With spring comes spring cleaning! The best way to tackle this yearly task is to go low and slow, trying one drawer or cupboard a day. Decluttering helps free up space, decrease stress, and even relieve insomnia. Removing clutter from your home also reduces your risk of tripping and falling. Ask a friend or family member to help you separate items into three categories: keep, donate, and trash. To prevent injuries, do not try to move heavy objects or furniture on your own. It’s important to stay safe while spring cleaning, especially if you have reduced strength or mobility issues.

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupportsociety.ca for more information.

A strong component of most of our programs at CV Senior Support 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 an in person visit to grocery shopping or assistance with filling out forms and finding resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education.
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.

Dry mouth doesn’t happen only if you’re dehydrated. Many medications and health conditions can cause dry mouth, with symptoms such as difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. What can you do to lessen the symptoms and prevent oral health problems? Reducing intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can help, as can sucking on sugar-free candies and using a room humidifier. Your pharmacist can offer additional tips, help you choose an appropriate OTC saliva replacement, and perhaps even suggest a change to your medications.

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.