At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to quality of life. This is especially important for seniors, who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers a number of benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including: 1. Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. 2. Fostering positive experiences. 3. Improving self-confidence. 4. Increasing sense of belonging. 5. Decreasing loneliness, boredom, and expressive behaviours.
Community News
First Annual Spelling Bee
On October 18, from 11:30 – 1:00 the Comox Valley Senior Support Society will host its first annual fund-raising Spelling Bee! At an hour and half long, this event will promise to test your skill at spelling and will provide an entertaining time for all who attend. Lunch and refreshments provided. Prizes for the winning table. Each seat is $50, with $25 eligible for a tax receipt. Or buy a table for 6 for $300. Only 36 seats / 6 tables left!
Volunteers Always Needed!
The strength of CVSS is its contingent of amazing volunteers. If you would like to visit with a lonely or isolated senior, or assist someone with accessing services in the community, or if you have another strength to offer, please contact us to learn more about providing support in your community. Beginning in September, volunteer training sessions will be done monthly so there will be only minimal waiting before you can begin! Volunteers are provided with monthly support meetings and regular education sessions.
I just got diagnosed with hearing loss. Now what?
You’ve finally taken a hearing test and found out that you do in fact have a hearing loss. The diagnosis is official and you need hearing aids. Now what?
It can be difficult to come to terms with this type of diagnosis, and even a bit scary. The good news is that with proper care from a good audiologist or registered hearing professions such as a RHIP, the transition is worthwhile.
Coming to terms with the diagnosis
When an individual first receives a hearing loss diagnosis, it can take up to seven years before they start seeking treatment.
Many people struggle to accept the diagnosis as there might be personal reasons holding them back from treatment.
There are several risks of untreated hearing loss such as mental fatigue, poor emotional well-being and safety hazards, especially after long periods of time without treatment.
It’s important to avoid further consequences and recognize that treatment is a way to improve your quality of life. You can be more involved with your loved ones, recognize important sounds around you and effectively function better on your own.
Although it may seem frightening, expensive, or difficult to accept – treatment can benefit you greatly.
Audiologists and hearing health professionals at NexGen Hearing work with you to find the best treatment plan for your needs and help you receive the most effective hearing experience possible.
Getting your first hearing aids
Those with sensorineural hearing loss are typically treated with hearing aids. Since technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, hearing aids are more effective than ever with various brands offering unique experiences.
Before making recommendations, your audiologist or hearing health professional will conduct a formal needs assessment to address specific lifestyle needs outside of your hearing abilities.
They will learn about your social life, career, hobbies, budget, the style of hearing aids you like and more. All the information uncovered will help them tailor a hearing aid recommendation.
Your lifestyle and environment matter when it comes to selecting a hearing aid. Some people enjoy loud social gatherings so they need a hearing aid that can block out unnecessary background sound. Others may frequently spend time watching TV, so a hearing aid with excellent Bluetooth capabilities would be the most helpful.
Once a specific model is chosen, the hearing aid is ordered and you are booked in for a fitting. This appointment will introduce you to your new devices, ensure the hearing aid is comfortable and program the devices to your prescription.
There are several follow-up appointments around a week apart to fine-tune your hearing aid programs based on your feedback. Some patients might need certain sounds lowered or others increased to hear better.
In order to provide feedback that will improve your hearing aid programming, the hearing aids must be worn regularly so you can adapt to the hearing aids and new sound environment.
The goal is to make the transition easy for each individual so they can adjust to the hearing aids at their own pace. In some cases, patients need time to get used to the louder sounds because it can be overwhelming at first.
By moving as slowly or quickly as needed, you can get accustomed to the new sound environment comfortably and eventually reaching your prescription level.
Also during these appointments, you will receive education on all of the necessary hearing aid care such as how to charge them, properly clean and change their filters, connect to Bluetooth, warranty and more.
Your audiologist or hearing health professional is there to answer your questions, provide support throughout the experience and ensure you are getting the most out of your hearing aids.
