Community News
Get Connected – Volunteer with Us

Consider volunteering with us. SSNVI is always looking for volunteers of all ages. Our staff is experienced in training and matching volunteers with seniors on our wait list and always there to provide support for our volunteers.
Want to learn more about becoming a volunteer? SSNVI hosts monthly volunteer training. To find out more information or register for a training session you can email us at [email protected] or drop by C1-450 8th Street, Courtenay.

Let’s Celebrate & Support Caregivers

In British Columbia, May is recognized as Family Caregiver Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and support caregivers.
A 2024 survey by Healthy Aging CORE BC shines a light on the dedication of caregivers. The survey revealed these unsung heroes often devote 5.1 hours each day to supporting a loved one, usually for longer than four years. The survey showed that most caregivers are in their middle years, often balancing their own busy lives while caring for aging parents facing health and mobility challenges. It’s a powerful reminder of the vital role family caregivers play in the fabric of our society.
Supporting caregivers is a central part of what Senior Support North Vancouver Island (SSNVI) does. Recognizing the vital role caregivers play in the well-being of our senior community, SSNVI is committed to offering ongoing support.

Stay Active, Stay Independent

Reaching a certain age can make even a short walk feel daunting. Yet, the joy of shopping, dining out, or visiting friends shouldn’t fade away. Motion offers a variety of walking aids, including canes, crutches, walkers, and rollators, each designed to provide the support needed for a fulfilling and active lifestyle. These aids help maintain mobility and independence, ensuring that you can confidently navigate through daily activities. Discover the right walking aid to keep moving comfortably and enjoy life to its fullest, embracing every moment with ease and stability.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Hydration is key to healthy tissues, so make sure you are drinking enough water (no, coffee doesn’t count). A general guide for how much water to drink is: half your weight in pounds in ounces of water, or if you’re going metric: 1/30th of your weight in kilograms in litres. Here is an example of the math for you. If you weigh 200lbs you would need to drink 100oz of water (that math in metric is: 90kg would drink 3 litres). Dehydration can lead to increased tension, lack of mobility, and muscle cramps, among other things so drink up!

A Holistic Path to Pain Relief

Neuromovement® therapy is a groundbreaking approach to pain relief that focuses on re-educating the brain and nervous system. This therapy is rooted in the idea that the brain plays a central role in how we experience pain. Neuromovement® lessons use gentle, mindful movements to address the neurological patterns that contribute to pain and discomfort. They focus on the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, offering a more holistic and long-term solution for pain relief. Be sure to enter this month’s contest for a chance to win two free lessons.

What Are Green Burials?

This form of burial has been practised since the dawn of human civilization. A body is prepared for Green Burial without embalming and buried in a biodegradable shroud, simple container or casket made from natural fibre, wicker or sustainably harvested wood. A Green Burial is a statement of personal values for those who seek to minimize their impact on the local and global environment. It is a spiritually fulfilling alternative to conventional burial, especially for people who are mindful of the cyclical nature of life. The body is returned to the earth to decompose naturally and contribute to environmental renewal.

Get Your Affairs in Order – May 28th Presentation

Milestones, such as buying a home, having children, or retirement, are all good reasons to get our affairs in order. Sometimes, we are prompted to start thinking about getting our affairs in order when someone we know has died, and we learn that there are no plans in place. It is an overwhelming responsibility for those left behind, especially when they are grieving. The mission of Orderly Affairs is to help you get your affairs in order and normalize end-of-life conversations. This will be discussed during a 30-minute presentation at the Volunteer Cowichan Aging Well Expo on May 28th. Free handouts will be available.

Community Event:

May 13: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Midlife Makeover: Menopause, Cancer Screening, and Pelvic Health. Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community. Come join Drs. Aaron Kennedy, Elizabeth Thompson, Alexandra Bascom, and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Shannon Lawrence, for a fun and informative event diving into menopause, sexual function, and cancer screening. Tickets and more information on Eventbrite.com.

Make Self-Care a Priority

Stress is a natural part of everyday life. But are you aware that stress is among the number one causes of all kinds of health concerns, including sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, illness, anxiety, and depression? One of the greatest ways to combat these stress symptoms is to implement a self-care plan that is done regularly in your life. Self-care strategies include doing activities that you enjoy regularly. Like when a flight attendant does the safety brief and asks you to put on your oxygen mask first before helping others, it is important to ensure your health and wellness are a priority.

Downsizing Seminar; 1pm, May 26, 2025

Learn how to downsize your home following a step-by-step plan. Join us for this FREE seminar from 1 – 3 pm on Monday, May 26 at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd. We will discuss purging, knowing your limits, maximizing your new smaller space and more. Guest speakers include industry professionals: *Rae-Lynn Varga, Downsizing Specialist/Professional Organizer. *Adam Hawryluk, Flawless Financing. Is a reverse mortgage right for you? *Dale Harvey, Compass Point Financial. How to Make Your Money Last as long as you do. *Colby Marie, Notary Public, Estate Planning for Seniors. Reserve your spot by calling 250.616.3641 or email [email protected].