At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to quality of life. This is especially important for seniors, who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers a number of benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including: 1. Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. 2. Fostering positive experiences. 3. Improving self-confidence. 4. Increasing sense of belonging. 5. Decreasing loneliness, boredom, and expressive behaviours.
Community News
Feel the Love, Not Your Dentures
Valentine’s “month” is in full swing, and nothing gets in the way of feeling romantic quite like ill-fitting dentures. Properly made dentures will be aesthetically pleasing, look true to life, and operate in such a way that your Valentine shouldn’t notice. If you’ve been cleaning your dentures regularly and having annual checkups with your denturist you should have no reason to worry or to lack confidence. If you feel uncomfortable or think your dentures are the wrong size, go see your denturist. Getting your dentures fitted and lined correctly will help them feel more comfortable on the gum line.
Bringing Mobility to You
Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a scooter to increase your mobility and gain more independence. 1) Take a test drive – to find the right dimensions and ensure a comfortable ride, it’s important to try some scooters out. 2) Ask for an in-home demo – in-home instruction can help ensure your safety and the correct operation of your scooter. 3) Stay safe – download a free Canada Scooters safety guide and ask your local Canada Scooters shop how the rules of being a pedestrian apply to scooter operators 4) Keep up with maintenance – perform daily maintenance and take your scooter in for regular professional maintenance.
Restorative Yoga – “Restore Your Energy”
Relax, Restore and Re-energize your mind, body and soul with Restorative Yoga and Reiki. This 90-minute-long practice emphasizes mindful rest and stillness, utilizing props and blankets to ensure the body is fully supported, completely relaxed, and wholly prepared to receive the deep peace, balance, and healing that comes through a gentler practice, and a non-invasive form of hands-on healing. Reiki (Universal Life Force Energy) will be incorporated throughout the practice to balance and harmonize your energy, complimenting the healing and relaxation of your mind, body and soul, through these gentle postures. Check out our class schedule at BrokenSquirrel.ca
Volunteers Needed at CVSSS
The vital component of most of our programs at CV Senior Support are volunteers! While staff coordinate the pieces to make programs work, it is our incredible volunteers who venture into the community and provide the supports many of our clients depend upon. Volunteering at Comox Valley Senior Support can range from a weekly phone call or in person visit to grocery shopping or assisting seniors to fill out forms and find resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education. As our volunteers retire, we need to replace them! If you have an interest in supporting seniors in your community, please contact the office at [email protected] or 250-871-5940 to find out more.
Caregiver Support Group
Did you know that CVSS offers caregivers Support groups? For those providing care for a loved one living with dementia, being able to visit with and seek support from others with similar experiences can be very helpful. You are not alone in the caregiving community. For more information, please call the CVSS office at 250-871-5940 or email at [email protected] We are considering launching a Caregiver Support Group in Fanny Bay/Ship’s Point area. In April or May. Please contact the CVSS office of you are interested in attending!
Understanding Dementia
The ageing of human populations across the globe has contributed to dementia being identified as one of the public health issues of the 21st century. The MOOC curriculum addresses this health issue by drawing upon the expertise of neuroscientists, clinicians, and dementia care professionals from both within the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, and beyond. The Wicking Dementia and Research Centre offers free online courses. Based in Tasmania, Australia, these programs use data from around the world to provide excellent information for students. Links to the following course can be found here: https://mooc.utas.edu.au
Income Tax
The Senior Information and Access Services Team will once again be offering its expertise to assist seniors with their taxes! Beginning March 15, the team will be ready to go. Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!). Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or [email protected] to register.
Board Members Wanted
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] for more information.
Comox Valley Seniors’ Expo Feb. 25
Comox Valley seniors and caregivers won’t want to miss the 2023 Comox Valley Seniors’ Expo, presented by the Village of Cumberland on Saturday, February 25 from 10am-3pm at the Cumberland Cultural Centre. Discover a wide range of supports available to seniors in the Comox Valley, learn about new products or services and connect with friends and neighbours who care about helping local seniors live their best lives. The expo will feature a wide variety of local exhibitors and guest speakers throughout the day, with refreshments available for purchase.
Comox Valley Seniors 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.
