Community News
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.

Staying Nourished and Hydrated

Staying hydrated and eating well are vital for seniors during the summer. Older adults may not feel thirsty even when their bodies need fluids, increasing the risk of dehydration. Drinking water regularly, even without feeling thirsty, is essential. Include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges in daily meals. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate. Light, balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins help maintain energy and digestion. Eating smaller, cooler meals more frequently can also be more appealing in hot weather. Proper hydration and nutrition support overall health, energy levels, and temperature regulation in summer.

Planning a Summer Getaway?

Give yourself peace of mind by calling Right at Home Surrey for reliable respite care in Surrey Delta and White Rock. While you relax, your loved one receives expert, person-centered, and compassionate support in the comfort of their own home. Whether it’s help with daily routines, companionship, or personal care, their trained caregivers ensure safety, comfort, and dignity. Flexible and fully customized, Right at Home’s services are designed around your needs—whether for a few days or several weeks. Take that well-deserved break knowing your loved one is in capable hands. This summer, enjoy your holidays guilt-free with the trusted care of Right at Home Canada in Surrey Delta and White Rock.

Limited Mobility – We Come to You!

Occupational Therapy (OT) supports individuals of all ages who experience physical, cognitive, or psychosocial challenges. OT’s help people regain independence and improve their ability to participate in everyday activities—despite illness, injury, or disability. These activities, or “occupations,” include things individuals need to do (such as dressing or eating), want to do (such as hobbies or socializing), and are expected to do (such as working or caregiving). OT’s also specialize in hospital discharge planning, case management, musculoskeletal and brain injury, mental health, work rehabilitation, ergonomics, equipment prescription, and home adaptations.

Day Program

Are you or a loved one finding it hard to thrive? Would you like to maintain or improve your physical and cognitive health? Are you a caregiver in need of a few hours of respite during the week? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Brella’s Adult Day Program could be the perfect fit!
Participants in our Adult Day Program report:
• Enhanced physical and cognitive functioning
• A greater sense of connection and reduced feelings of loneliness
• Enjoying warm lunches and snacks provided during the program
• Looking forward to returning and participating in our engaging activities. Discover how to access our Adult Day Program and find a location near you: Contact Angela Nial 604-599-0034 ext. 302 | [email protected]

Join Today

Brella Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it is from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the older adults in our community; therefore, we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Please visit brellasociety.ca for more information.

Online Seated Exercise Club

Start your day with movement! Join us for a 30-minute live, guided exercise class with an instructor from Recreation Surrey. This seated program focuses on maintaining range-of-motion through stretches and is accessible for participants of all mobility levels. Feel free to go at your own pace—we’re here to support your wellness journey.
To Register: Call (604) 531-9400 Ext. 220 Email: [email protected]

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are heat-related conditions with varying severity. Heat exhaustion precedes heat stroke and occurs when the body is overwhelmed by excessive heat, causing heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Moving to a cooler place, resting, and hydrating can prevent progression to heat stroke, a medical emergency marked by a dangerous rise in body temperature, no sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke requires urgent medical intervention. During heatwaves, check on vulnerable individuals and consult a health professional if needed. For sun protection advice, ask your pharmacist.

Better at Home Services

Better at Home supports seniors by addressing their non-medical needs, helping them live independently and stay connected to their communities. By assisting with everyday tasks, we enable older adults to remain in the comfort of their own homes. Services vary by community and may include:
• Friendly visitor programs
• Transportation assistance
• Light housekeeping
• Grocery shopping
For assistance, contact: Elizabeth Sundvall 604-531-9400 ext. 201 | ✉️ [email protected]

Clean Eating Recipe

Ginger Mojito Mocktail. 1-inch grated ginger. 1-inch grated cucumber. Juice of half a lime. 6 mint leaves. 1 cup sparkling water. Muddle ginger, cucumber, and lime in a bowl. Strain the mixture into your glass using a small strainer. rub mint leaves together and place in glass. Add ice and top with half ginger beer, half sparkling water. Stir and garnish with your choice of lime wheels, ginger, cucumber or mint. Enjoy!

Book Club:

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.
In Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it. Condensing complex neuroscience into easy-to-understand metaphors, Lembke illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check.