Need help with your taxes? Our volunteers are ready to help again this year as tax season approaches! Taxes will be done free of charge until April 30th. Call 604-531-9400 Ext. 216 to book your appointment. To qualify for this service you must:
• Be an adult age 55+. • Make less than $35,000. • Have a simple tax return. • No Foreign Pensions. • No Self Employment/Business Income.
• No Taxable Capital Gains. Some exclusions do apply; please reach out to us to find out if you are eligible!
Community News
Normal Forgetfulness or Dementia?
As we age, it’s normal to experience more frequent instances of memory loss. Some common symptoms of normal memory loss include transience, when the brain forgets some memories over time, and absentmindedness, where you may forget something because you weren’t focused on it. Other factors can also contribute to normal memory loss, such as depression and other mental health issues. Memory loss that involves the following can be cause for concern and should be addressed by a doctor: 1) Forgetting important information, like names. 2) Being extremely disoriented in unfamiliar environments. 3) Major personality changes like aggressiveness or impulsivity.
Overnight In-Home Care
If you or a loved one require in-home care, you know that the need for a caregiver doesn’t always end in the evening. Expertly trained caregivers can provide overnight care in your home, staying with you or your loved one to ensure any needs are met the way they are with daytime care. Overnight care can include things like administering medication, assisting with bathroom breaks, and moving positions in bed. Overnight care can be tailored to the specific needs of yourself or your loved one to help keep you or them comfortable at home, no matter the time of day.
Enjoy Your Life to the Fullest
Good hearing means being able to enjoy every moment in life. But when you start experiencing hearing problems, you quickly feel you cannot enjoy all the things you care about. A hearing professional will work with you to get you back to better hearing. They can give you back the ability to enjoy your life to the fullest. Quality hearing professional are there every step of the way to identify the best solution for you. Look for a hearing centre that offers an extensive, complimentary hearing test, free follow-ups, and a wide range of innovative and discreet products. We can help.
Local Spotlight: Suncrest Retirement Community
Local Spotlight: Suncrest Retirement Community
Suncrest Retirement Community offers a new campus of housing options. Conveniently located at 2567 King George Boulevard in South Surrey, BC, (near White Rock), the thoughtfully designed Independent/ Assisted Living building is situated adjacent to their Care Centre. Suncrest Retirement Community offers many choices available to suit different needs, from independent living to specific specialties such as Complex Care, Dementia Care and End of Life Care. Their recreation services include fun group outings, relaxing recreational therapy such as chair yoga, and guest concerts to keep residents engaged, socially active and (most important of all) happy!
Fitness Classes with the City of Surrey
It is not too late to start your New Year resolutions with an exciting and engaging virtual fitness class! Brella Society has collaborated with the City of Surrey, who will have trained instructors ready to guide you through the workout and make modifications for you, as you require them. All adults ages 55+ are welcome to join from the comfort of their home; all that is needed is a computer! If you do not have access to technology, please contact us to get set up through our technology-lending program. Visit sharevirtually.com to register today and we hope to see you there! For additional support contact Isaiah Clemente at Isaiah.Clemente@comeshare.ca or call 604-531-9400 Ext. 220.
Fresh and Lively
The Fresh and Lively in person lunch program is run by Brella Society, in partnership with various facilities and recreation centers for seniors 55+. Returning to Kent Street Activity Centre in White Rock on April 1st and 22nd. Only 33 spots available and guests must register: no drop-ins! COVID protocols in place. For more information, please contact the Brella Society Meal. 604-2502 ex 207 or email Nicole.worden@comeshare.ca
Join Today!
Brella Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it is from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and have them engaged in physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the seniors in our community; therefore, we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Visit ComeShare.ca or SHAREvirtually.com for a list of our programs and events.
Senior Service Connector
Imagine how you would feel if you were on a tight budget, and you just found out that you can get a reduced rate for your MSP costs? Or how about qualifying for The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program that helps make rent affordable for BC seniors with low to moderate incomes? This is the kind of information that can make a real difference in people’s lives. The volunteers at Brella Society distribute valuable information and resource materials to different sites and events in our community. Last year alone, they connected over 6,492 seniors in the Surrey and White Rock areas to information and resources. Please call Shannen at 604-531-9400 for more information.
Celebrate Spring with Healthy Habits
Spring is a great time to start new and healthy habits. Here are a few to try: *Sleep – Getting enough sleep makes you feel good and has a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Strive for 7 to 9 hours daily. *Nutritious meals – Cooking meals at home is a fun activity that often brings people together. *Go outside – Spending time in greenspace has an array of health benefits. *Visit your doctor annually. *Check your hearing health once a year and *Visit your dentist. Are you ready to start new, healthy habits? We’re here to help.
Foods for Brain Health
The best foods for supporting memory and brain function are those that encourage good blood flow to the brain, and research suggests the following foods may help keep your brain sharp and improve your cognitive function, memory and alertness. 1) Broccoli, cabbage, and dark leafy greens. Enjoy in salads, wraps and stir-fries. 2) Walnuts. Can be added to salads or oatmeal, or just eaten on their own. 3) Berries and cherries. Can be eaten fresh as a snack or added to oatmeal or baked goods. 4) Omega-3 fatty acids. Can be found in seafood, algae, and fatty fish.
