Community News
Emotional Health & Plants

Living in or near green spaces, spending time in both natural settings, and cultivated green space can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. Other positive outcomes include reduction in aggressive feelings and enhancement of overall well-being. Studies have found that exposure to indoor plants improved feelings of well-being in participants. Plants are the lungs of the planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens because plants depend on our care, and in turn, they take care of us by improving the indoor air quality we breathe.

Stop and Take a Break

The transition to remote and hybrid work and back to the worksite has been difficult for many reasons, and one consistent issue the idea of taking breaks. Taking breaks benefits both health and performance markers, such as energy levels, morale, and vigor, while decreasing job burnout, fatigue, and work stress. A bulk of research shows the best way to boost productivity is to take microbreaks every 60 minutes away from screen time. Try standing up, moving around, stretching, or practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to keep you motivated during your work blocks.

Better at Home Services

Better at Home supports seniors by meeting their non-medical needs. By providing assistance with these simple, day-to-day tasks, Better at Home assures seniors continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Services vary from community to community but may include the following: • Friendly Visiting. • Transportation. • Light Housekeeping. • Grocery Shopping. To find out more about the services, please contact Mariam at 604-536-9348.

Start Changing Lives Now

We are meeting a need in the community, and we can’t do it without you. Please give generously and make a difference in the quality of life for our seniors. Your donation will go a long way to continue providing just the right programs and services and help people reconnect with the community in a safe way. Every $100 donated provides an hour of services to three older adults and caregivers. Ways to donate: Online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/36058/donation. Mail: 15008 26 Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4P 3H5. By Phone: 604-531-2502 Ext. 209.

Seniors Tax Clinic

Need help with your taxes? Our volunteers are ready to help again this year as tax season approaches! Taxes will be done free of charge until April 30th. Call 604-531-9400 Ext. 216 to book your appointment. To qualify for this service you must:
• Be an adult age 55+. • Make less than $35,000. • Have a simple tax return. • No Foreign Pensions. • No Self Employment/Business Income.
• No Taxable Capital Gains. Some exclusions do apply; please reach out to us to find out if you are eligible!

Normal Forgetfulness or Dementia?

As we age, it’s normal to experience more frequent instances of memory loss. Some common symptoms of normal memory loss include transience, when the brain forgets some memories over time, and absentmindedness, where you may forget something because you weren’t focused on it. Other factors can also contribute to normal memory loss, such as depression and other mental health issues. Memory loss that involves the following can be cause for concern and should be addressed by a doctor: 1) Forgetting important information, like names. 2) Being extremely disoriented in unfamiliar environments. 3) Major personality changes like aggressiveness or impulsivity.

Overnight In-Home Care

If you or a loved one require in-home care, you know that the need for a caregiver doesn’t always end in the evening. Expertly trained caregivers can provide overnight care in your home, staying with you or your loved one to ensure any needs are met the way they are with daytime care. Overnight care can include things like administering medication, assisting with bathroom breaks, and moving positions in bed. Overnight care can be tailored to the specific needs of yourself or your loved one to help keep you or them comfortable at home, no matter the time of day.

Local Spotlight: Suncrest Retirement Community

Local Spotlight: Suncrest Retirement Community
Suncrest Retirement Community offers a new campus of housing options. Conveniently located at 2567 King George Boulevard in South Surrey, BC, (near White Rock), the thoughtfully designed Independent/ Assisted Living building is situated adjacent to their Care Centre. Suncrest Retirement Community offers many choices available to suit different needs, from independent living to specific specialties such as Complex Care, Dementia Care and End of Life Care. Their recreation services include fun group outings, relaxing recreational therapy such as chair yoga, and guest concerts to keep residents engaged, socially active and (most important of all) happy!

Infertility Awareness Week

April 24-30th is National Infertility Awareness Week. The mission is to change the conversation around infertility. There are myths and misinformation that create barriers for people who need help to build their families. We want people to feel comfortable sharing their stories in a community that cares so that they don’t feel isolated and struggle. The color orange is used for infertility awareness. Orange promotes a sense of wellness and emotional energy. Let’s increase activity for this important week and remind those in our community that we are there for them during the disappointments, broken hearts, or wounded pride.

April is Oral Health Month

Oral health is important for everyone, including denture wearers. Gum disease, dental decay, and tooth loss are some of the main problems that denture wearers experience, so it is important to take good care of your gums, any remaining natural teeth, and to keep your partial or complete denture(s) clean and properly fitted! If gums, natural teeth, partials, and complete dentures are not cleaned properly, you are likely to experience a build-up of plaque, leading to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and further tooth loss. Denturists and dental hygienists play an integral role in the maintenance of your oral health. Be sure to book an appointment today.