Friendly Visitor Program – offers a weekly visit or phone call from a trained volunteer for seniors who are isolated and lonely. This program also encompasses hospital visits and coordinating delivery of library books. Senior Information Access Support – helps seniors navigate various systems (internet applications, forms, phone calls etc…). Community resources referral. Assistance with grocery shopping and delivery. Caregiver Support Program – provides monthly support groups for caregivers to have an opportunity to speak with, listen to, and support other caregivers. Caregiver Respite – facilitates monthly fun social activities for people with dementia so caregivers can have a brief break. Volunteer Training – Our volunteers are valued a lot, and that is one of the reasons we put so much effort into orientation and ongoing education.

Canada Scooters is the leading supplier of electric mobility scooters – offering a wide rage of 3 & 4-wheel new and used scooters, portable scooters, accessories and rentals. They deliver right to your door for an in-home demonstration or a test drive. They also carry mobility products such as walkers, canes, crutches, power chairs, wheelchairs and bathroom safety products or equip your home with lift chairs, ramps, railings, and bathroom renovations. Canada Scooters offers service and repairs, safety courses and expert professionals with service across all Vancouver Island, all with flexible financing and payment options.

The vital component of most of our programs at Comox Valley Senior Support Society 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 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.

Congratulations to CV Senior Support Society’s community partner, LUSH Valley Food Action Society, on the recent purchase of a new (to them) home! Located in Tin Town, the new home will house the Society’s main office, food aggregation hub, and, eventually, a commercial kitchen. LUSH took possession at the beginning of October and are already in full swing in their new location preparing for the upcoming year.

The Comox Seniors’ Centre, located at 1801 Beaufort Ave in Comox, offers a wide range of opportunities to socialize, be physically fit, and stay mindfully active. The Centre re-opened in July with an on-site meal service and more than 40 club activities ranging from Yoga, Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Bridge, Spanish Conversation, etc. For many seniors this Centre is their second home. For more information, drop in or call 250-339-5133 or visit our website www.comoxseniors.ca Comox Seniors’ Centre.

Comox Valley Senior Support receives roughly ⅓ of its funding from Island Health and ⅓ from the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remaining funds are all raised by grants and donations. Though the Society charges no fees for any of its supports, programs each cost money to operate. Your donations can go a long way at Comox Valley Senior Support, and we will happily direct donations to where you would like. There is a donation link on our website https://comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca/donate/ or cheques can be mailed to us at C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1N5. If you would like to talk to staff about donating, or where you would like your donation directed, please call Chris at 250-871-4950 or email at admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca. Comox Valley Senior Support is a federally registered charity: 89587 9849 RR0001

Many seniors would prefer to stay at home than move into a senior care home, but there are some challenges to consider. Factors like finances, physical mobility, social network, health concerns, and safety in the home are all things to think about. If you decide to remain in your home, discuss your plans with your family or a trusted advisor. It’s important to prepare your home to ensure you can live comfortably and safely there, using various aids and tools to make things easier. In-home care can also provide much-needed day-to-day support, as well as transportation to appointments and gatherings.

The National Seniors Council (NSC) engages with seniors, stakeholders, and experts to provide advice to the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the health, well-being, and quality of life of seniors. www.canada.ca/en/national-seniors-council.html Work priorities are determined by the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health, based on recommendations from the National Seniors Council (NSC). The NSC is currently focusing on the following 4 work priorities:
1. identifying measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors, with a particular focus on financial abuse, fraud, and scams
2. considering the federal and provincial strategies and initiatives that include a senior’s dimension, and providing advice on gaps that could potentially be addressed if a national seniors strategy were to be developed
3. providing advice to the government on the development and implementation of existing initiatives using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective, including, as a first step, observations, and recommendations on ways to strengthen attention to seniors’ housing needs in the implementation of the National Housing Strategy
4. identifying measures to counteract ageism by shifting the public discourse
To examine the above issues and advance its work, the NSC developed a 3-year work plan covering 2018 to 2021, which includes activities such as research, convening expert panels, and consulting with seniors and representatives of organizations serving or advocating for seniors.

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.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia — an enlarged prostate — is a normal condition of aging in men. It is very common, with the incidence increasing significantly after age 40 and affecting nearly 3 of every 4 men who are over age 70. Symptoms may include increased frequency of urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and difficulty voiding urine. Fortunately, effective treatment options are available. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor and involve your pharmacist in discussions about your treatment. There is plenty that you can learn about prevention, medications, and other treatment options specific to your situation! For more information, see our full article at MedicineShoppeCourtenay.ca.

Best Hearing Aids For 2021
Purchasing hearing aids is an important and expensive investment to make. The various brands, styles and features give people an opportunity to select a hearing aid that suits their lifestyle, hearing loss and preferences to personalize their hearing experience. Hearing aids are vast in their capabilities and features. For example, there are rechargeable hearing aids, automatic noise adjusting aids, Bluetooth pairing, tinnitus masking and much more. Every person is unique so naturally, hearing aids need to be unique for each individual. Learn more by reading our latest blog post.