As we head into summer, the possibility of extreme heat becomes a reality here on the beautiful West Coast. When temperatures rise, please be sure to check in on your elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives, especially those without air conditioning or those who live in a home exposed to direct sunlight. In the event of extreme temperatures, cooling centers will be operated, and their locations will be well publicized. Please assist your senior friends, neighbors, and relatives to access cooling centers. And please call CV Senior Support at 250-871-5940 if assistance is needed.

In partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, CVSS provides 82 meals a week to seniors in the Comox Valley. While some seniors contribute to the cost of the weekly meals, they are heavily subsidized. A donation of $12 a week will provide between two and four meals for a senior in the Valley, helping ensure food security for vulnerable residents. Donations can be made at the CVSS office, or by cheque, via mail at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1N5. Tax receipts are provided for donations over $20. Alternatively, monthly donations can be set up on our Canada Helps website at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/comox-valley-senior-support.

The 2023 Comox Valley Seniors Resource Guide is now out! This free guide is being dropped at locations around the Valley, but if you want one, or more, set aside for you, please contact the office (250-871-5940) and we will either hold one for you or arrange for delivery! 20,000 copies of this spiral bound guide were created in partnership between Comox Valley Senior Support and Denman and Hornby Community Health Care Services and are available free of charge.

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] for more information.

The Senior Information and Access Services Team is wrapping up tax season for seniors with simple taxes needing to be done. Seniors must register with CVSS to access this service (a fast and painless process!) and incomes must be below $35,000 for a single person or $45,000 for a couple. Please contact Chris or Tiss at 250-871-5940 or [email protected] to register.

The Community Justice Centre is looking for volunteers to fill the position of Admin Co-Ordinator. This is a very special position that oversees the management of restorative justice cases and supports general office management. The job requires a:
High level of comfort using email and a digital calendar; Willingness to make phone calls; Strong communication and organizational skills; Comfortable multi-tasking and collaborating; High level of confidentiality. Commitment level:
Weekly, with some flexibility, from 9 to 12. For more information and to discuss possibilities please contact the Managing Director, Karen McKinnon at 250-334-8101

The Comox Valley Senior Support Society’s Second Annual Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. The first Spelling Bee was such a community success that we decided to get a larger space and invite more people! We look forward to seeing you there.

Celebrate Dad with a delicious pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 17th from 9am-12pm.Tickets sold at door $15. D’Esterre Seniors Centre
1801 Beaufort Ave., Comox
(across from Town Hall). Everyone welcome!

Heat exhaustion can occur if the body loses an excess amount of fluid through sweating and does not have it replenished. As your body becomes dehydrated, it begins to overheat and you may start to feel faint, dizzy, and lightheaded. If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. At this stage, your temperature rises to a dangerous level and you may no longer sweat due to extreme dehydration. A person suffering from heat stroke may be in a state of confusion and disorientation. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heat stroke, press their Lifeline Personal Help button or call 911, get them out of the heat, and apply cold compresses on the body to lower body temperature quickly. Denise Metcalfe, Executive Director ComoxValleyLifeline.com

It can be difficult to determine if a loved one is experiencing early onset of dementia. Some early signs include memory loss such as not remembering recent events or faces of loved ones which is a very prominent symptom, difficulty performing routine tasks such as brushing your teeth, tying shoes or checking the mailbox, personality or behaviour changes such as sudden and increased anger in normally calm persons. If you know a loved one who is experiencing any of these signs, it’s important for them to see a doctor to determine the next steps for you and your family.