We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
Community News
Caregiver Support Groups
Brella is excited to welcome back our in-person caregiver support groups. We understand being a caregiver can be difficult, but we are here to help. Come together with caregivers on a similar journey to yours to share, listen, and learn. The Caregiver Support Group is beneficial to caregivers in all stages of their caregiving journey. This group focuses on providing education, support, camaraderie and relaxation. There are 2 sessions being offered on a bi-weekly basis on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. For more information or to register contact our Care Coordinator, Nisa, at [email protected] or call 604-531-9400 ext. 219.
Better at Home Services
Better at Home supports seniors by meeting their non-medical needs. By providing assistance with these simple, day-to-day tasks, Better at Home assures seniors continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Services vary from community to community but may include the following:
• Friendly Visiting
• Transportation
• Light Housekeeping
• Grocery Shopping
To find out more about the services, please contact Elizabeth at 604-536-9348.
Brella’s Online Events
Looking for engaging and informative online programs? Look no further than Brella! Our online programs cover a variety of topics, including health and wellness, arts and culture, technology, and more. Our programs are designed to be accessible and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds. Join us online for interactive workshops, educational sessions, and fun activities. Visit our website for more information on upcoming online programs and to register today!
For assistance: Call (604) 531-9400 Ext. 220 Email: [email protected]
Imagine Laserworks for Menopause
Are you experiencing hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleepless nights, mood swings, weight issues and/or a slowed metabolism? Imagine Laserworks can help address these menopausal concerns with modern bio-electric and photonic (laser) technology, used to target precise trigger points defined through traditional acupuncture, but without needles. Our sessions provide drug-free, painless relief, without side effects and we are there for you with ongoing assistance as you need it. The Imagine Laserworks team is committed to improving your individual journey; we offer personalized care programs for a smoother transition from perimenopause through menopause and beyond.
Importance of Strong, Mobile Feet
Aside from walking or sport, do you specifically train your feet? There are 26 bones in your feet and all of them require mobility and control. With time/age we lose mobility and strength in our feet yet we rarely hear about ‘training the core’ of your foot. Did you know that the major risk for falling is weak toe flexors? It’s true! Are you able to spread your toes wide and then rise up onto them without holding onto something? If not, you may have mobility and strength issues that can impact your ability to prevent a fall. Want to work on your feet? We can help! DianeLeePhysio.com | Diane Lee & Associates – Consultants in Physiotherapy and more!
Supporting our Seniors
As we head into winter the possibility of extreme weather must be considered. Snow and/or significant rainfall with high winds are common occurrences here in the eat coast of Vancouver Island. In the event of extreme weather please be sure to check on your senior neighbours to ensure that they are safe and warm.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is essential for overall well-being. Here are some ways to prioritize and maintain good mental health:
Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with friends and family. Social support is crucial for mental well-being, and talking to loved ones about your feelings can be therapeutic. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that make you feel good physically and emotionally. This might include exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term. Accomplishing these goals can boost your self-esteem and sense of purpose. Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, yoga, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Learning to cope with stress is essential for good mental health.
Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can negatively impact mental health. Set boundaries for screen use and make time for face-to-face interactions. Stay Active: Regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues. Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and practice gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your perspective towards positivity. Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization to manage anxiety and stress. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. They can provide you with guidance, therapy, and, if necessary, medication.
Join Our Team: Be a Catalyst for Change!
Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in your community? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable seniors? Comox Valley Senior Support Services is on the lookout for people like you to join our dynamic team as a Board Member. Why Join Us as a Board Member?
• Drive meaningful change within our organization and community.
• Hone your leadership and organizational skills to make a lasting impact.
We Are Looking For:
• Diverse perspectives – we value diversity in thought, background, and experience.
• Commitment – A willingness to commit time and energy to our mission.
• Passion – A genuine passion for our cause and a desire to see change. For more info and how to apply: Check out our website: https://comoxvalleyseniorsupport.ca/volunteer/ Or call: 250-871-5940
Getting Seniors Online
About 71% of seniors are online every day. Of those who are online, their main reason is to stay connected with family and friends. Whether it’s joining forums or sharing photos and stories with loved ones, social media and email allow seniors with limited mobility the opportunity to interact with others. If you’re interested in getting online but don’t know where to start, community centres and local senior groups often have programs to teach seniors about the internet and how to participate in online communities. It is important as we age to continue to stay socially connected to friends and loved ones.
Screening for Oral Cancer
Regular screening for oral cancer is an important step in detecting the disease and starting treatment as soon as possible if there is evidence of cancer. During the oral exam, your dentist will check various parts of your mouth, as well as your face and neck, for any indications of potential oral cancer. You can also report any concerning symptoms to your dentist at any time, including bleeding, a sore throat that won’t go away, swelling, lumps or lesions, unexplained loose teeth, ear pain, difficulty swallowing or chewing, burning or numbness, or difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.
