Today more than ever your support is extremely valuable. Your support helps progress our services while playing a vital role in keeping seniors independent. Our generous supporters help to supplement the cost to some of our low income seniors in the community, as well as fund programs that are free to any senior like our Friendly Caller program. Every dollar of support stays right here in Saskatoon. We have many lower income seniors that need our services and the generosity of your support allows us to be able to assist them. Please visit our website at www.saskatoonservicesforseniors.ca and show your support for seniors today!
Community News
Music Therapy and Neuroscience
McGill Unversity’s Dr. Daniel Levitin has found that as a result of exposure to music, levels of immunoglobin A, an antibody linked to immunity, increases. In another study he found significant evidence of music’s anti-anxiety properties. Montreal Neurological Institute’s Dr. Zatorre has found that a brain structure called the striatum is stimulated by music to release dopamine which increases feelings of pleasure. Music therapists are continually training to integrate and apply research findings into practice in order to better serve people of every age, from babies to Alzheimer’s patients.
Holidays with Dementia
Many older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia enjoy and want to be included in holiday festivities. However, the added activities could cause increased agitation and confusion, unpredictable behavior, or mood swings. To create a stress-free, happy holiday season, try to scale things back and modify activities so they’ll feel calm and safe. Focus on a few of the most meaningful traditions. Ask which activities they value most. That could mean trimming the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, singing songs, or baking special holiday treats. Even if your older adult might not remember these holiday activities later, the warm feelings they’ll have is a different kind of memory their body will carry for a while.
Keeping Your Prostate Healthy
Maintaining a healthy prostate is important for managing conditions like prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as potentially reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Some symptoms that may occur with a prostate condition include urgency, frequency and pain during urination, weak urine flow, fatigue, back pain, and blood in the urine/semen. Naturopathic doctors can provide support to those experiencing prostate conditions (including helping to reduce some treatment side effects) through nutritional support (dietary journal and guidance for proper diet), acupuncture, Bemer Therapy (increases microcirculation), intravenous nutrient therapy, and sweat detoxification through sauna and hyperthermia.
Reduce Costs with Estate Planning
It’s hard enough to think about death without having to consider the financial realities that go along with it. Making the right decisions about funeral and memorial expenses can be especially tough when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. There is a way around that. The cost of funerals and cemetery services is unavoidable – but you can cut those costs and protect your family for that day when you have to leave them. With well-informed estate planning, you could save thousands of dollars, and spare your spouse and children from a heavy financial and emotional burden.
Living with Dementia?
People living with dementia, along with their caregivers, often experience social isolation, loneliness, limited access to resources, ageism, and the stigma associated with living with cognitive impairment as common realities of their daily lives. The Crossmount Memory Café has provided many opportunities to interrupt these stories and address these common barriers experienced by participants – by increasing awareness and advocacy through the engagement of participants and volunteers in supportive, social, and educational initiatives founded on shared experiences through monthly engagement in the Café’s. For more information, or to register a loved one, please contact Crossmount’s Wellness Director at 306-374-9893.
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!
All Movement Counts
It’s hard to feel motivated to get enough activity in the winter months, but despite our desire to hibernate, it’s important for us to keep moving. The good news is that every bit of movement counts, even just a few minutes at a time. Try getting up and standing more often, playing music and dancing, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator – even just one flight! You can also play actively with your pets and do simple exercises or stretches while watching TV. Try setting an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to move frequently!
We’re Hiring
Are you looking for a job that truly makes a difference in people’s lives? We have several positions available in our Organization from Housekeeping, Yard Work and Grocery Delivery. If you enjoy working with Seniors and helping them remain independent in their own home, contact us today.
Volunteers Needed!
Here at Saskatoon Services for Seniors we strive to make a difference every day. We do this though helping Seniors remain safely in their own homes, by helping provide services that they need. One of these key services, especially in fall, is our Grocery Delivery and Yard work programs and we are currently looking for one or two volunteers to help out. If you are interested in helping seniors in our community please contact our office today. Our grocery shoppers/delivery volunteers are needed for one to two days per week.
Urban Camp
THERE ARE STILL SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR THIS YEARS URBAN CAMP PROGRAM. This program provides spring/fall cleanup of leaves on your lawn as well as snow shoveling for the entire winter. There is just a small one-time fee for this program for the entire winter season. Applications are now available and on our website at http://saskatoonservicesforseniors.ca or by calling our office at 306-668-2762 today. This program has a limited number of spots available on it so apply today before it fills up for the year. If you have any questions about this program please contact us today.
