If you are part of a family that includes a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container.

The Comox Valley Senior Support Society’s Second Annual Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. The first Spelling Bee was such a community success that we decided to get a larger space and invite more people! We look forward to seeing you there.

In partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society, CVSS provides 82 meals a week to seniors in the Comox Valley. While some seniors contribute to the cost of the weekly meals, they are heavily subsidized. A donation of $12 a week will provide between two and four meals for a senior in the Valley, helping ensure food security for vulnerable residents. Donations can be made at the CVSS office, or by cheque, via mail at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1N5. Tax receipts are provided for donations over $20. Alternatively, monthly donations can be set up on our Canada Helps website at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/comox-valley-senior-support/

Memory loss in aging parents poses unique caregiving challenges. Alongside physical manifestations, such as forgetting tasks or medications, the emotional toll on both parent and caregiver is significant. Frustration and depression often accompany memory loss, making communication and caregiving more difficult. To navigate this journey, consider these six best practices: reassure your parent, prevent getting lost, enhance home safety, manage caregiver stress, review medications, and seek additional support. By implementing these strategies, you can provide the necessary care while maintaining your own well-being. Home Instead® offers compassionate memory care services to support you and your loved ones through this challenging time.

The Comox Valley Seniors Support Society (CVSS) is delighted to announce that the Campbell River Seniors Info Hub will be amalgamated as a program into the CVSS. This exciting collaboration aims to enhance the quality and reach of services available to older adults throughout the region.
The Campbell River Seniors Info Hub has been a trusted source of information, resources, and support for seniors in Campbell River. By joining forces with the Comox Valley Senior Support Society, the program will now have the opportunity to expand its impact and provide a broader range of services to seniors in Campbell River.

The amalgamation will result in an array of benefits for seniors in both Campbell River and the Comox Valley. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both organizations, the newly expanded Comox Valley Senior Support Society will be better equipped to address the diverse needs of the senior community. This includes access to a wider range of information, referral services and social support activities.

“Bringing together the Campbell River Seniors Info Hub and the Comox Valley Senior Support Society is an important addition for our organizations and the seniors we serve,” said Christopher Bate, Executive Director, CVSSS. “We are thrilled to combine our expertise, knowledge, and resources to create a stronger and more inclusive support system for older adults across the region. This amalgamation reinforces our commitment to supporting seniors and providing programming that enhances their quality of life.” The Comox Valley Senior Support Society will ensure a seamless transition for clients of the Campbell River Seniors Info Hub, ensuring continuity of service and support during this exciting period of change. For further information about the Comox Valley Senior Support Society and the Campbell River Seniors Info Hub amalgamation, please contact: Chris Bate, Executive Director, CVSS 250-871 5940; admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca or Cheryl Stinson, Coordinator, Campbell River Seniors Info Hub seniorshubcoord@gmail.com

It is our honour to advocate on behalf of Canada’s senior citizens. The NDP is working tirelessly to ensure that seniors have access to the resources they need so they can live a stable, happy life. We understand that seniors have been struggling to a great extent to pay for their basic needs. We find it unacceptable that many seniors are still living in poverty after having worked their entire lives to build this country. There is a bar of dignity everyone in Canada deserves to have. We will continue to fight for your rights. If you need assistance with federal programs or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices.

Seniors often face reduced independence due to health or mobility concerns. Mobility scooters offer a solution. Regardless of their location, a mobility scooter empowers parents to reclaim independence and relish outdoor experiences. With electric motors and a simple recharge, these scooters effortlessly transport them to desired destinations, allowing them to unwind and enjoy the ride. Portable models further facilitate transportation, ensuring the ease of taking them in cars when needed. By embracing mobility scooters, seniors can regain their freedom and embrace the world outside their homes.