End of Life Practitioners, or doulas, are highly trained in skills that involve providing practical, psychological, social, and spiritual support for the dying, their loved ones, and caregivers. They are proficient in advocating, end of life practices (vigil, companion, end of life rituals, and home death), and the training, knowledge, skills, and presence needed to address the practical, psycho-social, and spiritual dynamic journey of dying. Doula-client relationships engage the difficult and complex emotions while navigating the signs and symptoms of the dying process. Dynamic Journey End of Life Practitioner Service’s are offered from Comox Valley to Parksville, including surrounding islands.
Community News
Home Security Tips
Here are some home security tips from the RCMP’s Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security.
• Conduct a security check of your home to determine possible entry points and any weaknesses they may have. • Keep all entrances and garages well-lit at night. • Don’t leave tell-tale signs that you are away, such as leaving your curtains undrawn at night, or an absence of a car in the driveway.
• Install good locks and always use them. • Install a wide-angle viewer in your front door which allows you to see visitors before you open the door. • Never open a door to strangers without credentials. • Change your routine often. Burglars often watch activities in a neighbourhood. • Mark valuable items for identification. The operation identification program has been developed by police to assist people in marking their property.
• Keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank. If this isn’t possible, keep them locked up in a reasonable hiding place in your home.
Mental Illness & Aging
Mental illness is not a normal part of aging. All seniors have the right and deserve to receive services and care that promotes their mental health and responds to their mental illness needs. The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) is hard at work ensuring that seniors’ mental health is recognized as a key Canadian health and wellness issue. To see the services and supports offered by CCSMH, please see their website: https://ccsmh.ca
BounceBack®
Sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association, BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBackBC.ca
Did You Know?
Comox Valley Senior Support…
– Provides service to an average of 300 Comox Valley seniors monthly. – Provides support to families of Seniors seeking guidance. – Is the only non-profit in the Valley solely dedicated to supporting Seniors and their families. – Utilizes resources from the Valley, the Island, the province, and beyond, to provide the best service possible. – Is a member agency of the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. – Partners with LUSH Valley Food Action Society to help increase Food Security for seniors.
Cumberland 50+ Drop In
The Cumberland Drop-In Social Club, in Buchanan Hall, is a volunteer-led initiative that welcomes mature adults (50+) of all abilities to play games, pursue favourite leisure pastimes and enjoy the company of friends and neighbours. Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm. $3 drop in fee, or free with a Cumberland Recreation membership.
A Prescription for Exercise
Being active can reduce risk of chronic disease by as much as 80%, yet fewer than 25% of Canadian adults meet physical activity guidelines. Exercise can also do what medications cannot (e.g., improve balance, reduce risk of falls). If you’re making lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce the number of medications you are taking. As your pharmacists, we can help you do this safely. Please visit our website for the full article about prescriptions for exercise.
Bringing Mobility to You
Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a scooter to increase your mobility and gain more independence. 1) Take a test drive – to find the right dimensions and ensure a comfortable ride, it’s important to try some scooters out. 2) Ask for an in-home demo – in-home instruction can help ensure your safety and the correct operation of your scooter. 3) Stay safe – download a free Canada Scooters safety guide and ask your local Canada Scooters shop how the rules of being a pedestrian apply to scooter operators 4) Keep up with maintenance – perform daily maintenance and take your scooter in for regular professional maintenance.
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Tips for Finding a Good Audiologist
Hearing or balance problems can be uncomfortable to experience when you don’t know what is happening. The uncertainty and fear are one of the worst parts of wondering if there is a solution or if it might be a serious problem.
That is why it’s important to find an audiologist that you can trust will have your best interests at heart.
Use this guide to navigate finding a good audiologist that’s experienced, possesses good qualities that make you feel comfortable, and is the right fit for you. It’s essential
for finding the right diagnosis and long-term solutions to improve your quality of life.
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is an expert with a vast amount of training, knowledge, and tools needed to diagnose and treat patients of all ages with varying levels of hearing loss.
Using advanced technology and tests to understand the cause of a patient’s hearing problem, if it’s permanent or curable, and its severity, audiologists work with them to determine the best course of treatment.
