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.
Community News
Managing Multiple Medications
If you take multiple medications, your pharmacist offers solutions that can help you manage them.*Synchronized refill dates – Adjusting quantities of medications to coordinate refill dates so all can be refilled at one time. *Blister packaging to arrange your medications in a weekly or monthly schedule. *Pre-authorized refills – Receive notifications when it is time to renew your medication. *Extension of expired refills – Your pharmacist may be able to renew your prescription if it expires before you can see your doctor. For more information about our pharmacy services, visit medicineshoppecourtenay.ca.
Seniors and Social Isolation
Social isolation is far too common among seniors and can have a negative impact on mental health and cognition. Here are 3 ways you can enjoy social interactions while protecting your health, especially if you live in a retirement community: 1. Sign up for clubs and activities. There are plenty of daily options to keep you mentally sharp or help maintain your physical fitness. 2. Join in on the bus excursions to get out into the community, either for a meal or exploring one the beautiful parks in the Comox Valley. 3. Use technology such as Zoom, Facetime or Skype to video chat with your loved ones.
Brain Teasers
.1 I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I? 2. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I? 3. What can you hold in your right hand, but never in your left hand? 4. What has to be broken before you can use it? 5. What did the doctor say to the patient when he finished removing his appendix?
Community Resources
ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY: www.alzheimerbc.org Support and education
1-800-462-2833
BC NURSELINE: 811 For the hearing impaired call: 711
(Health Link BC)
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY: 1-888-939-3333 www.cancer.ca
COMOX VALLEY DIABETES EDUCATION CENTER call 250-331-5964 for an appt
Comox Valley Hospital, 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, B.C..
Drop in clinic on Tuesdays 11 am-12 Noon
CV HOSPICE SOCIETY: 250-339-5533
CV RED CROSS: 250-334-1557 #10 – 2683 Moray Ave, Courtenay, BC
250-334-3974 fax
DEMENTIA CARE HELPLINE: 1:800-936-6033 Call for information about Alzheimer’s
disease and Dementia, getting a diagnosis, future planning,
maintaining independence, caregiving, support groups,
workshops and seminars, resources in your community.
ELDERDOG CANADA 1-855-336-4226 or www.elderdog.ca
Our goal is to enable older adults, living at home and with challenges affecting dog care, to continue to benefit from their relationship with their canine companions.
KEYSTONE ELDER CARE 1-250-650-2359
Private Geriatric Case management & caregiver support
www.keystoneeldercare.com
ARRANGING FOR PRIVATE HEALTH CARE?
• Are your staff bonded and insured?
• Have your employees been through a criminal record check?
• Do you have WorkSafe BC coverage?
• Do all workers obtain a pre-employment medical examination before they are hired?
• Do you have any policies in place to protect my right to privacy?
• What documentation is in place to show commitment to quality care?
• Does your agency provide 24-hour service?
• What is your payment schedule? Payment option? (Visa/Mastercard/Cheque/e-transfer)
• What do I do if there is a dispute?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is there an extra cost for service on weekends or Statutory holidays?
• Are you a member of good standing with the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island?
• Is there a care/cleaning plan?
• Does the agency provide training to upgrade the knowledge and skill of its workers?
How to donate and support us?
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (895879849 RR 0001). Partial funding for programs is provided through Island Health and the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remainder of operating costs are covered by donations from valuable, and greatly appreciated donors. Tax receipts for donations are issued upon request. Donations can be made online via our website at ComoxValleySeniorSupport.ca/Donate.
Second Home for Seniors in the Valley
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.
How Art Therapy Can Help
Art therapy provides a number of both physical and mental benefits to people of all ages. It can help improve your overall mental health and wellbeing by staving off depression and anxiety, improving your self-esteem, and giving you a greater sense of control. Practicing artistic pursuits can also boost your cognitive functioning and sense of identity, and when done in a group setting, can provide important opportunities for social connection. From a physical perspective, painting can improve your hand-eye coordination and dexterity, and studies have suggested that the positive mental health effects of art therapy can also improve physical wellbeing.
Fall Prevention Tips
Falls in the home are all too common and making a few modifications in the home can prevent dangerous situations, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. Visit each room in your home. Then look at the space objectively and ask: Is this safe? Are there objects or items that present a falls risk? If so, think about the many ways to create a safer home: wear non slip socks or slippers, use night lights in dark hallways, remove throw rugs, keep electrical cords safely hidden behind furniture and organize your projects so they are off the floor and out of walkways.
The Role of your Dental Hygienist
Did you know that a healthy mouth is integral to keep us healthy? A dental hygienist plays a very important role in looking after our teeth. A dental hygienist works with you to help keep your mouth healthy and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. When compared to a dentist or orthodontist, a dental hygienist primarily works to treat minor oral health conditions. In the office, they also perform the cleaning procedure and apply treatments to the teeth. This can include fluoride treatment, sealing cracks in the teeth, and giving advice to patients.
