A man walks into a doctor’s office. He has a cucumber up his nose, a carrot in his left ear, and a banana in his right ear. “What’s the matter with me?” he asks the doctor. The doctor replies, “You’re not eating properly.”
Community News
How Do I Convince My Spouse to Get a Hearing Test?
In all my years as a hearing health care professional, this is one of the most common and difficult questions to answer. The vast majority of people living with hearing loss are either unaware of their hearing difficulties or do not fully realize the extent of their hearing loss. The number one reason prompting people to get their hearing checked is family members who have grown frustrated living with someone who has hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are many husbands and wives who resist and persist! It’s often a very sensitive topic for retired couples spending so much time together.
When someone has mild-to-moderate hearing loss, typically they will hear relatively well if you are talking to them face-to-face in a quiet environment but will not hear well if you are walking away from them, are in a different room, or if there is some other noise that is interfering with your voice. The hearing-impaired individual will quite often say, “How can I hear you when you’re talking into the fridge?” or “How can you expect to be heard when you talk so softly?” Repeatedly asking others to “please say it again” is a strong indicator that some form of hearing loss exists.
Unfortunately, trying to convince someone that the reason they keep asking people to repeat themselves is because their hearing ability is at fault can seem impossible at times. Don’t give up! It can take a few years for people to accept the fact that their hearing is deteriorating, and they need hearing aids. People may find it difficult in part due to the lingering stigma that wearing hearing aids is effectively admitting you’re “getting old”. Ironically, the symptoms of hearing loss become more prominent and obvious when hearing aids are not used, drawing people to that precise conclusion. Today’s technology allows for the discreet use of hearing aids.
What I suggest is to lovingly explain to your husband or wife that you are growing increasingly frustrated with having to repeat yourself as frequently as you are. Then, let them know that for a one-week period, you are going to notate every time you need to repeat yourself. I would also set the volume on the TV to a certain level, and then track the number of times they need to increase the volume so they can comfortably hear. After 7 days, discuss the results, and gently encourage them to get a hearing assessment, even if it is just to get a baseline of their hearing. You may be fearful that you are nagging them, but you will be doing yourself and them a big favour in the long run.
When they are finally ready to come in for a complimentary hearing assessment, the hearing health professionals at NexGen Hearing will be ready to answer any question or concerns they may have. Learn more or book an appointment today by vising https://www.nexgenhearing.com/relationships/
Caring for the Caregiver
Seniors Come Share Society is fortunate enough to be able to offer free services to support Caregivers in the communities of Surrey and White Rock. The following is a list of just some of the notable free services being offered through the Caring for the Caregiver Program: One-on-one professional emotional support. Help navigating the health care system. Accessing support groups. Referrals to other community resources. Respite services. At this point in time the Caring for the Caregiver program is assisting numerous Caregivers with free services within the communities listed above. Aiding many Caregivers through the process of aging in place and assisting through the process and steps of the health care system. If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one at home and needs extra support, contact Nisa Moman at 604‐531-9400 Ext. 219 or email [email protected].
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 seniors 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 Simren at 604-536-9348.
Vaccine Passports
As vaccine passports become mandatory to have in non-essential places, Seniors Come Share Society is helping seniors print vaccine passports. At no cost, we will print and have your passport laminated for long term use. Miss placed your vaccine passport? No problem, we got your back. Contact Simren to book an appointment at 604-531-9400 ext. 201.
Join Today
Seniors Come Share Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it’s from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and have them engaged in physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the seniors in our community, therefore we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Visit comeshare.ca or SHAREvirtually.com for a list of our programs and events.
Keep Living Your Best Life
A good retirement residence is not just a convenient place to live, it’s an environment in which you can pursue your passions, thrive and continue living with purpose. It may be daunting to think about moving into a retirement home, but have you considered how your life might improve by making this change? Meet a new network of friends, build new relationships, and take part in activities you once enjoyed, or commit to learning something new! Leave the worrying behind when it comes to home maintenance, meal preparation and your own safety – and have us do it for you!
Alcohol Free Elixirs
Ancient wisdom describes an elixir as a magical or medicinal potion designed to cure. Solbrü is soulfully infused a blend of balancing herbs and adaptogenic mushrooms, to raise vibes and ground souls. Their Brü replaces alcoholic spirits in a sophisticated way, with its own unique flavours and novel functionality, delivering a bold authentic bite without the hangover. Drink it as a shot, sip it on the rocks; or enjoy it in an AF (alcohol-free) cocktail. Pour over a glass of nut or oat milk or mix it with orange or grapefruit juice for an extra Vitamin C punch.
Donate Today
Donations are graciously accepted in support of the non-profit operations of Seniors Come Share Society. Ways to donate:
Online: canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/36058/donation
Mail: 15008 26 Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4P 3H5
By phone: 604-531-2502 ext. 209
Volunteers Needed
We are recruiting volunteers for various positions in Surrey/ White Rock. Volunteers are the heart of our foundation and without them we would not be able to provide the services we do for our seniors. Even an hour a day goes a long way for many. If you are interested in applying or would like more information please email [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext.203
October Events
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: 10:30-11:30 am – Fit 55+ Online fitness classes
Oct. 5, 27: – Free Legal Clinic- (various times available)
Oct. 7, 21: 1:30-3:00pm – Caregiver Support Group
Oct. 13, 27: 1:00-3:00pm – Zoom Bingo
Oct. 20: 1:00pm – Coping with past trauma and dementia presented by Kyra Tyrell
Oct. 26: 1:00-3:00pm – Painting Party
Oct. 28: 1:00-3:00pm Zoom Trivia
For more information or to register please contact Simren at 604-531-9400 ext. 201
