Finding the words to write a note of comfort to friends and family who have lost a loved one can be difficult. It does not need to be a lengthy message. Generally, a few heartfelt sentences are enough. Simply express your sympathy and let the recipients know that your thoughts are with them during this difficult time. Acknowledge the loss and refer to the deceased by name. Sharing a fond memory of the deceased is a wonderful addition to the message. End the note with a kind word, a hope, a wish or expression of sympathy
Community News
Importance of Social Activities
For many seniors, living alone may directly affect how often they engage in social activities. Social interactions often decrease as we age, which is why it is important to be involved in social activities as often as possible. The more active you are, the better you will feel in many ways both physically and mentally. If you are finding yourself lonely, while living on your own, you may want to connect with others by joining groups such as, volunteering with organizations including a local senior centre. Another solution is to consider moving to a seniors’ residence which is ideally suited to create many opportunities for social interaction and fun daily.
Online Gaming Player Health
What does player health on online gaming and gambling platforms look like? Playnow, BCLC’s online platform continues to offer player support via their Game Sense Advisor program, including an active chatbox staffed by one of your GSA’s. Players are encouraged to *Stick to their time and financial limits *Take physical breaks from the screens *Walk around and to do something else for a while *Remain sober while playing *Use App-blockers if needed. Feel free to reach out to our outreach team for support. This pandemic is taking a toll on us all. We’re always here to help!
Add a Little Exercise to your Lifestyle
Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!
Residential Care – Access to 24/7 Assistance
Residential care, sometimes known as complex care, offers 24/7 nursing and care support. This level of care is designed for those in need of intermediate care, extended care, dementia care, respite care and palliative care. Residents receive: *Three meals a day customized as per the individual’s dietary needs *Medication support and management *Assistance with personal care, including bathing, dressing and other hygiene-related tasks *24 hour on-call nurse *Housekeeping and laundry services *Access to entertainment, activities and socializing. A multidisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, occupational and physiotherapists ensure both the body and soul of residents are nurtured.
The Need for Social Support
Feeling that we belong and that others care about us is important to all of us. People need people. Social support is exactly that: the sense of belonging and care we get from others. At uncertain times, it’s important to identify what we need and to remind ourselves that there are people we can reach out to who can help. This support can be in different forms such as *providing knowledge or information *bringing a different point of view *emotional support *immediate assistance. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.
Community Profile: Ears to You
Today’s technology makes life a little more convenient; a watch that knows your body fat percentage and the ability operate your lawn sprinkler from any time zone. Now you have the convenience of getting the correct hearing aid, at the right price, without leaving your own driveway. So long, boring beige office; this mobile office comes to you. Jeff Campbell, hearing specialist with decade of experience and founder of Ears to You, brings you a truly custom and personalized approach to hearing heath – complete with a streamlined booking system, to-your-door service and diligent follow up.
Supporting Seniors in Their Home
While walkers and wheelchairs will always have their place when it comes to safety, have you considered adding a little technology to your routine? Like blood sugar monitors that you wear, plug in smoke alarms that turn off the stove automatically or pill dispensers that remind you to take your medication. The future is here, and we can help! Comfort Keepers thinks outside the box when it comes to Seniors Safety and we can help you! We are available for an in-home assessment for care with an eye on your safety.
Hearing Sound: Our Window of Perception
If we heard and processed every sound wave traveling through the air, we could easily be overwhelmed by sensory overload. Instead, through evolution, humans have evolved to perceive sound waves within a limited range of frequency. As we age, high frequencies are usually the first to be affected by hearing loss. Those with high-frequency hearing loss may have trouble understanding female or children’s voices or distinguishing consonants such as S, F or H. An audiogram can help determine any loss of hearing perception and is the first step toward counteracting losses of inner ear function.
Cherish the Memories When Downsizing
Downsizing is often a stressful process — both emotionally and physically. When the time comes, give yourself plenty of time for the process to make it seem less overwhelming. As you go through and sort things, recognize and acknowledge the sentimental value of a once-prized stuffed bear and kindergarten Mother’s Day cards. Great Grandma’s 20 piece dinner service will remind you of all the happy family times. It is ok to get lost in nostalgia for a moment or two. Remind yourself that the memories will always be there. Focus on looking forward to the new environment to help ease the process.
Work Towards a Healthier Winter
The winter months can be challenging for many residents, particularly when you’re grappling with poverty and a pandemic. SOS is continuing to assist residents in need with emergency supplies including food and medicine, grocery shopping for seniors, and mental health supports like counselling. Although the pandemic has made it difficult to connect with others and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to engage in self-care, especially if you are caring for others. Once basic needs are met, residents can look forward to healthier and more stable days. Help SOS meet basic needs by donating to our Winter Emergency Fund. Visit our website or contact us today.
