Practical Guidance for Caregiving and Planning Ahead
Gold Cross Caregiver Solutions was created to support individuals and families as they navigate caregiving, changing needs, and planning for the future.
Led by a registered nurse with more than 40 years of experience, Gold Cross provides practical, evidence-informed guidance to help families understand what may be changing, organize their next steps, explore care options, and make informed decisions before a situation becomes urgent.
Caregiving often begins quietly. A family may notice small changes, have new questions, or simply feel that it is time to become better prepared. Gold Cross is here to provide practical information, thoughtful guidance, and support for what comes next.
Founder
Founder
Joanne De Rubeis, RN, BScN, OCT, is a registered nurse, healthcare educator, author, and caregiver advocate with more than 40 years of experience in home care, hospitals, long-term care, community health, and healthcare education.
As an Ontario Certified Teacher, she brings additional expertise in adult education, curriculum development, and course design. She is skilled at translating complex healthcare information into practical guidance that families, caregivers, and care providers can understand and use.
Throughout her career, Joanne has supported families navigating changing and complex care needs, owned and operated a home care company, taught and prepared personal support workers, trained healthcare professionals, and developed programs and educational resources that promote safe, consistent, high-quality care.
Her professional experience, combined with her personal understanding of family caregiving, shapes a proactive approach focused on helping people recognize changes, stay organized, prepare before a crisis, and feel more confident about what to do next.
Professional Background
More than 40 years of experience in nursing, healthcare education, home care, caregiver support, and adult learning.
Former owner and operator of a home care company, with direct experience supporting older adults, caregivers, families, and care staff.
Experienced in developing caregiving and healthcare education, training programs, practical resources, and courses designed to promote safe, consistent, high-quality care.
Gold Cross Caregiver Solutions is a Canadian Red Cross Training Partner offering First Aid, CPR, and Basic Life Support. Training is available for individuals, caregivers, workplaces, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Extensive experience teaching and preparing personal support workers, assessing training programs, and supporting high standards in care and education.
Guidance shaped by clinical knowledge, professional leadership, healthcare education, and a personal understanding of supporting aging loved ones.
Caregiving is rarely one decision. It often involves changing responsibilities, new questions, and many choices over time.
Gold Cross Caregiver Solutions focuses on:
noticing changes early and planning ahead
practical tools for organization and communication
evidence-informed guidance shaped by nursing and caregiving experience
respect for each person’s dignity, independence, preferences, and goals
The aim is to help individuals and families feel more prepared, organized, and supported as needs change.
Important Information
Gold Cross Caregiver Solutions provides education, practical guidance, and resources for individuals, families, caregivers, and organizations. The information and services provided are not a substitute for medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Gold Cross does not provide case management, clinical assessment, or formal advocacy services. The purpose is to help people better understand their situation, prepare questions, organize information, consider available options, and work more effectively with the appropriate professionals when needed.
Many people become caregivers gradually, without formally identifying themselves that way. If you are helping with appointments, medications, finances, transportation, household tasks, or monitoring changes in health or safety, you are likely providing care.
Caregiving often begins long before a crisis or diagnosis, which is why early awareness and preparation matter.
The best time to begin planning is early, before decisions become urgent. Planning often starts when small changes are noticed, such as shifts in health, memory, mobility, or daily routines.
Early planning allows families to stay organized, have clearer conversations, and avoid rushed decisions later on.
Early signs are often subtle and develop gradually. Paying attention to small changes can help families respond thoughtfully and reduce risk.
Common early signs include:
Changes in memory, mood, or behaviour
Difficulty with balance, mobility, or recent falls
Missed appointments or medication errors
Changes in personal hygiene, nutrition, or weight
Safety concerns in the home
Noticing these signs early makes it easier to plan and seek support before situations escalate.
The first steps are usually observational and organizational. Before making changes, it is helpful to understand what is happening and what supports are already in place.
Helpful early steps include:
Paying attention to changes in health, memory, mobility, or routines
Gathering key information such as medications, medical contacts, and important documents
Having open conversations about preferences and concerns
Keeping notes and observations in one place
Starting with observation and organization supports better decision-making over time.
Early knowledge helps families recognize changes sooner, understand potential risks, and make decisions before situations become urgent. When caregivers are informed, they are better able to communicate with professionals and plan care that supports safety, dignity, and independence.
Reliable information also reduces confusion and unnecessary stress during times of change.