Would you like to volunteer for non-profit and give back to the seniors in our community? Seniors Come Share Society is looking for volunteers in various positions within Surrey and 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.201
Community News
Social Activity & Aging Well
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), research links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for certain physical and mental conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Many things can contribute to isolation, including the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation. Studies show that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help people live longer, maintain their wellbeing, improve their cognitive function, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.
Available Positions:
Friendly Visitor – If you have a passion and love for conversations and would like for seniors to stay connected and remain independent, become a friendly visitor. This rewarding position gives seniors a sense of social belonging. Friendly visiting allows you to establish a professional relationship and trust during your 1:1 with clients. If you are interested please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Shannen, at 604-531-9400 ext. 203 or email [email protected]
Telephone Tree Volunteer – If you’re someone who has a busy schedule and prefer working from the comfort of your own home, telephone tree is the program for you. This rewarding position entails calling clients once a week and checking in on them. These check in calls allow for seniors to feel a sense of purpose and helps maintain their social skills. If you are interested please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Shannen, at 604-531-9400 ext. 203 or email [email protected]
Yard Maintence Volunteer – seniors struggle the most when it comes to lawn mowing and gardening. This seasonal position could really benefit seniors who have a hard time bending and pushing heavy machines. If you have a passion for lawn maintence and are a reliable gardener, apply today!
Caregiver Support – We are looking for a passionate and caring volunteer to lead a weekly Caregiver Support Group. Help make a difference in the lives of caregivers by giving them a place to share and feel heard. If you are interested please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Shannen, at 604-531-9400 ext. 203 or email [email protected]
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.
Book Club: Whose Mind Is It Anyway?
Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life by Lisa Esile & Franco Esile. Most of us spend our lives trailing after our minds, allowing our brains to take us in directions that are safe and secure. In a colorful, funny, and nonthreatening way, it answers the difficult question of how we can take control of our self-defeating behaviors.
Community Spotlight: Happipad
Happipad is a leader in providing companion housing solutions that help people live in a way that is more sustainable, resilient, and socially conscious. Through partnerships, technical innovation, and thought leadership, we strive to make it safer and easier for individuals to share homes with compatible people. We do this to improve affordable housing opportunities, promote social inclusion, and support healthy aging in place. We are a team of people who believe in working towards a more sustainable and resilient way of living. We believe everyone should have a home they can afford in a community where they feel safe, welcomed, and supported.
Avoid Magnesium Deficiency
Did you know a third of adults are not consuming the recommended amount of magnesium? A processed diet with mainly cooked foods can lead to a magnesium deficiency. This can result in fatigue, irritability, insomnia, confusion, or poor memory. Decreased levels of magnesium can also be linked to high blood pressure, kidney stones, and heart disease. Magnesium is considered the anti-stress mineral because of its natural tranquilizer/relaxer effect on skeletal and smooth muscle, including the blood vessels and heart! Eat your dark leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fatty fish to get more magnesium in your diet.
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (Charity # BN 896568417 RR0001). Partial funding for programs is provided through Island Health and the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remainder of operating costs are covered by donations from valuable, and greatly appreciated donors. Tax receipts for donations are issued upon request. Donations can be made online via our website at ComoxValleySeniorSupport.ca/Donate.
Friendly Visiting
Our Friendly Visiting program offers an hour each week of in-home visiting and support to seniors who are feeling isolated and lonely. One hour a week, although modest, can make a world of difference to an isolated senior. Having someone to talk to, having someone who will listen well, someone who might play a game of cribbage, read to you, walk with you, put together a puzzle, and in general pay you some good attention is just what can be needed to brighten your day.
What Does “Self-Care” Mean to You?
We always think of self-care must incur huge costs or involve activity beyond the reach of most people, but we truly can incorporate self-care into our daily lives for free, or very, very cheap. Once self-care becomes habit, it becomes ingrained as one of those things that we simply expect of ourselves. It DOES NOT change overnight, or even in a month. In day-to-day life, consider consistent time by yourself to do something you enjoy: reading, watching a favourite show, cooking a special treat. These short periods of time add up! A bit of time enjoying something just for yourself will have a positive impact over time. Treat yourself occasionally. It can be as simple as a cup of coffee once a week, a walk in a beautiful park or a drive out of your neighbourhood. Disconnect your cable, limit time on social media. Sit in your yard or in a park and visit with your friends. Begin a journal. Simplify your meals and drink more water. The idea is to not overwhelm yourself with excessive movement or big changes, just get your body moving even a little bit, one small change at a time. Something is better than nothing!
There’s No Place Like Home
Many seniors, whether they need short term or long-term care, prefer remaining in a place most familiar to them – their home. By removing elderly loved ones from their home we often take away years of memories, relationships with neighbors and communities which can lead to a decline in health and leave them feeling sad and isolated. If Mom or Dad is willing to explore the idea of home care, involve them in the process and remember to take it slow at first. Home is still the safest place to receive care!
