Community News
Reducing Senior Hospitalization

Professionals who work with seniors often observe that older adults who are hospitalized don’t always go home the same. Or they don’t go home at all. Research conducted by Home Instead, Inc., revealed these five preventative actions that could help keep an older adult out of the hospital: 1) Work with a trusted medical practitioner 2) Don’t ignore symptoms 3) Reduce risks of falls and accidents 4) Stay active physically and mentally 5) Maintain a healthy diet. Perhaps you are concerned about these issues for yourself or for someone you care for. We help seniors stay safe at home. Have questions? Let’s talk.

Presbyopia and Aging Eyes

Presbyopia is when your eyes gradually lose the ability to see things clearly up close. It’s a normal part of aging, usually noticeable around age 40. Your clear lens sits inside the eye behind your coloured iris and changes shape to focus light onto the retina so you can see. When you’re young, the lens is soft and flexible, easily changing shape. This lets you focus on objects both close up and far away. Although there’s no way to stop or reverse the normal aging process that causes presbyopia, the condition can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

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

Day Program

Are you or your loved one struggling to thrive? Would you or your loved one like to maintain or improve your physical and cognitive functioning? Are you a caregiver who could use a few hours of respite during the week? If you answered yes to one of these questions, you could be a perfect candidate to access Brella’s Adult Day Program!
People who participate in our Adult Day Program report:
·Enhanced cognitive and physical functioning
·Feeling more connected and less lonely
·Enjoying the tasty hot lunches and snacks provided
·Looking forward to coming back and participating in activities

Find out how to access our Adult Day Program, contact the location nearest you:

South Surrey: Raj Sahota at 604-531-2502 ext. 210 or email [email protected]
Newton: Angela Nial at 604-599-0034 ext. 302 or email [email protected]
Guildford: Kim White at 778-735-0955 ext. 254 or email [email protected]

Telephone Tree

The Telephone Tree program offers support services to older adults over the phone. Our volunteers make weekly social calls offering participants a chance to be heard by providing emotional support, companionship and a sense of community. Volunteers can also provide you with information and referral services as well as keep you informed about the programs and events in the community. It is a great way to stay connected with the community from your home. Call us today if you would like to receive weekly calls. For more infor please contact Nisa Moman, 604-531-9400 ext. 219
Email: [email protected]

Caregiver Support Groups

Brella is excited to welcome back our in-person caregiver support groups. We understand being a caregiver can be difficult, but we are here to help. Come together with caregivers on a similar journey to yours to share, listen, and learn. The Caregiver Support Group is beneficial to caregivers in all stages of their caregiving journey. This group focuses on providing education, support, camaraderie and relaxation. There are 2 sessions being offered on a bi-weekly basis on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. For more information or to register contact our Care Coordinator, Nisa, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 219.

Importance of Having a Grief Sherpa

Grief has the power to cleanse & heal or destroy & destruct. It can feel like a Tsunami that overpowers our entire system shaking us to our knees, affecting our core stability. A roller coaster that takes over our emotions, body and nervous system, reminding us that someone or something important has been lost. Our hearts broken open, in hope that they can begin to cleanse, heal, love and trust again. It offers the choice of stagnation or expansion depending on how we go about connecting to and with the pain. There is no easy way to walk through grief, its excruciating. Allowing someone you trust, that has walked the path before you helps to guide the way and shed light when the darkness feels too unbearable and heavy alone.

A Gift of Health and Wellness

To celebrate Mother’s Day and Naturopathic Medicine Week (May 15-21), why not give yourself or a loved one the gift of health? Beta Wellness Centre provides services such as Aesthetic Medicine, which includes facials as well as a range of high-quality, effective wellness and beauty products. Take advantage of Beta Wellness Centre’s FREE 15-minute naturopathic consultations and discover how you can take steps towards bettering your physical and mental health. The team also offers guidance in heart-brain coherence and can create individualized plans to help you optimize your health, including specific supplements that will work for you!

Join Today!

Brella Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it is from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and have them engaged in physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the seniors in our community; therefore, we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Please visit our website for more information and events.

Spring Nutrition for Seniors

Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich super foods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, its vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes, and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value – for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favorites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.