Our friendly caller program is free and run by staff, volunteers and social work practicum students that are passionate about working with Seniors. We aim to decrease social isolation in the Saskatoon senior population by providing social phone calls to those who would benefit from social interaction. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program please contact us today.
Community News
Urban Camp Program
There are still spots available on our Urban Camp Program for this winter. Urban camp looks after your fall raking of leaves, all snow shovels during the winter and a spring raking of leaves ALL FOR A ONE TIME FEE. This Program is great for seniors that are on a fixed income as it is only a one-time fee and looks after your snow all winter long. If you would like to sign up or looking for more information on this program contact our office today.
Help Support Seniors in Our Community today!
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!
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.
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!
Thermography and Breast Health
October is breast cancer awareness month, and preventative health care and early detection are important factors when it comes to breast health. DITI (Digital Thermal Imaging) or Thermography is a non-invasive assessment tool using an infrared camera. This helps to visualize inflammation and dysfunction in the body to assess problems in the vascular, muscular, neural, and skeletal systems. For breast health, DITI can help create a baseline of healthy breast activity, and yearly DITI follow-ups can help detect potential physiological changes and abnormalities. Since DITI looks for changes in physiology, it can be a great secondary measure alongside mammography.
Seniors Real Estate Specialist – Sheri Willick
Sheri Willlick is a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Signature in Saskatoon. Sheri holds extra designations as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and a Seller Representative Specialist®. An SRES® is a REALTOR® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. What qualities make an SRES® different? *Has knowledge, experience, and compassion in dealing with senior issues. *Takes a no-pressure approach to the transaction and has a strong service orientation. *Tailors the marketing of a home to the needs of an older client.
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.
