Sponsored by Comox Valley Senior Support Society:
WHAT: Organizational meeting WHEN: September 8 2021
WHERE: Fanny Bay OAP Hall
TIME: 10:00
COST: Free
PURPOSE: To determine the interest in forming a support group for caregivers from Union Bay to Bowser. The intent of the group is to share information, resources, and offer emotional support. Depending on the need 2 groups may be formed -male and female.
MORE INFORMATION ?
Call: 250-871-5940 (leave message if no answer)
E-mail: cvseniorsupport@shaw.ca Fanny Bay and Bowser Caregiver Support Groups are Sponsored by Comox Valley Senior Peer Support
Community News
Current Volunteer Opportunities
1. Phone Call Program: weekly phone call to an isolated senior to see how they are doing and engage in conversation
2. Caregiver Phone Support: weekly check in with a caregiver to listen, encourage and support.
3. Caregiver Support Group Facilitator: facilitate a once per month Zoom-based support group for caregivers. Health care/social work/experience as a caregiver backgrounds preferred. Call or email the office for details
4. Fundraiser: If you would like to support the Society through fundraising, you are invited to join our dynamic Fundraising Committee. Yes, fundraising can be fun and the current committee members make it so.
5. Senior Information and Access Support (SIAS) program volunteer: help a senior with forms, income tax completion, housing issues, advocacy, systems navigation
BOOKS FOR SENIORS:
This is a partnership program between the Courtenay and Comox Libraries and CV Senior Support. Once each month a book bundle will be delivered to your door by a CV Senior Support Volunteer. A book bundle will contain items of your choice: print books, audio books, magazines, music CDs, video CDs. If you are interested in participating, please call our office: 250-871-5940
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (Charity # BN 896568417 RR0001). 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.
What Does “Self-Care” Mean to You?
We always think of self-care must incur huge costs or involve activity beyond the reach of most people, but we truly can incorporate self-care into our daily lives for free, or very, very cheap. Once self-care becomes habit, it becomes ingrained as one of those things that we simply expect of ourselves. It DOES NOT change overnight, or even in a month. In day-to-day life, consider consistent time by yourself to do something you enjoy: reading, watching a favourite show, cooking a special treat. These short periods of time add up! A bit of time enjoying something just for yourself will have a positive impact over time. Treat yourself occasionally. It can be as simple as a cup of coffee once a week, a walk in a beautiful park or a drive out of your neighbourhood. Disconnect your cable, limit time on social media. Sit in your yard or in a park and visit with your friends. Begin a journal. Simplify your meals and drink more water. The idea is to not overwhelm yourself with excessive movement or big changes, just get your body moving even a little bit, one small change at a time. Something is better than nothing!
Redefining Fitness for Older Adults
Enjoy a variety of fun, modern, and effective programs that will help you live a more healthy, purposeful life and keep you active at any age! I offer in-home and outdoor personal training, regular group fitness classes and online wellness programs. My programs were designed for older adults of any age, ability or fitness level and can be adapted to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you are an experienced exerciser, a new beginner or simply looking to create some healthy habits, Reyna Maria Movement is the program for you. See website for class schedule and rates.
There’s No Place Like Home
Many seniors, whether they need short term or long-term care, prefer remaining in a place most familiar to them – their home. By removing elderly loved ones from their home we often take away years of memories, relationships with neighbors and communities which can lead to a decline in health and leave them feeling sad and isolated. If Mom or Dad is willing to explore the idea of home care, involve them in the process and remember to take it slow at first. Home is still the safest place to receive care!
Benefits of Art Therapy
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.
Ask The Expert
Q: I don’t like wearing sunglasses when I’m gardening. Is it really necessary? Sunglasses are too dark for me. A: You would probably do well just wearing some clear, non-tinted safety glasses. You can get these at any hardware store, and most of them have UV protection which will protect your eyes, even in bright sunlight. Eye injuries are common with gardeners, and the safety glasses will be beneficial in that regard too.
Don’t Ignore Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth can happen for a variety of reasons, including biting something hard, hitting your mouth, having tooth decay, or grinding your teeth. While you might think having a chipped tooth is no big deal, this can lead to some problems. Sharp edges can cut your inner mouth, while deep chips can impact tooth roots (possibly leading to infections or toothaches), as well as tooth decay (which can cause sensitivity and bad breath). To avoid needing a root canal or extraction, it’s important to have a dentist examine and fix a chipped tooth before the problem gets any worse.
Friendly Visiting
Our Friendly Visiting program offers an hour each week of in-home visiting and support to seniors who are feeling isolated and lonely. One hour a week, although modest, can make a world of difference to an isolated senior. Having someone to talk to, having someone who will listen well, someone who might play a game of cribbage, read to you, walk with you, put together a puzzle, and in general pay you some good attention is just what can be needed to brighten your day.
