Many older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia enjoy and want to be included in holiday festivities. However, the added activities could cause increased agitation and confusion, unpredictable behavior, or mood swings. To create a stress-free, happy holiday season, try to scale things back and modify activities so they’ll feel calm and safe. Focus on a few of the most meaningful traditions. Ask which activities they value most. That could mean trimming the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, singing songs, or baking special holiday treats. Even if your older adult might not remember these holiday activities later, the warm feelings they’ll have is a different kind of memory their body will carry for a while.
Community News
Local Spotlight: Heart to Home Meals
Heart to Home Meals delivers delicious, nutritious meals right to your door. The company’s team of experts has developed a wide-ranging menu to suit many tastes, dietary needs, and lifestyles, including high-protein, low carbohydrates and/or saturated fat, low sodium, high fibre, vegetarian, and no added sugar options. Heart to Home Meals has a useful diet coding system to help you choose meals that are right for you. Meals also come in mini versions (for smaller appetites), hearty versions (for larger appetites), as well as minced or pureed options. It’s as easy as ordering online or by phone!
https://www.hearttohomemeals.ca?utm_source=wellnesshub&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=alwayson_winnipeg_local&utm_content=education
Honour Yourself During the Holidays
The holidays can be a time of loving reunions, catch-ups, heartfelt connections, and joy, or they can be filled with obligations, expectations, and old patterns with emerging drama. When we can empower ourselves to know we have a choice as to where to best put our energies, what to let go of and forgive, and where to take a stand and set boundaries, we honour ourselves. Despite the illusion of social media, the “perfect family” does not exist where all things look “wonderful and together” all the time. Instead, the holidays offer us the perfect opportunity to stay true and nurture ourselves in the midst of giving and receiving.
Travelling? Consider a Pet Sitter
Now that the world is opening up to travel, it’s time to get planning for a holiday! Arranging for pet care while you’re away can feel like an overwhelming decision. It’s important to look for caregivers who will not only provide for basic needs like food and water, but also companionship, reassurance, and playtime while you’re away. If you can find someone to come to your home, your pet gets to stay in his familiar surroundings, which is less stressful than taking him to a new location. You and your pet should feel comfortable about the care arrangements, so you can enjoy your vacation without worry!
Monthly Lunches are a Big Success
Members had big smiles on their faces with having monthly lunches back. Members were able to sit down with friends and get a wonderful meal served at their table by our hard-working volunteers. Please look to our emails or website for more information. We have a Christmas lunch planned in December with all the fixings. Tickets typically go quickly so do not delay getting your tickets.
Volunteer Opportunities
We currently run our club with one staff member, in addition to our class instructors, so we are extremely grateful and reliant on our member volunteers to help us with running our programs. We are always looking for talented individuals that can share their crafty side for new programming as we develop more activities. Interested in giving back? Whatever your skill or your age, we can find a place for you. To find out how you can help, call 204-416-1067 or email us at Archwood55@shaw.ca. Remember we are a club of people that look out for each other, and volunteering is an important way to give back!
Alzheimer’s & The Holiday Season
The holiday season can be tough for many including people with dementia, their families, and caregivers, but you are not alone. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba can help you navigate through these difficult times. They can lend a listening ear and provide you with information, education, and support. Many of their programs are also available online including education sessions, support groups and the Minds in Motion® program, so you can join safely from the comfort of your own home. Contact the Alzheimer Society this holiday season to speak with someone who can help guide you through your next steps by visiting
alzheimer.mb.ca.
Getting Back in the Holiday Spirit
Our classes will continue through to the week of December 13th. Our pickleball program has picked up a number of new enthusiasts so we are adding a second court to meet demand. Your safety is our priority. Double vaccinated individuals or members with a medical certificate are welcome. Annual memberships are just $25. Please check our website www.archwood55plusinc.weebly.com for updates, and you can also contact us at 204-416-1067 or by email at archwood55@shaw.ca for details and information about new programs starting up again in January 2022.
Archwood 55 Plus
Archwood 55 Plus is a community-based non-profit, charitable organization offering lunches, art and fitness classes, social activities, bus trips and other services to adults ages 55 and older living in the Winnipeg area. Our goal is to encourage graceful aging and empower older adults to lead healthy and active lives while socializing with their peers.
Leaving a Green Legacy
I’d like you to consider everything you do to reduce your carbon footprint positively. Your answers are similar and diverse, from composting and buying local to lobbying and keeping lawns chemical-free. But there’s more…Your environmental stewardship does not stop when your heart does. You have one more thing to do. The planet asks you to consider or reconsider your Green Legacy and how your funeral plans can make a Positive Difference. For More information visit RichardRosin.ca.
December Brain Teasers
1. What is a drill sergeant? 2. What is the perfect cure for dandruff? 3. Which is faster, hot or cold? 4. There’s a key that opens no doors but fills your stomach, what key is it? 5. What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
