Many seniors prefer to age in place in the comfort of their own home, which allows them to maintain dignity and independence. Having a safe home is crucial to ensuring that aging in place is successful, and that can often involve making some adjustments to the home environment. Safety in the bathroom is especially important, as getting in and out of a regular tub can be difficult. Luckily, there are many affordable adjustments and products that can help with bathroom safety, including fold-up bath seats and hand-held showers, bathtub conversions to reduce height, and grab bars for added stability.
Community News
Out to Lunch
Join us at Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. for our “Out to Lunch” get together, every Friday at noon. Only $10.00 for members and $12.00 for non-members for a delicious home cooked meal. Please call 204-571-2053 to book a spot because right now we are limited in our capacity.
Dinner is Served
“Dinner is Served” is a healthy meal program by Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. For only $10.00 you will receive a complete home-cooked meal. Order as many meals as you wish on Friday, we have a variety of seven different meals, and they will be delivered free to you on the next Friday by our friendly volunteers. Check out the menu on our website.
Victoria Lifeline
If you are like most seniors, you want to maintain your independence and remain active. You don’t want an accidental fall or medical emergency to jeopardize your ability to live independently at home. You are always connected to our 24/7 Response Centre. With a push of your medical alert button – you can get help you need. Call 204-571-2053 to get more information from Brandon Seniors for Seniors.
Emergency Lock Box
Have your ever asked yourself, how could I be rescued if my door was locked? Time is of the essence during a fire or medical emergency. Install a Lock Box – a small weather-resistant metal box that securely holds a set of keys. Should an emergency occur while you are unable to open the door or get out of the residence, Brandon Fires & Emergency Services can access your property without having to break in. Contact Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. for more information.
Join the Club!
Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. is a great place to meet people, learn new skills and have fun. Everyone is invited to get involved; yoga classes, line dancing, exercise group, foot care, computer club, men’s club, Stitch n chat, cribbage, clogging, movie and games afternoon and new for this month is iPad training in partnership with Vincent Massey students. Some of the benefits of becoming a member are your membership is on a year-to-year basis, reduced rates when attending activities and a voice in the direction the organizations takes to better our community.
Tips for Staying Mentally Sharp
While many of us are spending more time at home, and possibly watching more television, it’s important to remember that your brain needs to stay in shape too! As we get older, the brain starts to experience normal age-related declines just like every other part of the body. So here are a few tips to improve your mental fitness: Learn something new – the brain is a learning machine and needs to be continually challenged to stay sharp. Incorporate some skill-based games like chess, sudoku, or crossword puzzles into your routine and try to exercise more – fit people have fit brains!
Look for Local at Sobeys
Look for Local at Sobeys
Look for locally made Spenst Bros. premium quality pizza at Sobeys. Spenst Bros. is a family farm from Winkler that owns and operates a pizza production facility, retail store, and meat processing plant. They make the pizza crust, sauce, and all the meats that top their pizzas. Spenst Bros. pizzas are available in many varieties, including pepperoni bacon, ham & pineapple, supreme, pepperoni mushroom, double pepperoni, triple cheese, meat lovers, ham & bacon, Italian sausage, chicken bacon ranch, and sweet chili chicken. Pick up a homemade pizza “the way mom makes it” the next time you stop in at Sobeys.
The Needs of Older Caregivers in Canada
– In 2018, almost one-quarter of seniors aged 65 and older (about 1.5 million people) provided care or help to family members or friends with a long-term condition, a physical or mental disability, or problems related to aging.
– One-third (34%) of all caregivers aged 65 and older provided care for a spouse or partner. This proportion increased to 47% when focusing on seniors aged 75 and older, and to 50% for those aged 85 and older.
– Almost one-third (31%) of senior caregivers who were caring for a spouse spent 30 hours or more a week providing care or help. Senior women caring for a spouse spent more hours doing so than senior men (20 hours compared with 14 hours). – One-third (33%) of senior caregivers reported that their caregiving responsibilities were stressful or very stressful. Stress related to caregiving varied significantly depending on the number of hours spent on caregiving and had a stronger effect on senior women.
Winter Blues Solutions
Winter months bring on more then cold temperatures; they often bring on winter blues. Many seniors experience depression due to lack of sunshine, activities, and socializing.
Come in out of the cold into the warmth of the Comox Seniors’ Centre at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox. Enjoy a coffee and meal at Dei’s Cafe with friends or meet new acquaintances. Pick up Dei’s hot meals to go; ask what’s on the menu. Check out our library for a good book, DVD or puzzle. Looking for a handmade gift for someone special; our best kept secret Gift Shop is waiting for you. Become a member and participate in the many activities available. Chase those winter blues away at the Comox Seniors’ Centre.
Pandemic Stress
March 2022 will mark two years since Public Health Orders to support our communities came into force in BC. Two years in and a ways to go yet; people are feeling the stress and are getting worn. Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health https://camh.ca/ has suggestions to help. The website provides greater detail, but here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with pandemic stress and worry. – Accept that some anxiety and fear is normal. – Bring an intentional mindset to unplugging. – Deal with problems in a structured way. – Remember that you are resilient and be careful with the “What ifs”. – Challenge worries and anxious thoughts. – Decrease other stress. – Practice relaxation and meditation. – Seek support. – Be kind to yourself. – Eat healthily. – Avoid substance use – including smoking, vaping and alcohol. – Moderate caffeine intake. – Get proper rest and sleep. – Stay active.
