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 information, please contact Nisa Moman
604-531-9400 ext. 219
Email: [email protected]
Community News
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 older adults 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 Elizabeth at 604-536-9348 Ext. 201.
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 any 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. ·Enjoy warm lunch and snacks provided. ·Look forward to coming back and participating in activities.
Find out how to access our Adult Day Program and we can help find the location nearest to you
Raj Sahota at 604-531-2502 ext. 210 or email [email protected]
Angela Nial at 604-599-0034 ext. 302 or email [email protected]
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 an individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the older adults in our community; therefore, we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Please visit brellasociety.ca for more information.
The “I’m Still Me” Project
Our project titled “I’m Still Me” will focus on developing and implementing new attitudes and approaches to support people living with dementia, their families, and care partners by creating awareness, breaking down barriers, assuaging myths of Dementia and Dementia related stigma through education and conversation. The project consists of a series of in-person and online community events aimed at creating awareness about dementia, deconstructing mental models, reducing barriers and fostering more dementia inclusive communities.
We will be hosting many in person events across B.C. (Check our website for location and time) and many virtual events across Canada.
Call 604-352-4123 or email [email protected] for more information and how to sign up.
Natural Product Review:
HEAL is Complete Pant-based Nutrition, made from 100% whole foods. HEAL is made up of organic greens and vegetables, nutrient dense superfoods, plant protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, probiotics and it’s a good source of antioxidants. HEAL is free of artificial ingredients such as flavours, sweeteners, colours, preservatives and synthetic vitamins or minerals. Each serving contains 25g of pure plant protein. Not only is HEAL a perfect way for everyone to get their daily nutrients and proteins, it also mixes easily and tastes great – like berries. Ensuring adequate consumption of enough vegetables, fruits & berries, along with sufficient protein, is an essential element of Healthy Longevity. Receive a free tote bag with purchase of 2 HEAL+.
Making Christmas Magic
For 55 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been creating the magic of Christmas for local residents in need. With community support, we can make sure local children and youth wake up to find a special gift under their tree on Christmas morning. Families and individuals will receive grocery store gift cards so they can choose food that is important to them. You can support the program with a financial donation. Help fill the SOS Toy Shop by donating a new, unwrapped gift. For more information on how to support the program or to register, visit the SOS website.
Support for Differently Abled People
In December we honour people who are differently abled in our communities. The United Nations launched the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy in 2019, with a focus on inclusive practices and policies; most importantly, in supporting employment opportunities and reducing inequality generally. If you are a differently abled person looking for opportunities to work, connect and be supported in your community, contact the Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre to learn about their commitment to the UN Inclusion Strategy. They provide services like smartphone/laptop support, connecting people with applications for disability and pension programs and getting an accessible parking permit.
Discover What Really Matters
“The secret to having everything in life is believing that you already have it.” Many seniors will tell you that the things that you thought mattered in your younger years were not really what mattered. What matters are the people, the experiences and the memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. The holiday season provides an opportunity to reminisce about special moments with your family, friends and loved ones. Sharing memories, stories and experiences is a great way to create new memories. These are more valuable than things. Give the gift of time this Holiday Season.
‘I hear you:’ Three words that let people know you care
We all want to be heard. It means that we are valued; that others care about us. When we aren’t heard, misunderstandings can arise. Opportunities can be missed.
Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can offer the people we love. What if the heart is willing but our ears aren’t up to the task?
Here are five reasons why getting your hearing tested will strengthen and enhance the important relationships in your life.
1. Improved intimacy
Sharing stories about both the ups and the downs of our lives creates a special bond in our closest relationships. It establishes trust and a sense of security. We need to be able to hear those stories.
2. Creating shared memories
If you remove yourself from family or social gatherings because you are apprehensive about being able to follow conversations, you’re missing out on all the little things that bind us together.
3. Being happy in the moment
When you can’t hear properly, you feel frustrated. And frustration turns to anger. Anger pushes people away from us and that’s not what we want, is it?
4. Making those moments count
We can waste a lot of time asking people to repeat themselves. Spend that time fully engaged with the person you’re talking with.
5. Listening is a show of love
We hate to break it to you but you’re probably not the only one who has noticed you’re having problems hearing. By being willing to do something about it, you are demonstrating that you understand the concerns of people who only want what’s best for you.
The team at HearingLife Canada can help. Click here to find a hearing centre near you or book your free hearing consultation here. Call 1-888-514-9515 if you want to be heard, too.
Stay Healthy While Travelling
Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, abnormal blood clotting disorders or obesity you should be assessed by a healthcare practitioner before travelling. Tips to prevent blood clots during flights that every traveller can benefit from include; *Maintain adequate hydration as it also encourages mobilization, *Contract the calf muscles regularly or get up every 1-2 hours, *Wear below-knee graduated compression stockings, and *Choose an aisle seat when possible as it is proven to encourage mobilization. Talk to your pharmacist about ways to stay healthy while travelling.
