Community News
Make Your Home Safer

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.

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 has 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 ComoxSeniors.ca Comox Seniors’ Centre.

Donations Gratefully Accepted

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

Help Us – Help Others

The vital 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 in person visit to grocery shopping or assisting seniors fill out forms and find resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education. Please contact our office for more information at 250-871-5940 or email admin@comoxvalleyseniorsupprt.ca

Suffering from Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Some warning signs that can signal a problem include gums that bleed easily; red, swollen, and tender gums; receding gumline; and persistent bad breath. See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

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.

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

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