Respite care is part of the long-term care continuum, yet publicly funded respite care beds are limited in their availability and demand for them is growing. For this reason, Providence Living is exploring how to provide short-term, private-pay respite services at The Views at St. Joseph’s in Comox. This service will address the care gap for families who need respite for a loved one but don’t qualify for a publicly funded bed. The short-term respite program launched on June 05, 2023. This private room has its own sink and toilet, and the daily fee includes all meals, 24-hour nursing care, activities, outings, and much more.
Community News
Sports Betting Lingo Confusion
Straight bet? Parlay? Futures? Propositions (prop bets)? Teaser? What do all these terms mean? Puck line? Money line? Run line? What’s going on? Sports betting seems to have taken on a life of its own. If you are confused, overwhelmed or seeking clarity, please reach out to VI Gaming Support. Not only are we here to support people who are negatively impacted by problematic gambling behaviour, we also offer workshops, seminars, and webinars to raise awareness about gambling in its many forms, whether it is online or in person. Contact us today to find out more.
Time to De-Clutter
As we move from the wet and cool spring months into our warmer and sunnier summer months, we are reminded of renewal and growth. A sure way of bringing some clarity in life and making room for growth is through spring cleaning. When we de-clutter our surroundings, we help to de-clutter our minds, and therefore better engage in the world around us. Take the time through the warmer month of June and do that spring cleaning of your surroundings and mind!
Treating Heat-Related Health Problems
Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache and fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water and get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with your feet up and drink plenty of water.
Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing is a vital sense that allows us to connect with the world around us. However, it’s easy to take it for granted. According to a report by the World Health Organization, hearing loss is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue worldwide, affecting an estimated 1.5 billion people.
There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss. One of the leading causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Loud noises are encountered everywhere in your daily routine, from the sounds of busy traffic, construction sites, concerts, listening to music and even the TV.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable!
Here are some steps you can take to protect your hearing from loud noises:
Wear earplugs or earmuffs:
Sounds are considered harmful when they exceed 85 dB, which is similar to the loudness of heavy traffic.
Exposure to loud noises can damage the sensory hair cells in the cochlea. The cochlea is a shell-like organ in the inner ear where sounds are converted into electrical signals. This damage can lead to both hearing loss and the development of tinnitus, which is characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs can be a simple yet effective way to protect your ears.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of earplugs or earmuffs for your needs. Make sure they are comfortable to wear, fit well, and provide adequate noise reduction. If you’re not sure which type to choose, consult a hearing healthcare professional or audiologist who can recommend the best option for you.
Turn down the volume:
It’s also important to be mindful of our listening habits. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud music or noise through headphones or earphones.
If you’re someone who enjoys listening to music or podcasts through headphones, try to keep the volume at a reasonable level. As a general rule of thumb, if someone can hear the music coming from your headphones while standing beside you, the volume is too high! A good way to ensure that your volume is at a safe level is to use the 60/60 rule. This rule recommends listening to music at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Afterward, give your ears a break for at least 5-10 minutes to recover.
Take breaks:
If you’re exposed to loud noises for extended periods, take breaks in quieter environments to give your ears time to recover. Taking just a five-minute break every hour can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage from loud noise exposure. So, if you’re in a loud environment for a prolonged period, try to take short breaks regularly to give your ears a chance to recover.
While hearing loss prevention is important, it’s also essential to get regular hearing tests. Many people don’t realize that hearing tests are just as important as regular physical exams or dental checkups.
Hearing tests are essential because they can detect hearing loss early on, which is crucial for effective treatment. The earlier hearing loss is detected, the better the chances are for successful treatment.
It’s worth noting that hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to a decline in cognitive function, making it more challenging to perform daily tasks and affecting memory, attention, and decision-making skills.
Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine has demonstrated that individuals who take action to address their hearing loss at an early stage are more likely to experience positive outcomes, such as enhanced communication abilities, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Your ears are essential to your quality of life, and we want to help you LoveYourEars by taking care of them properly.
Book a free hearing test and take the first step towards better hearing today!
