Community News
Loneliness and Isolation Can Affect Senior Health

For seniors, maintaining social connections and staying in touch with loved ones not only improves quality of life, it improves health. Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation. Socialization has been shown to slow Alzheimer’s and Dementia patient’s decline. Having care givers can help stem the existence of loneliness in the lives of our seniors. We enjoy conversations, daily walks, shopping, cooking and folding the laundry together. These can be moments of joy when done together in the right way. Comfort Keepers engage the human spirit.

When a Loved One Has Dementia

Loving someone with dementia can be a challenging task, one that puts a lot of pressure on a caregiver. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: *Be realistic when it comes to expectations for yourself and for your loved one. *Develop a routine. Those with dementia can struggle with confusion and frustration. Especially as the disease progresses, it is important to create a solid routine and schedule to provide some predictability and help keep some peace of mind. *Focus on nutrition. There is a strong connection between lifestyle choices such as diet and memory diseases.

COVID-19: Impact on Gambling

COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life, including people who gamble. Although in-person gambling venues such as casinos and bingo halls are closed, online gambling remains available 24/7, not only on the sanctioned BCLC site, but also internationally. Concerns about increased time and money spent online gambling have been top of mind in the helping community here at the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program. Our FREE services continue, including virtual options (telephone and videoconferencing) for counselling, outreach support as well as prevention and education. The Gambling Support Line (1-888-795-6111) remains available 24/7. Any other inquiries can be made at Problem.Gambling@gov.bc.ca.

Where to Keep your Medication

Your medication can be damaged by heat, air, light and moisture. Most medications may be stored at room temperature, in a cool dry place, out of sight and reach of children and pets. Avoid the bathroom medicine cabinet since the heat and moisture from the shower, bath or sink may damage the medicine. A better location may be a bedroom, travel storage or fridge. Exposure of medication to inappropriate conditions may render them ineffective or even harmful if ingested. For questions about proper storage of your medications, call your Personal Pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe.

The Feeling of Gratitude

We have so much to be grateful for! Say ‘thank you’ for the things you enjoy and have; be grateful for every meal and the comfy pillow you lay your head on. Listen to music that makes you want to dance. When our body feels the vibration of true gratitude, it feels lighter and more in balance. Keep your vibration high by smiling and thinking positive thoughts. Visit a practitioner who will work with you to get you to a state of calm and relax. It is important that we remind our body how it feels to be good and free.

A Team of Hearing Care Professionals

At our Amplifon clinic, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service and take the time needed to help you find your ideal solution. We offer an extensive range of leading hearing aid technology at competitive prices. Enjoy peace-of-mind with our 90-days money back guarantee. We value our relationship and strive to offer you a lifetime of better hearing with our free lifetime aftercare program. Request a complimentary hearing test today! Currently, our clinic is open reduced hours. Please contact us by phone to find out the exact opening days and times and to make an appointment.

Product Review: RELEAF Stick

ACTIVE RELEAF aims to encourage active wellness through the use of nature’s most powerful ingredients. With a synergistic blend of coconut oil, shea butter, essential oils, and broad spectrum cannabinoid-rich hemp plant extract, ACTIVE RELEAF’s topicals offer a natural alternative for pain relief. Try the Original Formula RELEAF Stick as a reliable remedy to soothe everyday aches and pains. For extra stubborn discomfort associated with joint stiffness, and inflammation, the Extra Strength RELEAF+ Stick is specially formulated to soothe quickly and be long lasting. Apply liberally to affected areas 3 – 4 times a day or as needed.

Drug Free Wellness Solutions

VoxxLife combines the best of modern technology with decades of research in neuromuscular science to provide drug-free, non-invasive wellness solutions. These solutions offer the physical benefits of traditional OTC alternatives, without all the side effects. Human Performance Technology (HPT) is embedded in their socks, insoles and now wearable patches. The socks, with just the right amount of stretch, provide the pain relief and mobility support you want at home, work or at the gym. The convenient, trim-to-fit design of the insoles, fit easily into your everyday shoes for greater comfort and performance. The Neurotech Patches offer the benefits of HPT in a simple and convenient way for all aspects of your life.

Starting the Conversation

Starting a discussion about care needs with a senior loved one can be difficult. Deciding when to start the conversation is important. It is never too early to discuss what care might be needed and the desires of the person that will be receiving care. Nine out of 10 seniors want to remain in their home as they age and in-home care can help them. There are many options for in-home care, from the type of care services to the number of hours a week. Making plans before there is an emergency or sudden problem in the senior’s home helps alleviate stress for everyone.

Are You Having Fun?

As an older adult, you know that you need to stay active for optimal mental and physical health. But are you having FUN? Fun and joy are what make us feel truly alive, engaged, and connected to others. The world becomes more vibrant and inviting when we give ourselves permission to laugh and play. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that make him or her lose track of time or feel like a goofy kid at heart. Plus, many of the best activities for senior citizens cost little or no money. Explore activities that spark the kid in you!

Community Profile – Woodgrove Manor

For your loved one whose health demands a heightened level of care there is Trillium Boutique Senior Living. Footsteps from shopping and dining, and with easy accessibility to the Island’s northern communities, Woodgrove Manor is a 43-suite home, centrally located in Nanaimo. Nestled in the scenic Woodgrove neighbourhood, its interiors are inspired by nature, bringing the outdoors in with oversized windows and natural light. Nurses provide 24-hour support for long-term residents’ unique health challenges, from falls and immobility to memory loss and dementia. The homes are equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the safety of your loved ones.