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.
Community News
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.
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!
Final Wishes – Cremation
Today, many Canadians are choosing cremation as an alternative to traditional burial. Although cremation may seem like the simpler choice, selecting cremation is just the first step in deciding how best to celebrate a life well lived. Just like burial, choosing cremation allows you to have a funeral or memorial service. Most people choose a cemetery setting for the final disposition of cremated remains. Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens offers nature walks, which provide memorials in a peaceful natural setting. You can choose from a selection of keepsake urns, jewelry and memorial record packages, ensuring your loved one’s memory is with you forever.
Community Profile – Crossmount Memory Café
The Crossmount Memory Café is a social and recreational community program for people living with dementia and their caregivers. It is hosted twice a month at Crossmount and provides a safe, supportive, and social outing for people who may otherwise have limited opportunities to engage with others experiencing similar dementia-related health and social barriers. Following refreshments and a light snack, participants engage in a wide variety of activities and experiences, including creative workshops, live entertainment, intergenerational activities, low-impact fitness activities, and more. Participating in the Memory Café provides opportunities for connection and belonging by decreasing social isolation and enhancing overall quality of life.
How Healthy Is Your Home?
Are the chemicals you are using to clean your home actually doing more harm than good? The average household contains more than 60 harmful chemicals, which can negatively impact your and your family’s health. Cleaning with harsh chemicals can result in eye and throat irritation,headaches and even long-term effects like endocrine disruption (hormonal effects) and asthma. Consider using our superior Norwex® Microfiber used dry it catches the smallest dust particles to create a longer-lasting clean. Used wet it lifts and traps stuck-on messes Plus removes up to 99% of bacteria from a surface using only water, when following proper care and use instructions.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
My doctor told me to start my exercise program very gradually. So today I drove past a store that sells sweat pants.
Upcoming Community Event
Oct 3rd – 6th Indigenous Storytelling Festival hosted by iyinisiwin Story Institute Incorporated, located at the College of Education on Campus Drive – Featuring storytelling in Contemporary, traditional and through song and dance. This Free event runs each night from 5pm to 7pm.
Oct 23rd 2022 – Trick or Treat Family Day. Hosted by Saskatoon Shrine Club located at 1021 Saskatchewan Cres. Come partake in a Costume Contest, Face Painting, Prizes, Treats and Vendors. Event runs from 11am till 4 pm.
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.
