Community News
Access to Care When You Need It

When you need extra care, Brio Care Suites are available for respite stays, to promote recovery from surgery or long-term care. They are licensed and comply with all local health authority regulations. The Brio Care Suites offer dining options and activity programs designed specifically for Brio residents. A consistent care staff of licensed nurses and registered care aids is on duty 24 hours a day. Services offered include medication management; regular resident care meetings; bathing assistance; chef prepared meals; weekly housekeeping; towel and linen service; personal laundry; utilities including cable and internet; and recreation activities.

Wellness Women’s Expo

The Women’s Expo is the place to be on September 23 & 24 to Explore, Indulge, Escape & Shop. It is all about wellbeing, empowerment, fashion, friends and fun. Lots of great things to explore with over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. The 4th Annual Women’s Expo features wellness seminars, demonstrations, shopping, fashion shows and over $3000 in prizes. FREE to attend. Plan to be at the largest Women’s Expo on Vancouver Island taking place in Nanaimo on September 23 and 24th. See you there!

Principles of Happier Aging™

We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.

Why Do Seniors Become Tutors?

The opportunity to impact lives and give back to the community are two reasons why seniors become volunteer tutors. Volunteer Tutor David shares his thoughts about tutoring: “It’s very easy to hibernate when you’re retired. I know many colleagues who did exactly that. Wanting to avoid that, I looked for something useful to do, and tutoring fills that need very well. Tutoring is very rewarding. It is wonderful to see a learner suddenly grasp a language concept that they should have learned in school, but never did.” Please contact us for information on becoming a tutor.

Supporting Mental Health for Busy Families

Adjusting lives for back to school and preparing for one of the busiest times of year is challenging for families at the best of times. With rising inflation and other pressures facing families, being able to take a break together is essential for supporting good mental health. SOS programs and services for children, youth and families, like our Family Night program, make a big difference. To learn more about free SOS programs and services, and how you can make a difference, visit our website, call us or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.

Set Goals for a New Season

September marks the beginning of a new season. This is a great time of year to make plans for your health and mental awareness. It is also the perfect time for goal setting. Sometimes it is hard to plan in advance with so many other things keeping you busy. You may need help to make planning a priority and to get you on the right track. A Body Code/Emotion Code session with a Certified Practitioner can assist you to release any emotions that are in the way of you making plans and achieving your goals. Call for an appointment today!

Wellness Tips from Body Tempo

Here are two tips to combat osteoporosis and build stronger bones. 1) Incorporate weight-bearing exercises, such as weight-lifting. 2) Get adequate protein. Did you know that women over the age of 40 need to consume double the amount of protein? At Body Tempo Fitness we guide you to take ownership of your health, fitness and well-being so that you can live with more energy and confidence. Only by taking care of ourselves do we stand a chance of being the kind of person we strive to be. Book your complimentary 30 minute health consult today by going to ErinCrawford.com.

Book Club

Living Well with Arthritis: A Sourcebook for Understanding and Managing Your Arthritis Living Well with Arthritis is written by Canadian doctors for Canadians. Its authors, all respected experts in the field, focus not only on medications and complementary treatments, but also on management of the many aspects of life that arthritis can affect. Topics such as dealing with chronic pain and fatigue, developing emotional and social coping strategies, and managing relationships are all explored, taking readers through the steps of how the body is affected, and ways to manage the disease.

Clean Eating Recipe

Thai Green Beans – 4 cups of mixed beans. 2 Tbsp. Butter. 1″ piece fresh ginger. 1 clove garlic. 1 Tbsp. sesame tahini. 1/2 Tbsp honey. 1 Tbsp. olive oil. 1/2 Tsp. toasted sesame oil. Pinch cayenne pepper. Toasted sesame seeds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, toss beans in olive oil until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside in a bowl. Add butter and garlic to skillet on medium heat for one minute and then reduce to low and add cayenne, tahini, sesame oil, honey and ginger. Combine with beans. Top with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

Caring for Hearing Devices

Taking good care of your hearing aids can significantly prolong their life. *Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your hearing aids. *Clean them regularly using your hearing aid cleaning kit. *Remove hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming and store in a dry location away from condensation. *Remove them before applying perfume or hair spray. *Store them in their case or drying cup away from heat sources and direct sunlight. *If you won’t be using your hearing aids for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them separately. *Use a hearing aid expert if you need repairs.

Did You Know?

Comox Valley Senior Support…
– Provides service to an average of 300 Comox Valley seniors monthly. – Provides support to families of Seniors seeking guidance. – Is the only non-profit in the Valley solely dedicated to supporting Seniors and their families. – Utilizes resources from the Valley, the Island, the province, and beyond, to provide the best service possible. – Is a member agency of the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. – Partners with LUSH Valley Food Action Society to help increase Food Security for seniors.