Become a trained community member who builds trust and provides support to people living with dementia and their families. You Will:
• Build trust with people living with dementia
• Listen with compassion to understand needs
• Connect them to resources and social activities
• Support decision-making and independence
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation
Comprehensive Training: Online modules (4-6 hours), periodic training and peer meet-ups
Flexible Schedule: 1.5-2 hrs every 2-3 weeks
Ready to Get Involved? Call Us: 604-531-9400 ext. 203 or Email Us: [email protected]
Please Visit Online to see any upcoming events at [brellasociety.ca/online-events]
If you would like to register for any In -Person Event please call 604-531-9400 ext. 216
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More Than Just Presentations
In addition to the speaker sessions, the Caregiver Forum will feature:
• Resource Booths – Connect with local organizations offering programs, services, and tools to support caregivers and older adults.
• Door Prizes – Win exciting giveaways just for attending!
• Complimentary Refreshments and Light Lunch – Enjoy delicious food while mingling with fellow attendees and guest speakers.
Registration Details
Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early! You can register:
• By Phone: Call 604-501-5100
• Online: Visit surrey.ca/register
• In Person: Stop by any Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture facility
Caregiver Forum 2025
Are you caring for a loved one? Whether you’re supporting a family member, friend, or neighbour, the caregiving journey can be both rewarding and challenging. Join us for an inspiring and informative Caregiver Forum designed to support you in your role, foster social connections, and provide practical tools and resources to help you and your loved ones thrive.
This event will take place on Saturday, October 4 at the Newton Seniors Centre (13775 – 70 Avenue). Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the forum will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Caregiver Forum is your opportunity to connect with others who understand the caregiving experience, learn from knowledgeable presenters, and explore resources that can make a difference in your day-to-day life. Whether you are just starting your caregiving journey or have been in this role for years, you’ll leave feeling informed, supported, and empowered.
We’ve gathered a lineup of experts to share valuable information and strategies:
• Caregiver Support – Family Caregivers of BC
Learn about programmes, services, and supports available to help you manage the challenges of caregiving while maintaining your own well-being.
• Movement for Wellness – City of Surrey
Discover how staying physically active can improve your energy, reduce stress, and promote overall health—essential for both caregivers and care recipients.
• Advance Planning – Seniors First BC
Get practical advice on important legal topics such as wills, power of attorney, joint bank accounts, and representation agreements, helping you make informed decisions for the future.
• The Humanistic Side of Dementia – Brella Community Services Society
Gain a deeper understanding of dementia and learn compassionate approaches to support those living with it.
• Advanced Care Planning – Fraser Health
Explore how to prepare for health-care decisions ahead of time, ensuring your wishes and values are respected.
Financial Fitness
Financial fitness is like physical fitness—it requires consistent effort and smart habits. Start by creating a realistic budget to track income and expenses. Build an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of living costs to protect against unexpected setbacks. Pay down high-interest debt to free up money and improve credit. Consider options like a reverse mortgage if you’re a homeowner aged 55 or older—it can provide extra income by tapping into home equity without monthly payments. Automate savings to grow your wealth effortlessly over time. Review your goals regularly to stay on track and build a secure future.
Easing Arthritis with Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help manage arthritis symptoms naturally. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3s, which reduce joint inflammation. Colorful fruits and vegetables—especially berries, spinach, and broccoli—are packed with antioxidants that protect tissues. Nuts, seeds, and olive oil offer healthy fats that support joint health. Whole grains, such as oats and brown rice, may lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. Green tea contains compounds that may slow cartilage breakdown. By focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods, arthritis sufferers can experience less pain, improved mobility, and better overall wellness.
Cholesterol: The Good and the Bad
Cholesterol travels through your blood on two main carriers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the “bad” cholesterol, as it can lead to fatty buildups in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. HDL is the “good” cholesterol, helping carry LDL away to the liver for removal. Triglycerides, another type of fat, store excess energy but, when high—especially with high LDL or low HDL—raise heart disease risk. Understanding your cholesterol numbers is key to prevention and wellness. Speak to our Pharmasset’s team today to learn how we can guide you toward better heart health.
The Benefits of Home Care
Home care is a personalized and compassionate solution for those seeking assistance for their loved ones. Bringing professional services directly to your doorstep, it ensures customized support for daily activities from housekeeping to companionship to medical care. Home care preserves independence, allowing individuals to thrive in the comfort of their homes. Choosing the right provider is key, considering reputation, caregiver qualifications, and services offered. Beyond practical assistance, home care fosters emotional well-being, creating a deep, meaningful connection. Contact us today to learn more about the world of home care, where compassion meets convenience.
Exercise for a Healthy Mind
Regular exercise boosts brain function in seniors by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the release of chemicals that support brain cell health. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving skills while lowering the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise also supports better sleep and mood, reducing anxiety and depression, which are linked to poor brain health. Studies show that consistent physical activity can even slow the progression of dementia and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors, staying active is not just about physical fitness—it’s a powerful tool for maintaining a sharp and healthy mind.
Sleep & Weight Gain: What’s the Link?
Lack of sleep can seriously affect your hunger and weight. When you don’t get enough rest, your body produces more ghrelin—the hormone that makes you feel hungry—and less leptin, which signals fullness. This imbalance can lead to increased cravings, especially for high-calorie, sugary foods. Sleep deprivation also affects how your brain makes decisions, making it harder to resist unhealthy snacks. Over time, poor sleep can slow your metabolism and lead to weight gain. Getting consistent, quality sleep helps regulate appetite, supports better food choices, and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight.
Local Spotlight: Heart to Home Meals
Heart to Home Meals delivers delicious, nutritious meals right to your door. The company’s team of experts has developed a wide-ranging menu to suit many tastes, dietary needs, and lifestyles, including high-protein, low carbohydrates and/or saturated fat, low sodium, high fibre, vegetarian, and no added sugar options. Heart to Home Meals has a useful diet coding system to help you choose meals that are right for you. Meals also come in mini versions (for smaller appetites), hearty versions (for larger appetites), as well as minced or pureed options. It’s as easy as ordering online or by phone!
Friendly Visitor Feedback
1. Why did you become a Friendly Visitor Volunteer with Brella?
I became a Friendly Visitor Volunteer with Brella because I care about older adults, especially those who are isolated, as it can be quite lonely. Older people often feel invisible and I hope to help them feel seen and heard. I love listening to their stories about their lives. I was raised in the Maritimes where we cherished and respected our elders and lent a helping hand whenever we could.
2. Tell us about your time with your Friendly Visitor match.
My person when I was a Friendly Visitor was Lorraine. I truly enjoyed our time together. We had lots of laughs and fun. Lots of meaningful talks, stories, and little walks. I also enjoyed helping her with practical things and being creative. Lorraine was one of a kind. She enriched my life and I will treasure our memories. We were kindred spirits.
3. What is your most memorable memory from your time as a Friendly Visitor?
My most memorable memory of my time with Lorraine was Christmas 2021. I helped her put up a little Christmas tree and bought her a gold sparkly star to put on top of the tree. I didn’t know that she loved sparkly things — but of course, because Lorraine was a sparkly girl at heart.


