Community News
Outreach Services

Did you know? Comox Valley Senior Support is now providing outreach services to the Cumberland 50+ Drop In on the first Friday of each month from 10 till Noon. That’s right! CVSS staff are striking out into the community to trial outreach supports. We are starting with Cumberland, but plan to expand outreach to all the outlying communities by mid-2023.
If you know of a place where CVSS might be a good fit, please contact Chris at [email protected].

Winter Help for Seniors

There is still a significant period of unpleasant weather ahead this winter. Please think of isolated and vulnerable seniors in your community who may need assistance in inclement weather. If you are unable to assist them yourself, please help them connect with CVSS and we will help them find what they need.

Happy New Year!

The Board of Directors and Staff of Comox Valley Senior Support wish everyone a calm and healthy 2023! Moving into a new year provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge the remarkable community that CVSS works with. Thanks to the community for its incredible support and entrusting CVSS to work with seniors who call the Valley home. The ongoing relationships CVSS enjoys with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, Better at Home, Geriatric Support Services, Community Health Services, the Comox Valley Transition Society, the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, United Way BC, Driving Miss Daisy, Home Instead, the Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, Comox Valley Dodge, St. John the Devine, and so many more all highlight the power of collaborative community efforts. We thank the 120 volunteers who work with CVSS, supporting 300 seniors per month, providing their skills, commitment, passion, and their time. To our community’s most fabulous residents, the hundreds of seniors we come across every year… Thank you for letting us assist you. We look forward to continuing to see you with you in 2023.

Better Mobility, Increased Independence

Using a walker can extend a senior’s ability to maintain their independence and can help them continue to live a healthy and active lifestyle. However, sometimes this can be a hard decision to face. If you or a senior loved one are experiencing shortness of breath when walking short distances, having difficulty bearing weight on the legs, needing to rest frequently when walking, noticing trouble with balance, or having difficulty walking up a short flight of stairs, it might be time to consider a walker. Don’t wait until something drastic has happened to experience the benefits of using a walker!

Importance of Vitamin D

During these dark winter months, the sun’s rays are not strong enough for our bodies to produce sufficient Vitamin D. This is why Osteoporosis Canada recommends that most Canadian adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium. It also helps maintain muscles and reduce the risk of fractures caused by falls. Some studies have suggested that it may reduce the risk of certain diseases. Talk with one of our pharmacists about recommended doses or to learn more about other supplements, vitamins and minerals.

There Is No Quick Fix

Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly. Rising interest rates and the cost of living, food and fuel can become very overwhelming. Sometimes gambling can be seen as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. When we’re vulnerable, gambling can cost us more than money; it can also cost our relationships, our mental and physical health. If finances are tight, seek credit counselling; talk to your bank or financial advisor. Gambling is meant to be entertainment and not a solution to financial problems. Reach out to us here at VI Gaming Support. We’re here to help!

Make Social Interaction a Priority

Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression which affects 20 percent of the population over 70 years of age. Socializing also keeps the mind active and improvements are greater when the person is involved in fun interests with other people. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions give us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.

Comox Valley Resource Guide

Keep your eyes open for a Comox Valley Seniors Resource Guide coming in 2023. 20,000 copies of this spiral bound guide are being created in partnership between Comox Valley Senior Support and Denman and Hornby Community Health Care Services and will be available free of charge.

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.
The Centre is always looking for volunteers. Chase those winter blues away at the Comox Seniors’ Centre.

There Is No Quick Fix

Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly. Rising interest rates and the cost of living, food and fuel can become very overwhelming. Sometimes gambling can be seen as a quick fix to achieve financial relief. When we’re vulnerable, gambling can cost us more than money; it can also cost our relationships, our mental and physical health. If finances are tight, seek credit counselling; talk to your bank or financial advisor. Gambling is meant to be entertainment and not a solution to financial problems. Reach out to us here at VI Gaming Support. We’re here to help!

Getting Your First Hearing Aid

You’ve been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss and are looking for your first hearing aid.

Technology has dramatically advanced in recent years, allowing hearing aids to be more effective than ever. With a wide variety of hearing aid brands and types of hearing aids, it can feel overwhelming to choose one that works best for you.

Fortunately, NexGen Hearing has passionate, dedicated and experienced audiologists and hearing professionals to support you on your journey to better hearing and help improve your quality of life through exceptional care.

Where to Go for Your First Hearing Aid

The first step to getting your first hearing aid is meeting with your audiologist or Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP). They will assess your hearing and help you choose the best hearing aid for your lifestyle. Once a hearing aid is chosen, it is ordered and you are scheduled in for a fitting.

During the fitting, your audiologist or RHIP will program the device to your prescription, review the care instructions and how to use the device, as well as ensure it is comfortable for you. You can expect several follow-up appointments to fine-tune your hearing aid, each about a week apart. It’s possible that your device may need adjustments to sound levels. Not only will your hearing professional help get you set up with your first hearing aid, but they will guide you through your hearing journey for years to come.

What to Look for in Your First Hearing Aid

There are several aspects of your lifestyle to consider before purchasing your first hearing aid, including your hobbies and job.

If you spend a lot of your time outside hiking, gardening, or biking, you might want a hearing aid that is better at blocking out wind or handling various environments. If your job requires attending social events, you may benefit from a higher level of technology that can block out background noise. Or maybe you simply want a hearing aid that connects to Bluetooth so you can pair it to your phone, computer or TV.

It’s important to ask about a trial period with whichever hearing aid you decide to go with, especially when it’s your first time getting a hearing aid. This trial period will allow you to decide if your chosen device is right for you after using it. We recommend meeting with your audiologist during this period to ensure the hearing aid fits well and is working as it should.

NexGen Hearing provides a free 21-day introductory hearing aid trial before a deposit is required. After 21 days, you can enjoy an additional 69-day trial or 100% of money refunded. NexGen Hearing also offers complimentary batteries during the warranty period, which is typically three to five years, depending on the model.

Tips & Tricks for Getting Your First Hearing Aid

It’s likely to take some time to get used to your hearing aid, but wearing them should never cause you pain. Try wearing your new hearing aid for about four hours a day to allow the skin around your device to adjust. It can take up to a week to get accustomed to the feeling, but taking breaks will ease the process.

It’s also important to get into a cleaning routine early. Taking proper care of your hearing aid by following the cleaning instructions will help increase the lifespan of your device. We recommend cleaning your hearing aids before putting them on for the day, as well as storing them in a dry place to avoid moisture build-up.

Building a support system is another key component to getting your first hearing aid. It takes an average of seven years for someone experiencing hearing loss to get treated, which often results in mental fatigue and cognitive decline. Having supportive loved ones around who are aware of your hearing loss journey can help improve your quality of life as you are getting used to your first hearing aid.

NexGen Hearing offers free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, hearing aid fittings and sales. Book an appointment at one of our 45+ clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island by clicking here or calling 1-877-606-6671.