The Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in B.C. and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The OSA was established in 2014 and is the first office of its kind in Canada. 1-877-952-3181. SeniorsAdvocateBC.ca

Advance care planning can provide you and your family with valuable peace of mind. By exploring various health and treatment options available and choosing a path that honours your beliefs and values, you can document this information and designate someone to be your voice should a time come when you are unable to speak for yourself. Studies show a significant reduction in depression following the death of a family member when the end of life wishes have been made known because it reduces the stress of making decisions at a time when families may have conflicting values, feelings, and opinions.

Whether you want to learn more about the programs and services offered or find dementia-related information specific to your needs, the Alzheimer Society has the education and resources to help you. Alzheimer.ca/bc/en or 1-800-936-6033.

LUSH Valley Food Action Society offers a Community Good Food Box. Community Boxes can be ordered by everyone through the online Good Food Box Store. This is a great way to get local food at a great value while also supporting LUSH Valley and local farms. You can support others in our community by purchasing an additional “Gift Box” with your order that will go to someone who would not be able to afford it otherwise. LushValley.org

The Comox Valley Community Health Network is a community-driven network that facilitates collective action to positively impact the social determinants of health in the Comox Valley. We believe a healthy, sustainable, resilient community is a shared responsibility. CVCHN.ca

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (Charity # BN 896568417 RR0001). 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.

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.