Community News
What is LOVE CRN?

Living Out Visibly & Engaged Community Response Network (LOVE CRN) helps coordinate a community response to abuse, neglect and self-neglect of adults with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. While they do not provide direct service to individuals, they do work through community development, education, prevention, and advocacy.

Make Your Home Safer

Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

According to a recent survey, 90% of North American homeowners between the ages of 55 and 75 would like to stay in their long-time home as they get older. And, not surprisingly, 66% of seniors believe their home is where they will be most comfortable, with 53% believing they will stay healthier in their own home. But living out that scenario and remaining in the driver’s seat calls for a plan of action – and an understanding of potential safety risks in the home. Home care makes it possible to remain home despite physical challenges. From respite care to 24-hour in-home care, services can be tailored to meet your needs.

Get Mobile!

Do more of what you want – when you want. If you ever find yourself waiting around for people to assist you with daily tasks and errands, a mobility scooter could allow you to take matters into your own hands. Confinement can be the most depressing situation that people with mobility issues can experience. Nobody wants to stay inside for a long time, especially when it isn’t necessary. Electric scooters have come a long way and are now more affordable than ever. They provide the freedom to get around, they conserve physical energy, and they also provide you access to places you may not have previously been able to go.

Oral Health Month

April is Oral Health Month in Canada and a great reminder to practice good oral hygiene! Here are five tips for maintaining good oral health: 1) Make healthy food choices and limit sugary and highly acidic foods to avoid tooth decay and acid erosion. 2) Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, which can stain teeth, cause gum damage, give you bad breath, cause tooth loss, and even lead to oral cancer. 3) Brush twice and floss once daily. 4) Make note of any oral issues you have, including sensitivity, bleeding, pain, or strange lumps. 5) Visit your dentist regularly.

Tips for Managing Dry Mouth

Dry mouth doesn’t happen only if you’re dehydrated. Many medications and health conditions can cause dry mouth, with symptoms such as difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. What can you do to lessen the symptoms and prevent oral health problems? Reducing intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can help, as can sucking on sugar-free candies and using a room humidifier. Your pharmacist can offer additional tips, help you choose an appropriate OTC saliva replacement, and perhaps even suggest a change to your medications.

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.

Seniors Tax Clinic

Need help with your taxes? Our volunteers are ready to help again this year as tax season approaches! Taxes will be done free of charge until April 30th. Call 604-531-9400 Ext. 216 to book your appointment. To qualify for this service you must:
• Be an adult age 55+. • Make less than $35,000. • Have a simple tax return. • No Foreign Pensions. • No Self Employment/Business Income.
• No Taxable Capital Gains. Some exclusions do apply; please reach out to us to find out if you are eligible!

Fitness Classes with the City of Surrey

It is not too late to start your New Year resolutions with an exciting and engaging virtual fitness class! Brella Society has collaborated with the City of Surrey, who will have trained instructors ready to guide you through the workout and make modifications for you, as you require them. All adults ages 55+ are welcome to join from the comfort of their home; all that is needed is a computer! If you do not have access to technology, please contact us to get set up through our technology-lending program. Visit sharevirtually.com to register today and we hope to see you there! For additional support contact Isaiah Clemente at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 Ext. 220.

Fresh and Lively

The Fresh and Lively in person lunch program is run by Brella Society, in partnership with various facilities and recreation centers for seniors 55+. Returning to Kent Street Activity Centre in White Rock on April 1st and 22nd. Only 33 spots available and guests must register: no drop-ins! COVID protocols in place. For more information, please contact the Brella Society Meal. 604-2502 ex 207 or email [email protected]