These tips will help you provide the best care for your loved one while maintaining your well-being: *Educate yourself: Learn about the disease’s progression, symptoms, and treatments to better understand and support your loved one. *Create a Safe Environment: Remove hazards and establish a predictable, organized space. *Effective Communication: Use clear, patient communication, maintain eye contact, and listen actively, even when their words are unclear. * Establish a routine: Consistency provides comfort; set a daily schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. * Seek Support for Yourself: Seek help from support groups, respite care, or other family members or caregivers.
Community News
Medication Review
Do you take a number of prescription medications? Combining certain medications and supplements can cause medications to become ineffective and the combinations may even be harmful to your health. Your Personal Pharmacist can review your medications and supplements and make sure you are getting the most out of your medication. With the expanded role of pharmacists to prescribe medications for minor ailments and their ability to book a doctor’s appointment for you, they are a great resource to help you navigate your health care. Book your medication review with your pharmacist at the Medicine Shoppe at Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo today.
Seniors Fair – Friday, September 12
Join us for a special event celebrating and supporting our senior community in a beautiful garden setting! Browse a variety of local vendors and connect with valuable community resources. The Seniors Fair takes place on Friday, September 12th between 10 am and 3 pm at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, 2347 Cedar Road. Everyone is welcome to this FREE community event featuring: *Free hearing tests and health services, *Door Prizes, and *Light refreshment. For more information, please call 250-722-2244.
Tips to Refocus Your Mind
Do racing thoughts keep you up at night or make it hard to focus during the day? A simple yet powerful solution only requires a pen and a piece of paper. When your mind fixates on emotionally charged or important thoughts, it’s trying to help, but ends up hijacking your focus. Give your brain space to process by writing down everything swirling in your head: worries, to-do lists, questions—anything. No need to filter. Take one minute or five. Once it’s on paper, your mind can refocus. Regularly writing down your thoughts improves mood, reduces stress, and even supports overall well-being.
Simple UV Safety Tips for Seniors
Sunshine naturally provides our skin with Vitamin D, which has many health benefits! Sunshine can also be harmful, so we need to protect our skin. Keep these tips in mind year-round, especially in these sunny summer months! * See the dermatologist annually. It is a great idea to also self-check during a shower. Apply sunscreen liberally and often. It is recommended that you reapply a minimum of SPF 30 every two hours. Use “broad spectrum,” which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Cover yourself; clothing is a great option for sun protection. Vivid colours offer more protection than pale ones. Stay safe out there!
Exercise for a Healthy Mind
Regular exercise boosts brain function in seniors by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the release of chemicals that support brain cell health. Walking, swimming, or yoga enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving skills while lowering the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise also supports better sleep and mood, reducing anxiety and depression, which are linked to poor brain health. Studies show that consistent physical activity can even slow the progression of dementia and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors, staying active is not just about physical fitness—it’s a powerful tool for maintaining a sharp and healthy mind.
Stay Social with Hearing Loss
Socializing can be challenging for individuals with hearing loss, but a few considerate adjustments can make a significant difference. Always make sure to get their attention before you start speaking. Talk at a natural pace—avoid shouting—and use pauses to help them follow along. Keep your hands away from your face so they can see your lips clearly. Focus on one topic at a time and inform them if the subject changes. Choose seating arrangements that allow them to see everyone’s faces clearly. Most importantly, check in with them frequently. If they seem confused, restate your message using simpler, shorter sentences to help keep them engaged and included.
Benefits of a Raindrop Massage
A Raindrop Massage uses essential oils to help with the realignment and detoxification of the spinal column. During a massage, the oils used on the feet and back help detox the body systems, improve emotional well-being, improve immune system functions and reduce stress and minor anxiety. Pure essential oils have the ability to enter our cell walls because their molecules are extremely tiny. This means that they can reach a virus that lives inside our cells and provide health benefits on a cellular level. Be sure to enter this month’s contest for a chance to win a Raindrop Massage and Card Reading.
See Your Pharmacist for Minor Ailments
Your pharmacist is trained and authorized to assess and prescribe medications for minor ailments and contraception. Minor ailments are health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment. If you are experiencing a skin rash, fungal infection, heartburn, seasonal allergies, shingles, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or a vaginal yeast infection, you can visit your pharmacist for a free assessment. After the assessment, your pharmacist may prescribe medication or refer you to another healthcare provider. The next time you have a minor health issue, consider booking an appointment with your pharmacist for a free assessment.
Stay Hydrated this Summer
Warmer weather is a great invitation to enjoy the outdoors and nature. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining health and keeping critical bodily functions working properly. Keeping a few tips in mind will ensure that you stay hydrated and continue to enjoy the activities that bring you joy. *Schedule water intake throughout the day. *Eat water-rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon and broth. *Reduce water loss; excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration so be mindful of fluid loss during outside activities. *Make water more interesting by adding a bit of juice. Popsicles are also a great option – especially on warm days!
Volunteers Needed – ElderDog
Do you have an hour or two a week to take a dog for a walk? ElderDog is looking for volunteers to help “Keep Love in the Home”. Volunteers walk dogs for senior owners with the goal to keep dogs with their owners as long as possible. You can find more information about this amazing organization at ElderDog.ca.
