Sponsored by Comox Valley Senior Support Society:
WHAT: Organizational meeting WHEN: September 8 2021
WHERE: Fanny Bay OAP Hall
TIME: 10:00
COST: Free
PURPOSE: To determine the interest in forming a support group for caregivers from Union Bay to Bowser. The intent of the group is to share information, resources, and offer emotional support. Depending on the need 2 groups may be formed -male and female.
MORE INFORMATION ?
Call: 250-871-5940 (leave message if no answer)
E-mail: [email protected] Fanny Bay and Bowser Caregiver Support Groups are Sponsored by Comox Valley Senior Peer Support
Community News
What Does “Self-Care” Mean to You?
We always think of self-care must incur huge costs or involve activity beyond the reach of most people, but we truly can incorporate self-care into our daily lives for free, or very, very cheap. Once self-care becomes habit, it becomes ingrained as one of those things that we simply expect of ourselves. It DOES NOT change overnight, or even in a month. In day-to-day life, consider consistent time by yourself to do something you enjoy: reading, watching a favourite show, cooking a special treat. These short periods of time add up! A bit of time enjoying something just for yourself will have a positive impact over time. Treat yourself occasionally. It can be as simple as a cup of coffee once a week, a walk in a beautiful park or a drive out of your neighbourhood. Disconnect your cable, limit time on social media. Sit in your yard or in a park and visit with your friends. Begin a journal. Simplify your meals and drink more water. The idea is to not overwhelm yourself with excessive movement or big changes, just get your body moving even a little bit, one small change at a time. Something is better than nothing!
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!
Ask The Expert
Q: I don’t like wearing sunglasses when I’m gardening. Is it really necessary? Sunglasses are too dark for me. A: You would probably do well just wearing some clear, non-tinted safety glasses. You can get these at any hardware store, and most of them have UV protection which will protect your eyes, even in bright sunlight. Eye injuries are common with gardeners, and the safety glasses will be beneficial in that regard too.
Don’t Ignore Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth can happen for a variety of reasons, including biting something hard, hitting your mouth, having tooth decay, or grinding your teeth. While you might think having a chipped tooth is no big deal, this can lead to some problems. Sharp edges can cut your inner mouth, while deep chips can impact tooth roots (possibly leading to infections or toothaches), as well as tooth decay (which can cause sensitivity and bad breath). To avoid needing a root canal or extraction, it’s important to have a dentist examine and fix a chipped tooth before the problem gets any worse.
Redefining Fitness for Older Adults
Enjoy a variety of fun, modern, and effective programs that will help you live a more healthy, purposeful life and keep you active at any age! I offer in-home and outdoor personal training, regular group fitness classes and online wellness programs. My programs were designed for older adults of any age, ability or fitness level and can be adapted to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you are an experienced exerciser, a new beginner or simply looking to create some healthy habits, Reyna Maria Movement is the program for you. See website for class schedule and rates.
Friendly Visiting
Our Friendly Visiting program offers an hour each week of in-home visiting and support to seniors who are feeling isolated and lonely. One hour a week, although modest, can make a world of difference to an isolated senior. Having someone to talk to, having someone who will listen well, someone who might play a game of cribbage, read to you, walk with you, put together a puzzle, and in general pay you some good attention is just what can be needed to brighten your day.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Art therapy provides a number of both physical and mental benefits to people of all ages. It can help improve your overall mental health and wellbeing by staving off depression and anxiety, improving your self-esteem, and giving you a greater sense of control. Practicing artistic pursuits can also boost your cognitive functioning and sense of identity, and when done in a group setting, can provide important opportunities for social connection. From a physical perspective, painting can improve your hand-eye coordination and dexterity, and studies have suggested that the positive mental health effects of art therapy can also improve physical wellbeing.
Available Resources
The Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in B.C. and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The OSA was established in 2014 and is the first office of its kind in Canada. 1-877-952-3181. SeniorsAdvocateBC.ca
Alzheimer Society
Whether you want to learn more about the programs and services offered or find dementia-related information specific to your needs, the Alzheimer Society has the education and resources to help you. Alzheimer.ca/bc/en or 1-800-936-6033.
Available Resources
LUSH Valley Food Action Society offers a Community Good Food Box. Community Boxes can be ordered by everyone through the online Good Food Box Store. This is a great way to get local food at a great value while also supporting LUSH Valley and local farms. You can support others in our community by purchasing an additional “Gift Box” with your order that will go to someone who would not be able to afford it otherwise. LushValley.org
