. Despite a growing literature on this topic, there is no standard definition of successful aging. What does it mean for older adults?

Are you or someone you care for looking for a program to support recovery from alcohol misuse and dependence? See what the research says about widely used recovery support services.

Violence against women is a tragic and complex phenomenon, especially since this "shadow pandemic" is unfolding against the background of a health pandemic. We must act proactively and not remain silent in the face of such violence.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the name alone can leave you breathless. See what the research has to say about the benefits of home or community-based rehabilitation.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put pressures on all of us, but among all those affected since the start of the pandemic, one group has met incredible challenges: caregivers. Read more for a few helpful tips for supporting caregivers through these challenging times.

Each year, many patients, families and caregivers who interact with the health and social systems experience dissatisfaction and adverse events. Complaint mechanisms can be seen as a tool for learning and improvement. But what do we know about the nature of complaints and their effects?

In Canada 1.1 million older adults use assistive technology to compensate for physical or cognitive limitations. However, despite the potential benefits of these technologies, some older adults remain reluctant to use them. What can explain this reluctance?

When it comes to high blood pressure, “knowing your numbers” is key. A couple of promising blood pressure screening and monitoring options may help you stay on top of your numbers and help you and your health care provider create the best possible treatment plan.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted individual and societal experiences of end of life care, grief and bereavement due to public-health measures to counter the spread of the virus. Alternative or virtual ways must be found to honor the memory of our loved ones and provide comfort to their close friends and families.

We often take for granted that we will have a say in decisions affecting us. However, a large proportion of older adults and caregivers are not formally engaged in discussions about their own health and well-being. Decision aids and decision coaches are among some of the tools and support that can help you.

It is not only individuals who are struck by disasters like a pandemic, it is entire communities that are shaken. Implementing a community resilience plan can help a community come together and overcome any disaster, while rebuilding socially, physically and economically.

From cancer to heart disease, the hazards of smoking have long-been documented. Emerging evidence appears to suggest that there could also be a dangerous association between smoking and COVID-19. Consider becoming smoke-free for your overall health and well-being. These evidence-based strategies could help increase your chances of success!

Can telephone counselling help you quit smoking? There is some promise for ongoing counselling that sees a counsellor or other health care provider connect with you for additional support.

A large number of grandparents are the primary caregiver of their grandchildren. While raising your grandchildren may be one of the most rewarding experiences, some grandparents may require additional social support to effectively play their role.