Port Moody is small enough that most families here already know which building their parent lives in and roughly who else is on the floor. The questions tend to be practical rather than exploratory. Can someone come twice a day. Will it be the same person. What happens on a holiday.

The answer on consistency is that a regular caregiver is the goal and it is usually achievable, because the city sits within a short drive of the Surrey office and the same person can be scheduled for the same slots. Visits cover personal care, meals, medication reminders and company, and the schedule can flex from twice weekly up to live-in support when things change.

Palliative support is also available here, delivered with the family rather than in place of them. Free first call on (236) 473-1021.

• How home care works
• Palliative care