Why language matters in care
It's hard to say you're in pain, embarrassed or scared in a second language. Many elders who manage English well in daily life find it harder when they're unwell. People with dementia may also lose later-learned languages and return to their first. A caregiver who speaks Punjabi can catch things that might otherwise be missed, and can simply sit and talk with your parent.
Men caring for men, women caring for women
Personal care is private. Many Punjabi elders aren't comfortable being helped by someone of the opposite gender, and that's OK. Ask for a male caregiver for your father or a female caregiver for your mother, and we'll work to set that up.
Care that fits a Punjabi home
- Turban and kesh: caregivers treat the dastar, kesh and kara with respect, and they'll ask how your father wants things done
- Faith: rides to the gurdwara or temple, time for path or prayer, and playing kirtan or bhajans at home
- Food: roti, dal and sabzi the way your family makes them, and vegetarian meals if you prefer
- Family: we know many households have several generations under one roof, and we'll work with everyone involved
- Respect: elders are addressed the way your family prefers
Services in Punjabi
- Personal care and companion care
- Dementia care, and respite care for family caregivers
- Live-in and 24-hour care
- Rides and appointment escorts, including help speaking with doctors
- ICBC care after a crash and WorkSafeBC (WCB) care after a work injury
- Caregivers for weddings and travel, including family weddings in Punjab
Where we serve Punjabi families
We're based in Abbotsford, and we also help Punjabi families in Chilliwack, Mission, Langley, Aldergrove, Maple Ridge and across the valley.
When it's hard to accept help
In many families, there's an expectation that children look after their parents themselves, and hiring help can feel like failing. It isn't. A caregiver can take on the hard physical tasks so you have more time to simply be a son or daughter. We're glad to talk it through with the whole family, in Punjabi.
We provide non-medical home support. We don't provide nursing care, wound care, injections or medication administration. If you need those, your doctor or Fraser Health Home and Community Care can arrange them, and we can work alongside that care.
Common questions
Do you have male Punjabi-speaking caregivers?
Yes. You can ask for a male or female caregiver. Tell us at the first call so we can plan the match.
Can I speak to someone in Punjabi on the phone?
Yes, call 604-343-8830 and ask to speak in Punjabi.
Can the caregiver help at doctor's appointments?
A caregiver can go with your parent and help them talk with the doctor day to day. For important medical decisions, ask the clinic about a professional interpreter.
Are your services only for Sikh families?
No. We care for Punjabi families of every faith, and for clients of all backgrounds.