Downsizing is often a stressful process — both emotionally and physically. When the time comes, give yourself plenty of time for the process to make it seem less overwhelming. As you go through and sort things, recognize and acknowledge the sentimental value of a once-prized stuffed bear and kindergarten Mother’s Day cards. Great Grandma’s 20 piece dinner service will remind you of all the happy family times. It is ok to get lost in nostalgia for a moment or two. Remind yourself that the memories will always be there. Focus on looking forward to the new environment to help ease the process.
Community News
Work Towards a Healthier Winter
The winter months can be challenging for many residents, particularly when you’re grappling with poverty and a pandemic. SOS is continuing to assist residents in need with emergency supplies including food and medicine, grocery shopping for seniors, and mental health supports like counselling. Although the pandemic has made it difficult to connect with others and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to engage in self-care, especially if you are caring for others. Once basic needs are met, residents can look forward to healthier and more stable days. Help SOS meet basic needs by donating to our Winter Emergency Fund. Visit our website or contact us today.
It’s COLD out there.
The Coldest Night of the Year is a Covid-safe, family-friendly walk to raise money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over 33.5 million dollars in 144 communities across Canada. In Nanaimo and Oceanside, the walks raise funds for the Island Crisis Care Society. This year it is your own self-organized micro-walk! Register now and gather with your Covid-safe bubble (or on your own) and get walking. Please see their website for more information.
Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention
What a tough year it has been! Everyone is at wit’s end with Covid fatigue. With vaccines now rolling out in care homes and the promise for the rest of Canada’s seniors on the heels of that, we will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief. It’s been a long, tough haul so it is good to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to remain vigilant a little longer. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention line is open 24 hours/day with wonderful volunteers who genuinely care – 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).
Residential Care – Access to 24/7 Assistance
Residential care, sometimes known as complex care, offers 24/7 nursing and care support. This level of care is designed for those in need of intermediate care, extended care, dementia care, respite care and palliative care. Residents receive: *Three meals a day customized as per the individual’s dietary needs *Medication support and management *Assistance with personal care, including bathing, dressing and other hygiene-related tasks *24 hour on-call nurse *Housekeeping and laundry services *Access to entertainment, activities and socializing. A multidisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, occupational and physiotherapists ensure both the body and soul of residents are nurtured.
The Need for Social Support
Feeling that we belong and that others care about us is important to all of us. People need people. Social support is exactly that: the sense of belonging and care we get from others. At uncertain times, it’s important to identify what we need and to remind ourselves that there are people we can reach out to who can help. This support can be in different forms such as *providing knowledge or information *bringing a different point of view *emotional support *immediate assistance. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.
Community Profile: Ears to You
Today’s technology makes life a little more convenient; a watch that knows your body fat percentage and the ability operate your lawn sprinkler from any time zone. Now you have the convenience of getting the correct hearing aid, at the right price, without leaving your own driveway. So long, boring beige office; this mobile office comes to you. Jeff Campbell, hearing specialist with decade of experience and founder of Ears to You, brings you a truly custom and personalized approach to hearing heath – complete with a streamlined booking system, to-your-door service and diligent follow up.
Keep Your Joints Happy
Many of us have an old injury, or joint that tends to stiffen up with a change in weather. With an increase in barometric pressure or humidity, especially in these nasty cold spells we’ve been experiencing, our joints get cold and cranky just like the rest of us. These changes cause the “synovial fluid” in our joints to increase in viscosity, causing inflammation. A few easy ways to keep our joints happy is with extra layers of warmth. For examples: Wearing Long John’s, a knee or elbow sleeve, tensor bandage or even putting your clothes in the dryer before putting them on. Stay warm out there!
Acupuncture for Back Spasms & Pain
Back spasms can be the result of injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, or they can be related to more serious medical conditions. In addition to heavy lifting, any activity that puts excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back can cause an injury. Acupuncture relieves lower back pain and restores range of motion. Independent research teams find acupuncture effective for treating lumbar disc herniations, lower back muscle spasms and sprains, and chronic pain of the lower back. While OTC or prescription pain medications may offer some relief, they mask the pain to the point that a person continues to do a certain activity that may worsen their physical situation.
Kickboxing Benefits for Women
Kickboxing is one of the best cardiovascular and muscle conditioning activities for women of all ages, offering many health benefits. Some benefits include: 1) Toning your whole body. Kickboxing helps engage all of the muscle groups in your body, and helps strengthen your core. 2) Burning fat and calories fast. Kickboxing can burn about 500 calories in 30 minutes and help burn belly fat. 3) Helping with stress relief. Kickboxing can release endorphins and help you release stress. 4) Teaching self-defense moves. You can learn how to protect yourself. 5) Boosting confidence. You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Health & Wellness Private Consults
Having a strong immune system is your best line of defense against contracting harmful bacteria and viruses, especially during cold & flu season. Would you like to learn ways to improve your immune system and overall wellbeing? Red River Co-op is offering over-the-phone wellness consultations with their resident Health & Wellness Advisor, Dayna. Appointments are 15 minutes and completely free of charge! Paige will share information, tips and products that work to keep you healthy. This includes nutrition, health and wellness products, mindset tools, and more! If you would like to set up a free wellness consultation please call Dayna at 204-230-0871 between 10AM-4PM, Monday to Friday.
