The Office of the Seniors Advocate monitors and analyzes seniors services and issues in B.C., and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The Office also provides information and referrals for individuals who are navigating seniors services and tracks their concerns, which helps inform future work. The services which the Office monitors are in five key areas: health care, housing, income supports, community supports and transportation. The Office collaborates with service providers, government and health authorities to improve effectiveness, efficiency and outcomes. A council of advisers, made up of B.C. seniors, provides the Seniors Advocate with advice and feedback from the perspective of seniors with diverse backgrounds, ages, geographical areas and cultures.

Approximately 1 in 6 people aged 60 years or older experienced some form of abuse in community settings and this is predicted to increase as countries experience rapidly aging populations. Many seniors and/or families turn to multiple organizations to seek help, which can include Community Response Networks, provincial health authorities, Community Living BC and Public Guardian and Trustee. In the Comox Valley, the Comox Valley Senior’s Support Society can assist in determining what to do.

Living Out Visibly & Engaged Community Response Network (LOVE CRN) helps coordinate a community response to abuse, neglect and self-neglect of adults with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. While they do not provide direct service to individuals, they do work through community development, education, prevention, and advocacy.

Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.

According to a recent survey, 90% of North American homeowners between the ages of 55 and 75 would like to stay in their long-time home as they get older. And, not surprisingly, 66% of seniors believe their home is where they will be most comfortable, with 53% believing they will stay healthier in their own home. But living out that scenario and remaining in the driver’s seat calls for a plan of action – and an understanding of potential safety risks in the home. Home care makes it possible to remain home despite physical challenges. From respite care to 24-hour in-home care, services can be tailored to meet your needs.

1. Make the most of your daily opportunities to socialize. 2. Practice a random act of kindness. It could be as small as smiling at someone else passing by – paying your happiness forward will not only brighten someone else’s day, but yours as well! 3. Find time to volunteer. Whether it’s participating in service clubs or joining a hobby group, you’ll find that there are many healthy benefits to volunteering. It can build self-esteem and confidence, and expand your network of social support.
4. Combine social interaction with an activity. It could be a physical activity like walking together or a fitness class, or it could be something like a book club or a play. Ask someone to try a brain-challenging game together. Enjoy yourself while you positively impact your brain health. 5. Maintain old friendships and make new ones. Stay social through work, volunteer activities, travel, hobbies, family and friends. Be open to new experiences – accept invitations and extend a few of your own. Keep up your old and new friendships through talking on the phone, chatting online via email or Facebook or even writing a letter.

1. Start where you can and set reasonable goals. If you feel you have little opportunity to exercise, start by adding a bit of physical activity into your daily routine.
2. Think of it as “activity”, not “exercise”. Choose activities and sports that you enjoy, and physical activity won’t seem like a chore or task to tick off. 3. Once you get going, aim for at least 1 ½ hours of moderate-to-vigourous physical activity per week. 4. Consider aerobic activities. Aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, hiking and dancing, can help maintain general fitness.
5. Plan out your physical activity with someone you know. That way, you are more likely to keep active while you also gain the brain-healthy benefits of social interaction.

The vital component of most of our programs at Comox Valley Senior Support Society are volunteers! While staff coordinate the pieces to make programs work, it is our incredible volunteers who venture into the community and provide the supports many of our clients depend upon. Volunteering at Comox Valley Senior Support can range from a weekly phone call or in person visit to grocery shopping or assisting seniors to fill out forms and find resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education. As our volunteers retire, we need to replace them! If you have an interest in supporting seniors in your community, please contact the office at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupprt.ca or 250-871-5940 to find out more.