
Community Support
Could My Family Benefit from Counselling? — A Registered Social Worker's Perspective
4 min

Spark Staff
One of the most common things we hear from families at the first session is some version of the same sentence: "I wasn't sure if things were bad enough to come here."
It's an understandable question. Many people picture family counselling as something you do after a crisis: after the blow-up,...

Community Support
AAC Myth vs. Fact: What Parents Need to Know About Augmentative and Alternative Communication
5 min

Spark Staff
If your child has been recommended for an AAC assessment, or you're already using an AAC device or communication board at home, you've probably run into a lot of opinions. Well-meaning family members, other parents, even strangers in the grocery store sometimes have thoughts about "the tablet" or "the picture...

Community Support
5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore as a Family Caregiver
5 min
1

Spark Staff
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...

Community Support
Protecting Your Path:
Fall Prevention Tips and Strategies for Children and Older Adults
4 min
2

Spark Staff
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...

Community Support
Do You Need a PSW Certification to Be a Good Caregiver?
3 min
2

Allison Carroll
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...

DEI Talks
Unrecognized Sacrifices: The Impact of Unfair Attendant Care Compensation within SABS
4 min
2

Joel Paquette
Our team wants to bring light to an issue that affects not only accident victims but also their families and the critical role they play in providing care and support. Let's discuss the concerning compensation practices within the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), specifically related to attendant care and the implications...

Community Support
Caregiver’s Guide to Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
5 min
7

Spark Staff
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...

Spark Stories
A Boy, A Bird, and A Nurse
4 min
3
16
When 2020 arrived, no one could have guessed how many challenges the world would be facing in such a short period of time. Medically fragile and immunocompromised children felt the impact of the global pandemic in a big way. They were forced to stay in the safety of their own...

Inspiration
Edie Found Sunshine in the Little Things
5 min
3

Allison Carroll
A story of the wonderful, spunky woman who still inspires us.
"You'd Never See Her Without A Smile"
Before I joined Spark, I worked as an activities director at a retirement residence. I used to love crocheting with the ladies; it’s how I kept up to date with the latest news. I...

Spark Stories
Will & Kathleen
1 min
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....

Spark Stories
George & Cody
2 min
2
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...

Spark Stories
The Furgusons & Allison
1 min
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...