Once all of the follow-up appointments are completed and you are happy with your hearing aids, you can go back to life as normal with support from your hearing clinic.
The next steps
The hearing aid journey doesn’t stop at the fitting and programming at NexGen Hearing Clinic. It continues throughout life as you navigate the world with hearing loss and hearing aids.
Always available and willing to help, the clinic provides support to its patients for as long as needed from quarterly check-ups to walk-ins with a hearing or hearing aid problem needing to be solved.
That being said, the best part about completing the fitting and programming stage is how your new hearing aids integrate into your day-to-day life.
Amplifying the sounds you struggle to hear and creating a fuller listening experience, the hearing aids improve your quality of life.
They become a tool for your success so you can hear the things you used to miss, feel more comfortable in situations that used to make it difficult to hear and gain confidence.
If you notice odd sounds, tech issues or other problems, NexGen Hearing Clinic’s front door is always open to help patients and provide support as they accumulate to live with hearing aids.
Are you looking to treat your hearing loss?
Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated and experienced. They are here to support you on your journey to better hearing and help you experience an improved quality of life through exceptional care.
Patients are welcomed at over 45 clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
To find a clinic near you and book an appointment, click here or call 1-877-606-6671.
What is an End-of-Life Doula?
End of Life Practitioners, or doulas, are highly trained in skills that involve providing practical, psychological, social, and spiritual support for the dying, their loved ones, and caregivers. They are proficient in advocating, end of life practices (vigil, companion, end of life rituals, and home death), and the training, knowledge, skills, and presence needed to address the practical, psycho-social, and spiritual dynamic journey of dying. Doula-client relationships engage the difficult and complex emotions while navigating the signs and symptoms of the dying process. Dynamic Journey End of Life Practitioner Service’s are offered from Comox Valley to Parksville, including surrounding islands.
Home Security Tips
Here are some home security tips from the RCMP’s Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security.
• Conduct a security check of your home to determine possible entry points and any weaknesses they may have. • Keep all entrances and garages well-lit at night. • Don’t leave tell-tale signs that you are away, such as leaving your curtains undrawn at night, or an absence of a car in the driveway.
• Install good locks and always use them. • Install a wide-angle viewer in your front door which allows you to see visitors before you open the door. • Never open a door to strangers without credentials. • Change your routine often. Burglars often watch activities in a neighbourhood. • Mark valuable items for identification. The operation identification program has been developed by police to assist people in marking their property.
• Keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank. If this isn’t possible, keep them locked up in a reasonable hiding place in your home.
Mental Illness & Aging
Mental illness is not a normal part of aging. All seniors have the right and deserve to receive services and care that promotes their mental health and responds to their mental illness needs. The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) is hard at work ensuring that seniors’ mental health is recognized as a key Canadian health and wellness issue. To see the services and supports offered by CCSMH, please see their website: https://ccsmh.ca
BounceBack®
Sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association, BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBackBC.ca
Did You Know?
Comox Valley Senior Support…
– Provides service to an average of 300 Comox Valley seniors monthly. – Provides support to families of Seniors seeking guidance. – Is the only non-profit in the Valley solely dedicated to supporting Seniors and their families. – Utilizes resources from the Valley, the Island, the province, and beyond, to provide the best service possible. – Is a member agency of the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. – Partners with LUSH Valley Food Action Society to help increase Food Security for seniors.
Cumberland 50+ Drop In
The Cumberland Drop-In Social Club, in Buchanan Hall, is a volunteer-led initiative that welcomes mature adults (50+) of all abilities to play games, pursue favourite leisure pastimes and enjoy the company of friends and neighbours. Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm. $3 drop in fee, or free with a Cumberland Recreation membership.
Comox Senior’s Centre
Come and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Comox Seniors’ Centre at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox. Enjoy a coffee and meal at Dei’s Cafe with friends or meet new acquaintances. Check out the library for a good book, DVD or puzzle. Check out our Gift Shop. Become a member and participate in the many activities available.
