Some forgetfulness is a normal part of growing older, but it’s important to be aware of changes in your loved one’s memory and signs of a more serious memory loss condition. If your loved one has a degenerative condition like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, an early diagnosis can give you and your loved one time to develop a long-term care plan that honors their care wishes. Sudden changes to your loved one’s personality are often another sign that something’s not right. These changes can include anxiety, paranoia, depression, and socially inappropriate behaviors, as well as sudden mood swings and physical aggression.
Community News
Available Resources
The Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in B.C. and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The OSA was established in 2014 and is the first office of its kind in Canada. 1-877-952-3181. SeniorsAdvocateBC.ca
Available Resources
The BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) is a provincial umbrella organization that supports local CRNs who in turn work to create a strong community response for adults who may be experiencing or be impacted by abuse, neglect and self- neglect. BCCRNS.ca
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (Charity # BN 896568417 RR0001). Partial funding for programs is provided through Island Health and the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remainder of operating costs are covered by donations from valuable, and greatly appreciated donors. Tax receipts for donations are issued upon request. Donations can be made online via our website at ComoxValleySeniorSupport.ca/Donate.
Community Announcement
The Caregiver Support Program offers support groups and resource information to those providing care for a senior family member or friend. Limited, short term counselling is available for those who may need it.
Memory Support: Meets twice each month for a two-hour period and is intended for seniors who are living with memory loss. The group focuses on conversation, information, support and having fun. This program will begin again once Public Health Orders have been lifted.
Community Announcement
The Society’s Senior Information and Access Services provides assistance with forms and applications, Income Tax, community resources / referrals. Food security is supported by providing help with grocery shopping, Food Bank pick up, and delivery of hot meals in partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society.
Ask The Expert
Q: I’m 77 years old and I remember my eyes used to be dark brown, but now they’re grey. My doctor said that’s normal. Are my eyes really getting less brown?
A: The colour of your iris usually stays the same throughout your life, but the cornea (the clear surface in front of the iris) can get a little cloudy over time. This is from normal lipid deposits, often within the outside edge of the cornea. If this happens in younger adults, we would wonder about blood lipid levels and that can be investigated of course.
Who Will Speak for You?
Advance care planning can provide you and your family with valuable peace of mind. By exploring various health and treatment options available and choosing a path that honours your beliefs and values, you can document this information and designate someone to be your voice should a time come when you are unable to speak for yourself. Studies show a significant reduction in depression following the death of a family member when the end of life wishes have been made known because it reduces the stress of making decisions at a time when families may have conflicting values, feelings, and opinions.
Overcoming Dentist Anxiety
Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Unfortunately, putting off regular checkups is a good way to end up with gum disease or other problems, which is why establishing a good patient-dentist relationship is so important. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, mention it to your dentist and they will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.
Alzheimer’s & Home Safety
If you are part of a family that includes a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container.
Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior
Someone who is fearful of falls, may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling.
