Caregiving

In honour of World Hospice & Palliative Care Day, October 10 There's a moment in many families' lives when the question quietly changes. It stops being "how do we fix this?" and becomes "how do we make the time that's left as full, as comfortable, and as connected as possible?" That shift...

Have you ever struggled to communicate your message clearly after an illness or injury? Observed a child unable to effectively express their message? Supported a loved one who has difficulty swallowing safely? If so, a Speech-Language Pathologist may be the support you need to help with these challenges, as well...

Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful things you can do. Whether you're supporting an aging parent, a child with a disability, or a partner recovering from illness, you show up, day after day, because love drives you. But love alone can't refuel an empty tank. Family caregiver...

As we journey through life, maintaining our independence becomes a priority, especially as we get older. However, the risk of falls can significantly impact our ability to live on our own terms. Fall prevention plays an essential role in preserving our well-being and autonomy. In this article, we will explore...

10 years ago, if someone had offered me a job as a caregiver, my response would have been, “Sorry, I’m not a certified Personal Support Worker.” Back then, I thought you had to be a PSW, not just to be a caregiver, but a good caregiver. Well, after 8 years of...

I sent this letter to the Spark team, to take stock of, and say thank you for what they’ve done over the last 21 months. Dear team, With the year coming to an end, and with our 10-year anniversary approaching, I’ve been reflecting on the last 21 months. If there’s one thing...

Has someone you love recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? Are you looking for guidance on how to support them in the day-to-day? Alzheimer's disease is a common form of dementia, and it can be extremely overwhelming and demanding for both patients and families who are juggling the many details...

Are you a parent in a pandemic still trying to balance work and family life simultaneously? Are you a caregiver or medical professional who's been burning the candle at both ends since the  Covid outbreak? Are you a human being who is tired of hearing about Covid-19 and the relentless...

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a Christmas classic, and I’ll brook no argument on the subject. I’m referring, of course, to the original 1966 television special (I haven’t seen the new film currently in theatres, and I’ll save my opinions on the Jim Carrey version). When I...

I’m not going to shock anyone with this statement, but growing up is hard. It’s painful at times. It involves a lot of mistakes and a lot of unexpected twists. I’m a different person than I was six years ago. And though our core mission has stayed the same, Spark...

You may have noticed that we love technology, education and design. This makes us suckers for Ted Talks. They're short, accessible, and offer insights and inspiration from innovative thinkers, cutting edge researchers, and passionate practitioners. So, we're beginning a little series that is seriously called "Ted Time", where we'll periodically...

My son Cooper is five years old. He is a beautiful, amazing, hilarious bundle of joy. Everything changed for me the moment he was born. There’s nothing else like holding your child for the first time. Nothing else like the feeling that he needed his mom and me more than...

Manha had always been on her feet: raising three children, running a household, working for the family business. The car accident changed everything. Walking from one room to another with assistance was now exhausting. Her balance was shaky, and she suffered chronic pain. Too much sunlight and long conversations would...

Andrew was biking with his friends on the day his life was changed forever by a drunk driver. He survived the accident. But with severe brain injuries that seriously limited his range of motion. Discomfort and muscle rigidity became daily struggles.   In the face of his new reality, Andrew was...

Spark has had the privilege of supporting Will for over two years. Outspoken, jovial, and incredibly intelligent, Will is a die-hard Sens and Jays fan who loves discussing politics, playing sports, and participating in his community theatre company. Living with Asperger’s and limited mobility, Will’s long-term goal is to find steady employment....

George was only four years old when he was struck by a car. The resulting injuries were severe. Casting and bracing kept him immobile and in need of constant care. He suffered memory loss, and his speech became impaired. His parents were devastated. When George came to us, we knew Cody...

The Fergusons had become frustrated with the unreliability of their care-providing company. Retired, healthy, and independent, they just needed help staying physically and mentally active and wanted a senior care provider who would be truly invested. Enter Allison. With her past certifications and education in Seniors Land Fitness and Aquafitness, as...