Our Friendly Visiting program offers an hour each week of in-home visiting and support to seniors who are feeling isolated and lonely. One hour a week, although modest, can make a world of difference to an isolated senior. Having someone to talk to, having someone who will listen well, someone who might play a game of cribbage, read to you, walk with you, put together a puzzle, and in general pay you some good attention is just what can be needed to brighten your day.
Community News
Redefining Fitness for Older Adults
Enjoy a variety of fun, modern, and effective programs that will help you live a more healthy, purposeful life and keep you active at any age! I offer in-home and outdoor personal training, regular group fitness classes and online wellness programs. My programs were designed for older adults of any age, ability or fitness level and can be adapted to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you are an experienced exerciser, a new beginner or simply looking to create some healthy habits, Reyna Maria Movement is the program for you. See website for class schedule and rates.
Benefits of Art Therapy
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.
Community Announcement
The Caregiver Support Program offers support groups and resource information to those providing care for a senior family member or friend. Limited, short term counselling is available for those who may need it.
Memory Support: Meets twice each month for a two-hour period and is intended for seniors who are living with memory loss. The group focuses on conversation, information, support and having fun. This program will begin again once Public Health Orders have been lifted.
Overcoming Dentist Anxiety
Dental phobia has become ingrained into our society with phrases like ‘pulling teeth’ being used to mean difficult and unpleasant. As a result, an important part of the dentist’s role has become putting the patient at ease, making them secure and comfortable. Those with dental phobia tend to avoid dentists. Unfortunately, putting off regular checkups is a good way to end up with gum disease or other problems, which is why establishing a good patient-dentist relationship is so important. If you are a person who suffers from dental anxiety, mention it to your dentist and they will work with you to find a way to alleviate the stress.
Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior
Someone who is fearful of falls, may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling.
Alzheimer’s & Home Safety
If you are part of a family that includes a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container.
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society addresses the well-being of seniors though the provision of non-medical support services.
The Friendly Visitor Program assists Comox Valley seniors who are experiencing isolation and loneliness, or who are feeling vulnerable due to challenging situations they face or endure. This program has been operating via telephone or Zoom for the last 14 months; In person will resume as soon as Public Health Orders allow.
Community Announcement
The Society’s Senior Information and Access Services provides assistance with forms and applications, Income Tax, community resources / referrals. Food security is supported by providing help with grocery shopping, Food Bank pick up, and delivery of hot meals in partnership with LUSH Valley Food Action Society.
Available Resources
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health works to promote seniors’ mental health by connecting people, ideas, and resources. CCSMH.ca. Crisis. Thinking of suicide? Please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free, 24/7 or visit ChrisisServicesCanada.ca
Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888, available 24/7
Pain BC aims to enhance the well-being of all people living with pain through empowerment, care, education and innovation. This can’t be done without changing the systems that people in pain rely on to live well. PainBC.ca
Available Resources
The BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) is a provincial umbrella organization that supports local CRNs who in turn work to create a strong community response for adults who may be experiencing or be impacted by abuse, neglect and self- neglect. BCCRNS.ca
