The Office of the Seniors Advocate monitors and analyzes seniors services and issues in B.C., and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The Office also provides information and referrals for individuals who are navigating seniors services and tracks their concerns, which helps inform future work. The services which the Office monitors are in five key areas: health care, housing, income supports, community supports and transportation. The Office collaborates with service providers, government and health authorities to improve effectiveness, efficiency and outcomes. A council of advisers, made up of B.C. seniors, provides the Seniors Advocate with advice and feedback from the perspective of seniors with diverse backgrounds, ages, geographical areas and cultures.
Community News
Seniors Safety
Approximately 1 in 6 people aged 60 years or older experienced some form of abuse in community settings and this is predicted to increase as countries experience rapidly aging populations. Many seniors and/or families turn to multiple organizations to seek help, which can include Community Response Networks, provincial health authorities, Community Living BC and Public Guardian and Trustee. In the Comox Valley, the Comox Valley Senior’s Support Society can assist in determining what to do.
What is LOVE CRN?
Living Out Visibly & Engaged Community Response Network (LOVE CRN) helps coordinate a community response to abuse, neglect and self-neglect of adults with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. While they do not provide direct service to individuals, they do work through community development, education, prevention, and advocacy.
Make Your Home Safer
Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
According to a recent survey, 90% of North American homeowners between the ages of 55 and 75 would like to stay in their long-time home as they get older. And, not surprisingly, 66% of seniors believe their home is where they will be most comfortable, with 53% believing they will stay healthier in their own home. But living out that scenario and remaining in the driver’s seat calls for a plan of action – and an understanding of potential safety risks in the home. Home care makes it possible to remain home despite physical challenges. From respite care to 24-hour in-home care, services can be tailored to meet your needs.
Get Mobile!
Do more of what you want – when you want. If you ever find yourself waiting around for people to assist you with daily tasks and errands, a mobility scooter could allow you to take matters into your own hands. Confinement can be the most depressing situation that people with mobility issues can experience. Nobody wants to stay inside for a long time, especially when it isn’t necessary. Electric scooters have come a long way and are now more affordable than ever. They provide the freedom to get around, they conserve physical energy, and they also provide you access to places you may not have previously been able to go.
Oral Health Month
April is Oral Health Month in Canada and a great reminder to practice good oral hygiene! Here are five tips for maintaining good oral health: 1) Make healthy food choices and limit sugary and highly acidic foods to avoid tooth decay and acid erosion. 2) Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, which can stain teeth, cause gum damage, give you bad breath, cause tooth loss, and even lead to oral cancer. 3) Brush twice and floss once daily. 4) Make note of any oral issues you have, including sensitivity, bleeding, pain, or strange lumps. 5) Visit your dentist regularly.
Tips for Managing Dry Mouth
Dry mouth doesn’t happen only if you’re dehydrated. Many medications and health conditions can cause dry mouth, with symptoms such as difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. What can you do to lessen the symptoms and prevent oral health problems? Reducing intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can help, as can sucking on sugar-free candies and using a room humidifier. Your pharmacist can offer additional tips, help you choose an appropriate OTC saliva replacement, and perhaps even suggest a change to your medications.
Can Dentures Affect Nutrition?
Wearing dentures can have an impact on nutrition if the dentures are ill-fitting and cause patients to have trouble chewing. Ill-fitting dentures can also decrease saliva, which may make chewing food difficult and may cause patients to avoid certain foods. It’s important for people who wear dentures to follow their physician’s or denturist’s dietary recommendations after they have been fitted with their dentures, and to keep in mind that many foods can still be eaten if prepared in ways that make chewing easier. Ensuring dentures fit well is also important, so see your denturist regularly to get them checked.
Bringing Mobility to You
Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a scooter to increase your mobility and gain more independence. 1) Take a test drive – to find the right dimensions and ensure a comfortable ride, it’s important to try some scooters out. 2) Ask for an in-home demo – in-home instruction can help ensure your safety and the correct operation of your scooter. 3) Stay safe – download a free scooter safety guide and ask your local scooter shop how the rules of being a pedestrian apply to scooter operators 4) Keep up with maintenance – perform daily maintenance and take your scooter in for regular professional maintenance.
5 Tips for Being Physically Active
1. Start where you can and set reasonable goals. If you feel you have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine.
2. Think of it as “activity”, not “exercise”. Choose activities and sports that you enjoy, and physical activity won’t seem like a chore or task to tick off. 3. Once you get going, aim for at least 1 ½ hours of moderate-to-vigourous physical activity per week. 4. Consider aerobic activities. Aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, hiking and dancing, can help maintain general fitness.
5. Plan out your physical activity with someone you know. That way, you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-healthy benefits of social interaction.
