Can I Ask You a Question: Wed. Nov. 6: 5:30-8 pm: Stan Hagen Theatre. 2300 Ryan Rd. Join local medical experts for an informative evening about medical issues you may be too embarrassed to ask! TED-style event presented by Dr. Elizabeth Thompson (General Surgery), Dr. Aaron Kennedy (Gynecology), Sharoon Lawrence (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist), and Dr. Alexandra Bascom (Urology). All proceeds will be going to YANA! Scan to register:
3rd Annual Christmas Craft Market: Sat. Nov. 16: 9am – 2pm: at the d’Esterre Senior’s Centre. A free family event located at 1801 Beaufort Ave. Featuring talented members crafting Handmade Gifts from the Heart. Quality, unique crafted items. Something for everyone. A wide variety of pottery, glass creations, quilting, lapidary, silver smith, books, puzzles, baking, and so much more.
Ensuring a Safe Winter
As winter approaches, it’s time to stay safe and cozy at home. Motion® Cares, is your trusted partner in navigating the chilly months ahead with innovative mobility and accessibility solutions. Let’s transform your home into a warm and secure haven this season! We are here to help you enhance your quality of life for those facing mobility challenges, recognizing that mobility means freedom. We offer a diverse range of products, including wheelchairs, stairlifts, and mobility scooters, along with services like maintenance and financing options. Our holistic approach reaffirms our dedication to improving lives with innovation and empathy.
Happy Place Found
Yoga Therapy is the practice of simple movement and the relationships between each segment in your body. We focus on nervous system down regulation and learning to listen and communicate clearly through movement. This supports pain management and healthy long term body mechanics. Each person will find their own individual senses and sensations, proprioception (where you are in space) by way with interoception (feeling where you are in space with/through sensation). Yoga Therapy does not replace Asana/Yoga practice, it supports it and keeps your movement sound and pain free.
Volunteer Training
We have a volunteer training session coming up on November 27. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please check out our website for the volunteer form and sign up for the training sessions. If you need any further assistance, contact: admin@ssvni.ca or call: 250-871-5940.
Remembrance Day
On November 11 we remember the people that have served, and continue to serve, our country in times of war, conflict and peace. By remembering, we thank them for the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom and pay homage to those that respond to their country’s needs.
Where your poppy, pause for two minutes of silent tribute and take the opportunity to attend a commemorative ceremony in memory of those who died for our freedoms. Check the Royal Canadian Legion to find out about ceremonial events taking place.
New Name, Expanded Mission
Comox Valley Senior Support has been providing services to vulnerable seniors for over 35 years. A year ago, we were approached by the United Way of BC to take responsibility for the Better at Home program in the Campbell River area. With this expanded role, we decided that it was time to come up with a more inclusive name. As of November 1, 2025, we are officially Senior Support North Vancouver Island, but will use Senior Support as our day to day name. Our office address will stay the same, but our contact info has changed. To contact the office email: admin@ssnvi.ca or call: 250-871-5940.
Senior Support Programs – Comox Valley
In the Comox Valley, Senior Support will have four programs: Friendly Visitor, Navigate (formerly Senior Information and Access), Caregiver Support and Grief & Loss.
Senior Support Programs – Campbell River
In Campbell River, we now offer the Better at Home Program that provides some light housecleaning and grocery delivery. We also have the Seniors Information and Volunteer Hub, which will begin in January 2025.The Hub will be a reliable information service that will assist seniors, families, caregivers, and all community members with accessing information and navigating local services for seniors. The HUB will offer one-to-one service, so that you feel welcome and know that someone is interested in listening.
Fall Prevention Month
November is Fall Prevention month in Canada. The importance of addressing the impact of falls on older Canadians cannot be understated. Falls can have devastating and long lasting outcomes on a person, resulting in chronic pain, reduced quality of life, injury and even loss of independence. Additionally, falls are the primary reason for injury-related death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada. The cost of falls in the older adult population costs the Canadian economy $5.6 billion a year in medical and other expenses.
Tips to avoid falls:
● Exercise to build strength and balance.
● Don’t rush when getting up out of a chair or walking.
● Get your sight and hearing checked regularly; ensure you get and use glasses and/or hearing aids if they are required.
● Manage your medications and review them with a pharmacist as some may cause dizziness and falling.
● Wear well-fitting shoes, even when in your home.
● Consider using a cane or mobility device.
● Make sure you have proper lighting in your home and remove tripping hazards and clutter in hallways, stairs and rooms.
● Install handrails where appropriate. Preventing falls is critical to staying healthy for older adults in Canada. Take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of falls.
Staying Social with Hearing Loss
For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally & don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject is changed, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If you think your listener may not be following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.
Vitamin D & Dental Health
Vitamin D plays a vital role in dental health by supporting calcium absorption, which is essential for strong teeth and bones. It helps in the mineralization of the tooth enamel, protecting teeth from decay and cavities. Adequate vitamin D levels can also prevent gum diseases like periodontitis, as it promotes a healthy immune response that reduces inflammation in the gums. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to weaker teeth, making them more susceptible to fractures and infections. Therefore, maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D is crucial for overall oral health and preventing dental problems.
What is Your Mouth Telling You?
The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your overall health. Pain while biting might mean a cracked tooth. Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity. Tenderness to cold might just need a change of toothpaste. Tenderness to hot is likely to be more serious. Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene. A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help. Throat infections also cause bad breath. Don’t assume that problems will resolve by themselves. See a dentist at least once a year. Remember: You don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!
Navigating Elder Care Challenges
Families are built on love and support. As children, our parents carefully watched over us to prevent harm. As we age, roles shift, and we begin to support our parents. Caring for an older adult can be rewarding but challenging and injuries can have serious, life-altering effects. Additionally, they may struggle with accepting help, feeling it threatens their independence. Balancing their safety with their need for independence can be difficult. This journey involves open communication, medical alert systems, and finding suitable solutions. Let’s explore these complexities and offer guidance for this important role.