Community News
Eye Healthy Recipe

Easy Green Smoothie. This refreshing smoothie is hydrating and filled with vitamins for your eyes, such as – vitamin K, lutein, zeaxanthin, carotenoids. A handful of spinach. 1½ cups frozen pineapple chunks. 1½ cups frozen peach chunks. 1 banana. 1 can light coconut milk (400 ml). 1 tsp. of ground flax and hemp seeds. Add ingredients to blender. Add fresh spinach, fruit, and coconut milk into a blender. Blend & Enjoy!

Get Connected – Volunteer with Us

Consider volunteering with us. SSNVI is always looking for volunteers of all ages. Our staff is experienced in training and matching volunteers with seniors on our wait list and always there to provide support for our volunteers.
Want to learn more about becoming a volunteer? SSNVI hosts monthly volunteer training. To find out more information or register for a training session you can email us at [email protected] or drop by C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay.

Grief and Loss Support

A monthly Grief and Loss Group, led by a trained facilitator, is available for those experiencing loss or anticipated loss. We recognise that grief and loss are different for everyone, and people are welcome to participate in this group at any point during their loss journey.
These groups are held on the third Thursday of each month from 1-3. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the office by email [email protected] or phone 250-871-5940.

Caregiver Support Groups

SSNVI hosts a once per month opportunity for caregivers to meet in a friendly, supportive environment where they can interact with, receive from, and give support, to other caregivers. The caregiving journey is complicated and can be difficult, exhausting, and sometimes not well understood by those who have not experienced it. Our groups are held on the first Tuesday, second Thursday of each month from 1-3, and the last Wednesday of each month from 10:30 – 12:30.
Pre-registration is required. Please contact the office by email [email protected] or phone 250-871-5940.

Let’s Celebrate & Support Caregivers

In British Columbia, May is recognized as Family Caregiver Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and support caregivers.
A 2024 survey by Healthy Aging CORE BC shines a light on the dedication of caregivers. The survey revealed these unsung heroes often devote 5.1 hours each day to supporting a loved one, usually for longer than four years. The survey showed that most caregivers are in their middle years, often balancing their own busy lives while caring for aging parents facing health and mobility challenges. It’s a powerful reminder of the vital role family caregivers play in the fabric of our society.
Supporting caregivers is a central part of what Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI) does. Recognizing the vital role caregivers play in the well-being of our senior community, SSNVI is committed to offering ongoing support.

Stay Active, Stay Independent

Reaching a certain age can make even a short walk feel daunting. Yet, the joy of shopping, dining out, or visiting friends shouldn’t fade away. Motion offers a variety of walking aids, including canes, crutches, walkers, and rollators, each designed to provide the support needed for a fulfilling and active lifestyle. These aids help maintain mobility and independence, ensuring that you can confidently navigate through daily activities. Discover the right walking aid to keep moving comfortably and enjoy life to its fullest, embracing every moment with ease and stability.

Make Self-Care a Priority

Stress is a natural part of everyday life. But are you aware that stress is among the number one causes of all kinds of health concerns, including sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, illness, anxiety, and depression? One of the greatest ways to combat these stress symptoms is to implement a self-care plan that is done regularly in your life. Self-care strategies include doing activities that you enjoy regularly. Like when a flight attendant does the safety brief and asks you to put on your oxygen mask first before helping others, it is important to ensure your health and wellness are a priority.

Get Your Affairs in Order – May 28th Presentation

Milestones, such as buying a home, having children, or retirement, are all good reasons to get our affairs in order. Sometimes, we are prompted to start thinking about getting our affairs in order when someone we know has died, and we learn that there are no plans in place. It is an overwhelming responsibility for those left behind, especially when they are grieving. The mission of Orderly Affairs is to help you get your affairs in order and normalize end-of-life conversations. This will be discussed during a 30-minute presentation at the Volunteer Cowichan Aging Well Expo on May 28th. Free handouts will be available.