.1 I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I? 2. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I? 3. What can you hold in your right hand, but never in your left hand? 4. What has to be broken before you can use it? 5. What did the doctor say to the patient when he finished removing his appendix?
Community News
How Art Therapy Can Help
Art therapy provides a number of both physical and mental benefits to people of all ages. It can help improve your overall mental health and wellbeing by staving off depression and anxiety, improving your self-esteem, and giving you a greater sense of control. Practicing artistic pursuits can also boost your cognitive functioning and sense of identity, and when done in a group setting, can provide important opportunities for social connection. From a physical perspective, painting can improve your hand-eye coordination and dexterity, and studies have suggested that the positive mental health effects of art therapy can also improve physical wellbeing.
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls in the home are all too common and making a few modifications in the home can prevent dangerous situations, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. Visit each room in your home. Then look at the space objectively and ask: Is this safe? Are there objects or items that present a falls risk? If so, think about the many ways to create a safer home: wear non slip socks or slippers, use night lights in dark hallways, remove throw rugs, keep electrical cords safely hidden behind furniture and organize your projects so they are off the floor and out of walkways.
Community Resources
ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY: www.alzheimerbc.org Support and education
1-800-462-2833
BC NURSELINE: 811 For the hearing impaired call: 711
(Health Link BC)
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY: 1-888-939-3333 www.cancer.ca
COMOX VALLEY DIABETES EDUCATION CENTER call 250-331-5964 for an appt
Comox Valley Hospital, 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, B.C..
Drop in clinic on Tuesdays 11 am-12 Noon
CV HOSPICE SOCIETY: 250-339-5533
CV RED CROSS: 250-334-1557 #10 – 2683 Moray Ave, Courtenay, BC
250-334-3974 fax
DEMENTIA CARE HELPLINE: 1:800-936-6033 Call for information about Alzheimer’s
disease and Dementia, getting a diagnosis, future planning,
maintaining independence, caregiving, support groups,
workshops and seminars, resources in your community.
ELDERDOG CANADA 1-855-336-4226 or www.elderdog.ca
Our goal is to enable older adults, living at home and with challenges affecting dog care, to continue to benefit from their relationship with their canine companions.
KEYSTONE ELDER CARE 1-250-650-2359
Private Geriatric Case management & caregiver support
www.keystoneeldercare.com
ARRANGING FOR PRIVATE HEALTH CARE?
• Are your staff bonded and insured?
• Have your employees been through a criminal record check?
• Do you have WorkSafe BC coverage?
• Do all workers obtain a pre-employment medical examination before they are hired?
• Do you have any policies in place to protect my right to privacy?
• What documentation is in place to show commitment to quality care?
• Does your agency provide 24-hour service?
• What is your payment schedule? Payment option? (Visa/Mastercard/Cheque/e-transfer)
• What do I do if there is a dispute?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is there an extra cost for service on weekends or Statutory holidays?
• Are you a member of good standing with the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island?
• Is there a care/cleaning plan?
• Does the agency provide training to upgrade the knowledge and skill of its workers?
How to donate and support us?
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (895879849 RR 0001). Partial funding for programs is provided through Island Health and the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remainder of operating costs are covered by donations from valuable, and greatly appreciated donors. Tax receipts for donations are issued upon request. Donations can be made online via our website at ComoxValleySeniorSupport.ca/Donate.
Second Home for Seniors in the Valley
The Comox Seniors’ Centre, located at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox, offers a wide range of opportunities to socialize, be physically fit, and stay mindfully active. The Centre re-opened in July with an on-site meal service and more than 40 club activities ranging from Yoga, Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Bridge, Spanish Conversation, etc. For many seniors this Centre is their second home. For more information, drop in or call 250-339-5133 or visit our website www.comoxseniors.ca/ Comox Seniors’ Centre.
The Role of your Dental Hygienist
Did you know that a healthy mouth is integral to keep us healthy? A dental hygienist plays a very important role in looking after our teeth. A dental hygienist works with you to help keep your mouth healthy and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. When compared to a dentist or orthodontist, a dental hygienist primarily works to treat minor oral health conditions. In the office, they also perform the cleaning procedure and apply treatments to the teeth. This can include fluoride treatment, sealing cracks in the teeth, and giving advice to patients.
Benefits of Home Care for Seniors
For many Canadian seniors, home health care is a key part of aging safely at home. Whether seniors need medical services, personal care, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping or companionship, home care can help them live independently at home, for as long as possible. Caregivers help family members by delivering expert care that gives everyone peace-of-mind and relieves any feelings of caregiving being “burdensome.” A professional caregiver also will enjoy socializing by chatting, engaging in activities like puzzles or crafts and listening to music. Talk to your family about aging in place safely, with the supports you need.
Book Club
Living Well with Arthritis: A Sourcebook for Understanding and Managing Your Arthritis Living Well with Arthritis is written by Canadian doctors for Canadians. Its authors, all respected experts in the field, focus not only on medications and complementary treatments, but also on management of the many aspects of life that arthritis can affect. Topics such as dealing with chronic pain and fatigue, developing emotional and social coping strategies, and managing relationships are all explored, taking readers through the steps of how the body is affected, and ways to manage the disease.
Add a Little Exercise to your Lifestyle
Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!
