Time to Care provides holistic eldercare that supports medical needs, personal care, and social well-being—promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life as people age. My widowed mother began experiencing cognitive decline after the age of 85 and has been under the care of Time to Care for the past eight years. Her care has been overseen by Sister Karen Norman Smith founder and operator of Time to Care. As a highly experienced nursing sister with an extensive career managing hospital departments and multidisciplinary teams. Her leadership, clinical judgment, and ability to match her staff’s skills precisely to my mother’s evolving medical and personal needs have been exceptional.
The nursing team assigned to my mother has consistently demonstrated professionalism, discipline, and reliability. Their meticulous daily clinical recordkeeping has enabled early identification of health changes that could lead to medical events which are often averted. Time to Care maintained rigorous safety and infection-control standards, successfully protecting my mother during COVID-19 and other infectious periods.
Medical coverage has been comprehensive, including close coordination with her general practitioner, specialist physicians, and a clearly defined urgent care plan with the local hospital. Her care has included medication management and therapeutic interventions for both chronic and episodic illnesses. This proactive primary care approach has repeatedly prevented hospital admissions, managing conditions ranging from minor pulmonary infections to more serious medical concerns within the home whenever safely possible.
In the early stages of care, Time to Care placed permanent, reliable nursing staff in my mother’s home. Over time, they became trusted members of our family. They adapted seamlessly to her lifestyle and daily routine, while remaining sensitive to the dynamics of a mature, empty-nest household. They have facilitated Zoom calls with former colleagues as well as online birthday parties with family located overseas.
As my mother’s physical abilities declined, the team worked closely with her domestic staff to ensure that safety measures were progressively implemented, cleanliness standards were maintained daily, and her personal independence was preserved for as long as possible. Her personal hygiene and home environment were managed with care, consistency, and respect.
Beyond clinical care, the Time to Care staff supported my mother’s social life, assisting her in maintaining connections with friends, neighbours, and her cherished church community. They ensured she was appropriately dressed, well-presented, and confident when receiving visitors, even washing and styling her hair for special occasions. These thoughtful details contributed greatly to her sense of self-worth.
As she transitioned into full-time incontinence, her dignity was carefully preserved through attentive intimate care, infection prevention, wound management, and long-term pressure and bedsore prevention.
Time to Care management of my mother’s integrated primary health care extended to collecting medications, managing prescription renewals, coordinating laboratory testing, and accompanying her to medical appointments. They consistently advocated on her behalf and maintained regular communication with her specialists to prevent short- and medium-term health crises.
My mother’s chronic and age-related conditions were managed through a combination of clinical oversight and therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving her quality of life. Her health status—whether stable, improving, or declining—was continuously monitored through detailed documentation. This ongoing surveillance proved invaluable to medical professionals in assessing her condition and recommending appropriate treatment over time.
Time to Care’s commitment, professionalism, and compassionate approach have allowed my mother to age safely and with dignity in her own home. I remain deeply grateful for the exceptional standard of care they have provided throughout every stage of her aging journey.
