Music can enhance the quality of life during the dark days of January and all year. According to a 2013 research study, “The Power of Music in the Lives of Older Adults,” music is potentially valuable for the improvement of the well-being and health of the elderly. Music therapy and music-related activities foster enjoyment, socialization, well-being and the improvement of mental health in older people. During the winter months, the elderly can be prone to depression and isolation. Musical activities such as live concerts, singing and playing instruments are part of the many activities that we offer our residents.
Community News
Make Fall Prevention a Priority
With colder weather comes slippery sidewalks. Falls prevention is key to maintaining health and longevity. Keep your body active to keep your balance. Take a look at your rugs, flooring, lights, and stairs. If the rug is curling, fix it or get rid of it! If the lighting is poor, install higher-wattage bulbs. If the stairs are not safe, install a railing or look into a stair lift. Monitor blood pressure, stay hydrated, and take medications as directed. When venturing outside, be sure to wear sturdy, well-fitting footwear. Prevention is always better than recovery. Call Comfort Keepers today; we can help!
Time to Reflect
Happy New Year! Another year has come, and, as always, the start of a new year brings about some reflection. Do you need some changes? Are you contemplating a move? Maybe you’re tired of the day-to-day chores of meal prep, cleaning and yard maintenance or you’re feeling somewhat lonely. If so, there are great options available. For independent living and assisted living, many retirement communities can cater to your interests, wants and needs. Book your tours to see what is available as far as retirement lifestyles go; it is never too soon to start exploring.
Make Life Accessible
Our knowledgeable experts enjoy making life accessible for everyone by identifying the unique needs of our clients and selecting solutions that fit their lifestyles. Let us help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions, including *wheelchairs, *stairlifts, *walkers, *power lift recliners, *bathroom safety items and more. “Because Motion isn’t a place, it’s a partnership.” Monthly payments are now available with financing from humm Canada.
Keeping Busy in the Winter
Winter can be chilly and uninviting. As the days grow short and cold, excursions become tricky in the ice and cold. If there is nothing to do, evenings become long. Take this time to explore new things; read a new author; and stretch your mind with a brain game; perhaps you prefer a puzzle; or you can learn an instrument! A home-care service can facilitate you or your loved one staying at home safely. They will get you to errands, help cook a lovely meal or just engage in some good old conversation; whatever is needed. We are happy to help.
Discover What Really Matters
“The secret to having everything in life is believing that you already have it.” Many seniors will tell you that the things that you thought mattered in your younger years were not really what mattered. What matters are the people, the experiences and the memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. The holiday season provides an opportunity to reminisce about special moments with your family, friends and loved ones. Sharing memories, stories and experiences is a great way to create new memories. These are more valuable than things. Give the gift of time this Holiday Season.
‘I hear you:’ Three words that let people know you care
We all want to be heard. It means that we are valued; that others care about us. When we aren’t heard, misunderstandings can arise. Opportunities can be missed.
Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can offer the people we love. What if the heart is willing but our ears aren’t up to the task?
Here are five reasons why getting your hearing tested will strengthen and enhance the important relationships in your life.
1. Improved intimacy
Sharing stories about both the ups and the downs of our lives creates a special bond in our closest relationships. It establishes trust and a sense of security. We need to be able to hear those stories.
2. Creating shared memories
If you remove yourself from family or social gatherings because you are apprehensive about being able to follow conversations, you’re missing out on all the little things that bind us together.
3. Being happy in the moment
When you can’t hear properly, you feel frustrated. And frustration turns to anger. Anger pushes people away from us and that’s not what we want, is it?
4. Making those moments count
We can waste a lot of time asking people to repeat themselves. Spend that time fully engaged with the person you’re talking with.
5. Listening is a show of love
We hate to break it to you but you’re probably not the only one who has noticed you’re having problems hearing. By being willing to do something about it, you are demonstrating that you understand the concerns of people who only want what’s best for you.
The team at HearingLife Canada can help. Click here to find a hearing centre near you or book your free hearing consultation here. Call 1-888-514-9515 if you want to be heard, too.
Stay Healthy While Travelling
Long-distance travel, either by air or land, can lead to a small risk of blood clots. If you have cancer, had recent surgery, abnormal blood clotting disorders or obesity you should be assessed by a healthcare practitioner before travelling. Tips to prevent blood clots during flights that every traveller can benefit from include; *Maintain adequate hydration as it also encourages mobilization, *Contract the calf muscles regularly or get up every 1-2 hours, *Wear below-knee graduated compression stockings, and *Choose an aisle seat when possible as it is proven to encourage mobilization. Talk to your pharmacist about ways to stay healthy while travelling.
Help is Available
December can be a challenging month at the best of times. Online gambling and sports betting have gained incredible popularity recently. Vulnerable people can be at an increased risk of developing gambling issues when combined with the financial and emotional stress the holiday season can bring. If gambling which was once a light-hearted and fun activity has become a coping mechanism for emotional and/or financial relief, reach out to VI Gaming Support. We are available by phone, text, email, social media (Facebook & Instagram) or online on our website. Our toll-free support line is open 24/7. You are not alone.
Count Your Blessings
December is a perfect time to give thanks for our many blessings. At Wellnessnews, we hosted our Wellness Expo in 2023 and introduced a SeniorsNews newsletter in Victoria. We continue to publish four additional local newsletters here on the island and also grow the WellnessHub, our local online resource. We are grateful for these and many things that we take for granted; clean air, water from the tap and feelings of wellbeing. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
Meet the Practitioner – Elise Mahadevi
Elise has 30 years of professional experience using a technique of deep tissue bodywork combined with Acur@Pressure. She has fast-tracked hundreds of clients out of pain and immobility so that they can move, work and play pain-free. Many of her clients suffer from spinal misalignments and muscle imbalances which she addresses using her understanding of anatomy and physiology. During a session, Elise uses a combination of techniques similar to Lomi Lomi, Thai Yoga and Swedish Massage, reflexology and energy work. She offers new clients a special introductory rate. Mobile sessions are available between Duncan and Nanaimo and office sessions are available in Duncan.
