They are phrases both gratifying and rewarding that give Sharon Speirs and her team a sense of joy and accomplishment.
“Mom feels safe going for a walk.”
“Dad is eating properly.”
“Our parents’ place is so clean.”
Speirs is the general manager of The Key, a team of dedicated health and wellness experts who have provided compassionate, holistic long-term care to Metro Vancouver seniors aging at home for more than 15 years.
“So many times the phone rings and it’s someone saying, ‘You have made a huge difference for our family,’” Speirs says. “When you get a call like, you remember that’s why we do this.”
Formerly known as Home Care Assistance, The Key is comprised of team members who are driven to help older adults live in their own home as they age, improving the quality of life for their clients and those who love them.
It’s a commitment that’s guided by The Key’s proprietary approach to care known as the Balanced Care Method, which focuses on overall wellness, emphasizing nutrition, engagement and social connection and bringing joy and meaning to each day.
The Balanced Care Method takes its inspiration from residents of Okinawa, Japan, who routinely live to be more than 100 years old through an emphasis on optimal health, enjoying life and finding purpose.
“When you think of a sense of purpose, it’s really about engaging seniors in their favourite topics, the hobbies and activities they love, but could be challenging for them to do as they age,” Speirs says.
To that end, The Key’s team members facilitate connections, hobbies, and family involvement to reduce loneliness and boost emotional support. It could be something as simple as going for a walk, taking a drive, or re-engaging in a ceramics class, but Speirs notes the profoundly positive effects her team sees in clients when that sense of purpose returns.
“A huge issue for seniors that’s really challenging for them is that sense of isolation,” Speirs explains. “Getting them out and active again is so important to their quality of life.”
The Key’s care team is made up of registered nurse/licensed practical nurse case managers and registered care aides with dementia training to provide a full continuum of service rooted in empathy and knowledge.
It’s a process that begins with family members and their older parents meeting case managers to best understand where that client is at in their aging journey – what health precautions need to be taken, the personality type and even right down to their favourite hobbies or meals.
From there, a care team and care plan are set up in order to build trust and meaningful connection. Case managers then routinely check in with their teams to ensure that a client’s well-being is addressed across any cognitive, mental, or health need.
“There is so much that can happen to a senior that they may not know is happening – our team members are trained to understand and recognize those signs,” Speirs says. “This way families really feel like they know what’s happening with their loved ones at all times.”
Ready to provide your loved ones with compassionate, holistic care that prioritizes their well-being and joy? Discover how The Key can make a difference in your family’s life. Visit thekey.ca today and explore how they can help your loved ones thrive.