They can help or assess tinnitus, balance disorders, Hyperacusis and Misophonia as well as drastically improve your hearing with hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
Typically, once a patient’s hearing tests are completed and it’s determined that assistive technology is needed for treatment, audiologists recommend the best hearing aids based on their unique needs, lifestyle, and prescription.
Audiologists program the hearing aids to align with their patient’s preferences and prescription and teach them how to properly care for their new technology. Several follow-up appointments are often scheduled to ensure the patient likes how the hearing aids sound, fit, and function. This time is also used to provide much-needed support, troubleshoot any areas of struggle and answer questions.
Good audiologists put time and effort into ensuring each patient’s experience with hearing aids is positive, they follow up, build a relationship and continue to provide excellent hearing care.
You want to ensure that you find an audiologist who is experienced, has the skill to provide effective solutions for your unique situation, and can answer your questions. It’s even more useful if they are up to date on industry insight from new or upcoming technology or findings from studies.
What Credentials Does an Audiologist Hold?
Many audiologists have their Master of Science in Audiology (M.Sc.), Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP), Registered Audiologist with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (RAUD), and in some cases, further education.
In Canada, regulations require an audiologist to hold a Master’s degree or a doctorate in audiology. BC further regulates audiologists by requiring them to be registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (CSHBC) in order to practice and provide services.
We recommend visiting the CSHBC website’s public register to confirm the audiologists you’re researching are in good standing with the College and have obtained the proper certifications.
Are there qualities I should look for?
Getting hearing aids can be an overwhelming process for individuals, especially those who have never used them before. An audiologist who is understanding, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping you get the best hearing experience possible can make the process much more enjoyable.
Trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities needed for a good relationship and outcome. You need to be able to trust that your audiologist and clinic are committed to providing the best treatment care and outcome, as well as listening to your concerns, needs, and goals for your hearing.
Audiologists that are also genuine, empathetic, and compassionate towards the struggles you face and comfort levels throughout the process are able to provide outstanding care.
In addition, good audiologists tailor the experience to each patient and provide ongoing support. If you are feeling nervous or hesitant, finding an audiologist who is happy to move at a pace you are most comfortable with is incredibly helpful.
“I always tell patients that the journey doesn’t end at the hearing aid fitting. We are here to help them for as long as they need,” says Stephanie Sykes, audiologist and clinic owner of NexGen Hearing Penticton and Summerland BC.
We recommend looking for these qualities when meeting with audiologists. Do they give you the time you need? Are they compassionate? Do you trust that they have your best interests at heart?
Most people can recognize whether an audiologist is genuine or ingenuine from the first meeting or through word of mouth. Ensure you feel comfortable working with them and that they care about your wellbeing.
What do other people say about them?
It is good practice to see what other people are saying about the audiologists you are looking into.
If there are people in your life who have hearing loss and have received service from an audiologist, consider asking for their opinion. Learning about a trusted friend’s experience with an audiologist is a good indicator of whether or not you should take the next step and book an appointment.
Many patients leave honest, online reviews for clinics and audiologists. With a critical eye, read through the messages left by current or past patients who have similar needs to learn about their experiences.
You can also browse a hearing clinic’s website for more information on the services provided, their guiding principles on patient care, biographies about audiologists, and more. It’s a good way to get to know the hearing clinic and its team members better before pursuing its services.
Are you looking for a good audiologist?
Most individuals don’t pursue treatment for hearing loss until about 5 years after a diagnosis. Living with untreated hearing loss can pose a variety of risks such as mental fatigue, poor emotional wellbeing, and dangerous falls.
It’s very important to seek treatment for a better quality of life, but it’s just as crucial to choose a good audiologist who will provide excellent treatment and a positive experience.
Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated, and experienced. They are here to support you on your journey to better hearing and help you experience an improved quality of life through exceptional care.
At NexGen Hearing, appointments, hearing aid supplies, and minor repairs are free of charge because every patient is valued and welcomed for as long as they need.
Patients are welcomed at over 45 clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island. To find a clinic near you and book an appointment, click here or call 1-877-606-6671.
What is Your Mouth Telling You?
The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health. Here are some things to watch for: 1) Bleeding when you brush your gums could be a sign of gum disease. 2) Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity, but cold sensitivity might just indicate that a change of toothpaste is needed. Heat sensitivity could be more serious. 3) Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but sometimes by a throat infection. A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help, and be sure to see your dentist regularly!
