Simple Moments with Grandkids Play Vital Role in Enhancing Grandparents' Lives

New study by Bayshore HealthCare shows time with grandkids provides big boost

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - In recognition of National Grandparents Day on September 8^th, Bayshore HealthCare is celebrating the vital role grandchildren play in enhancing their grandparents' lives. Turns out it is the little things that make the biggest difference.

A new survey that interviewed 500 Canadians with grandchildren 15 and under shows that 67 per cent say their favourite thing to do with their grandchildren is to simply sit and talk. Outdoor activities ranked second with 61 per cent of grandparents saying they enjoy walking, gardening and biking with their grandchildren.

The survey also reveals that more than one-third of grandparents see their grandchildren at least once a week. On the other hand, almost one in 10 said they see them only once every seven to 12 months. When they are not spending time with their grandchildren, half of grandparents surveyed said what they missed most was hearing their stories and learning about their new life experiences.

"As homecare providers, Bayshore's nurses and caregivers see first-hand how important visits from the grandkids are in bringing joy to people's lives," says Registered Nurse Jackie Hickey from Bayshore Home Health. "Grandparents want to hear all the stories -- from their favourite class in school to the score of their latest soccer game."

Grandchildren also bring an energy that help their grandparents maintain a healthy lifestyle. In fact, 27 per cent of grandparents surveyed say keeping up with their children and grandchildren keeps them physically active.

Maria Simone, a Bayshore client with four grandchildren, sees them or chats on the phone at least once a week. Staying active is a priority.

"They don't consider me an old lady. They treat me as an equal," Simone says. "We golf together, swim together and go for walks. Even though I'm an Oma, they always make sure I can keep up."

Having in-home support for health care and daily chores allows Simone to prioritize her physical activities so she can spend as much time as possible with the grandkids.

"I can't always keep up with the housework. For instance vacuuming can really hurt my back. The help at home lets me focus on spending time with family, and being active doing what I love."

To showcase the role grandkids can play in enhancing their grandparents' lives, Bayshore is engaging social media users across Canada to "Instagram their Instagran." By sharing their favourite photos of their grandparents, past or present, using the Instagram hashtag #bayshoregran, people have a chance to win some great prizes. The contest runs from National Grandparents Day, Sept. 8, to Sept. 15. The grand prize winner will be selected at random and announced on Sept. 16.

About The Survey
From August 29 to September 3, 2013, an online survey was conducted among a sample of 509 Canadian grandparents, 50 years and older, with at least one grandchild who is 15 years or younger. All respondents are also Angus Reid Forum panel members. The margin of error — which measures sampling variability — is +/-4.34%, 19 times out of 20. The data is weighted on gender and region. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Bayshore
Bayshore HealthCare is one of the country's leading providers of home and community health care services and a Canadian-owned company. Its services are purchased by government care programs, insurance companies, workers' compensation boards, health care organizations, the corporate sector and the public. The Bayshore brand extends across four business divisions: Bayshore Home Health (medical and non-medical home care and staffing services), Bayshore Specialty Rx (specialty pharmacy, infusion and pharmaceutical patient support services), Bayshore Therapy & Rehab (physiotherapy and rehabilitation services) and Bayshore Dialysis (dialysis centers). The company's goal is to enhance the quality of life, well-being, dignity and independence of Canadians of all ages. Bayshore HealthCare has been a recipient of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies award since 2006. For more information, call 1-877-289-3997 or visit www.bayshore.ca.

SOURCE: Bayshore HealthCare

For further information:

Kate Kurys
Citizen Optimum Public Relations
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