COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life, including people who gamble. Although in-person gambling venues such as casinos and bingo halls have been closed, online gambling remains available 24/7, not only on the sanctioned BCLC site, but also internationally. Concerns about increased time and money spent online gambling have been top of mind in the helping community here at the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program. Our FREE services continue, including virtual options (telephone and videoconferencing) for counselling, outreach support as well as prevention and education. The Gambling Support Line (1-888-795-6111) remains available 24/7. Any other inquiries can be made at [email protected].
Community News
Family Member Needs a Hearing Test?
When someone close to you has untreated hearing loss, it’s natural to want to help them. Here are seven ways to urge them to have their hearing checked: 1. Point out that annual hearing tests are recommended for everyone. 2. Explain what they risk by waiting. 3. Prepare for common objections. 4. Let them know they’re not alone. 5. Go with them and have your hearing tested too. 6. Don’t be the only voice that speaks up. 7. Call your local hearing professional and ask for their advice.
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Summertime Wellness Tips
With more sunny days and warmer temperatures, it is time to get out there and have fun. Here are some summertime wellness tips: *Protect your skin; wear a mineral-based sunscreen (chemical-free/ocean friendly), and hat and sunglasses for face and eye protection. *Stay hydrated; keep a water bottle with you. *Eat more fresh raw fruits and vegetables and take advantage of local produce. *Get some exercise; outdoors whenever possible. Exercise and getting outside helps you to stay fit, feel energized, and improves your mood. *Do what you love; take up a new or favourite activity. Take care of your mental wellbeing to help you stay positive and happy!
Managing Multiple Medications
Your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage multiple medications. *Synchronized Refill Dates. The quantities of your medication may be adjusted to coordinate refill dates. All medications can be refilled at one time reducing the number of visits to the pharmacy. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Extension of Expired Refills. Sometimes a prescription expires before you can see your doctor. Following an assessment, your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription.
Dealing with Grief & Trauma
Trauma and grief often go hand-in-hand, and learning how to mourn can be a crucial part of healing. Grief is the reactions that we must mourn through to shift to an active, shared response instead of a passive, isolated one. Six ways to help active mourning include: 1) Acknowledging the loss is real. 2) Interacting with the pain instead of avoiding it. 3) Honouring what you loved about who/what you are mourning. 4) Discovering the new you in the context of loss. 5) Finding meaning and purpose beyond what happened. 6) Getting ongoing support and talking with loved ones and/or a professional.
Your Choice of Skin Care Matters
Our skin is an organ that absorbs everything on it, passing it along through the bloodstream. This includes any skincare products we apply to our skin. Mainstream skincare and beauty products have a long shelf life and look and smell nice. However, most of them contain chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic colors, formaldehyde, fragrances and propylene glycol. These can trigger or exacerbate an array of problems including allergies, hormone disruption and can even act as irritants and carcinogens. When looking for skin care products, look for brands that are truly transparent and list ingredients you understand.
Are You Having Fun?
As an older adult, you know that you need to stay active for optimal mental and physical health. But are you having FUN? Fun and joy are what make us feel truly alive, engaged, and connected to others. The world becomes more vibrant and inviting when we give ourselves permission to laugh and play. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that make him or her lose track of time or feel like a goofy kid at heart. Plus, many of the best activities for senior citizens cost little or no money. Explore activities that spark the kid in you!
Community Profile – Woodgrove Manor
For your loved one whose health demands a heightened level of care there is Trillium Boutique Senior Living. Footsteps from shopping and dining, and with easy accessibility to the Island’s northern communities, Woodgrove Manor is a 43-suite home, centrally located in Nanaimo. Nestled in the scenic Woodgrove neighbourhood, its interiors are inspired by nature, bringing the outdoors in with oversized windows and natural light. Nurses provide 24-hour support for long-term residents’ unique health challenges, from falls and immobility to memory loss and dementia. The homes are equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the safety of your loved ones.
Safe Senior Living Communities
With COVID-19 outbreaks in long term care homes, many independent (IL) and assisted living (AL) retirement communities have proven to be safe and supportive environments for seniors during these times. For seniors living on their own, buying groceries, staying connected and maintaining physical and mental health have become increasingly daunting. Retirement Living might be the solution to the challenges Covid-19 has presented by offering hospitality and support services in a safe setting. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, reach out to some local retirement communities and inquire about their COVID-19 response plan and how they have modified their operations to continue creating meaningful engagement for their residents.
Starting the Conversation
Starting a discussion about care needs with a senior loved one can be difficult. Deciding when to start the conversation is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person that will be receiving care. Nine out of 10 seniors want to remain in their home as they age and in-home care can help them. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the senior’s home helps alleviate stress for everyone.