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)
Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
Gardening is a fantastic activity for seniors. Now that the sun is shining, it’s a great time to get out there and garden! Not only is it fun, there are many benefits including: *Helps reduce stress – direct contact with nature can give a sense of inner peace. *Production of higher quality produce than most stores – you can start small with an herb garden. *Delivers a Vitamin D boost – important in bone health. *Provides gentle exercise – increase in strength, stamina and flexibility. *A hobby that creates purpose and keeps the mind active. *The opportunity to make social connections via a community garden.
Freedom on Wheels: Mobility Scooters
With good weather upon us, it’s the perfect time to consider a mobility scooter. Scooters lower the risk of injury and increase independence, providing more opportunities for socializing and the freedom to do what you want. Mobility scooters offer a sense of safety and the ability to access places previously out of reach. For those who already have a scooter, book a 25-point Safety Inspection & Battery Testing for only $99. We come to you. The offer expires June 30.
Spring Nutrition for Seniors
Spring brings with it a crop of nutrient-rich superfoods that are especially beneficial for older adults. As you age, it’s vital to eat healthy foods to maintain weight, manage and prevent diabetes and boost brain health. Spring is a great time to swap out processed foods that lack nutritional value for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some spring super-foods that are perfect for seniors to enjoy include artichokes, leaks, asparagus, green peas, watercress, strawberries and spinach. These springtime favourites are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
5 ways healthy hearing can improve your life
“Do you want to go out for dinner?”
That’s a question that always deserves an enthusiastic “Yes!”
But what if you stop yourself from enjoying a restaurant dinner because you find it too hard to follow a conversation in a noisy environment?
There have been tremendous advances in hearing aid technology since your grandparents’ day. Hearing aids can be highly customized to adapt to specific types of hearing loss and they are so discreet, they are barely noticeable.
Here are five reasons why getting your hearing tested will lead to a happier, more fulfilling life
- You’ll say yes more often
Two people feel badly when you have to say “no” to an invitation. You, and the person doing the asking. Think of how much better you’ll feel when you can embrace new opportunities — and try out that new restaurant everyone’s raving about.
- No more excuses
It can be difficult to explain why you are isolating yourself. Sometimes you make up reasons not to join friends or family at events. It’s hard for them to understand why, especially since all they want is to spend time with you.
- You’ll feel more in control of your life
We waste a lot of energy finding ways to cope with awkward situations. It’s better to turn the awkward situation into a positive one. You’ll be glad you’re doing something about your hearing loss — and others will be, too.
- Only actors get applause for pretending to be someone they’re not
Stop nodding your head to make people think you understand what they’re saying. Chances are they haven’t been fooled.
- You can live in the moment
You have the right to feel fully involved in life. Your life. It wears you down to keep saying, “Pardon? Can you repeat that?” The only thing that needs repeating is time spent enjoying the company of others.
If you think it’s time to start living life in the fullest, or know someone who needs a gentle nudge, book your free HearingLife consultation here or call 1-833-776-4733
Benefits of Mobility Scooters
If you or your loved one are considering getting a mobility scooter, it’s good to know there are many benefits to using one: 1) Lower risk of injuries – using a mobility scooter can reduce the risk of tripping, falling, or aggravating painful conditions. 2) Increased independence – mobility scooters provide a safe and reliable mode of transportation that allows users to get around on their own. 3) More socializing – being able to get around on your mobility scooter means more visits with friends and family. 4) Increased comfort – mobility scooters offer more comfort than devices like walkers, canes, or crutches.
What happens to Your Brain While You Snooze
The mind processes complex thoughts, making memories stick, clearing out brain waste and much more. Sleep retains neuroplasticity, giving the ability for brain cells to strengthen important connections, and get rid of less important ones which is still an active area of research. When you don’t sleep, it’s harder to control emotions and moods. Sleep helps maintain executive functioning skills making us moody, less irritable, and less likely to lash out. While the brain sleeps, harmful toxins are cleared out. Certain proteins accumulate in the brain over the course of the day while awake. Proteins get cleared out during sleep.
