Many families are now opting for a simple, direct cremation with no funeral. Yet they keep returning to a traditional funeral home to arrange this sacred act. At Branch & Pyre Cremation Care, we are funeral home free, and offer a new, modern way to make these difficult arrangements. From the comfort of your home, you can now make this important decision from your computer, with 24 hr licensed funeral director support. You can then easily plan a memorial or Celebration of Life after. A simple cremation deserves a simple and dignified process.
Community News
The Skin & Vein Centre
Come experience the pinnacle of skin treatment expertise with Dr. Kelleher and her dedicated team. Boasting state-of-the-art technology, their services encompass Cosmetic Injectables, Laser Hair and Tattoo Removal, Coolscupting, Microneedling, Spider Vein treatment and so much more. With over a decade of excellence, Dr. Kelleher is 1 of 2 doctors in Manitoba that specializes in Varicose Vein Management that utilizes cutting-edge ultrasound-guided foam Sclerotherapy. The skilled staff of nurses and technicians revel in top-tier care and ensures up-to-date mastery through continuous training to bring you the latest in cosmetic treatments to help you feel your best. Call to book your complimentary skin consultation – your skin’s future begins here.
Did You Know?
The Golden Circle offers a wide variety of activities for individuals of all fitness levels which support functional mobility and keep older adults active! Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before exercising, but no matter what your abilities are today, you can do things to improve your strength and balance.
From registered fitness programs like Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi and Stretch Flex and Strengthen to our drop in Sit and Be Fit class and Line Dancing which we had during the summer, we can help you to stay active and prevent falls risk. Join in on Bocce Ball or the Hardy Walkers Club weekly! Contact the Golden Circle at 403-343-6074 or [email protected] for more information.
November is Fall Prevention Month
THE STATISTICS ARE ALARMING
As the leading cause of injury, falls are a significant public health issue across age groups and settings in Alberta. In 2019 alone, 161,539 Albertans visited emergency rooms and urgent care, and 18,702 Albertans were hospitalized due to a fall. Falls happen at home, school, in recreation and leisure, sports, in the community, work and even on vacation. As of 2022, falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors, and between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year. Falls and associated outcomes not only harm the injured individuals but also affect family, friends, care providers and the health care system. But here’s the good news – with a little knowledge, some tools and resources, we ALL have the ability to prevent most falls at any age!
HOW TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY FALLS
We all have a role to play in Fall Prevention! Here are just a few tips to help you prevent falls:
Stay active to maintain balance and core strength by whenever possible taking a walk, participating in exercise classes and stretching; eat nutritious meals to stay strong and avoid frailty; make sure you regularly have eye exams to ensure existing prescriptions are accurate; speak with your Doctor and Pharmacist to ensure that your medical prescriptions are not affecting your vision; assess your home and other environments for slip and trip hazards and remove them whenever possible; wear proper footwear indoors and outdoors – especially in these colder icy months where slips are all too common; hold onto a railing if you are going up or down stairs and ramps.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A FALL
If you do have a fall, assess whether you can get up. If you can, stop and catch your breath, check to see that you are uninjured and take your time getting up. There are many resources available that show you how to safely get yourself back up.
If you cannot get up, call out for help, if you have a phone or emergency device, use it to call for help. Make noise so someone will hear you and try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness until help arrives.
Pumpkin Spiced Overnight Oats
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups CO-OP GOLD Slow Cook Oats; 2 ½ Cups SILK OAT YEAH Oat Beverage; ½ cup pumpkin puree; ¼ cup maple syrup; ¼ cup raisins; 2 Tbsp chia seeds; 2 Tbsp CO-OP GOLD PURE Hemp Seeds; ⅛ tsp cinnamon; ⅛ tsp nutmeg. For garnish: 1 cup matchstick-cut apple; 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds. DIRECTIONS: Place all “overnight” ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover snugly and let soak overnight in the fridge. In the morning, stir mixture and add a bit more oat milk if needed. Divide among jars or bowls and add fresh apple and pumpkin seeds as a garnish.
We’re Hiring & Accepting Volunteers this Winter
Winter is coming and we won’t be caught unprepared! That’s why Services for Seniors is hiring able-bodied people to help clear driveways, sidewalks, and walkways for seniors this winter. Still want to help but don’t have time for a job? We’re also accepting volunteers too! Being snowed in is inconvenient for the able-bodied but it’s downright terrifying for a senior. So contact us and see what openings we have.
Help Support Seniors in Our Community Today!
Today more than ever your support is extremely valuable. It helps progress our services while playing a vital role in keeping seniors independent. Our generous supporters help to supplement the cost to low income seniors in the community, as well as fund programs that are free to any senior like our tax program. Every dollar of support stays right here in Saskatoon. We have many lower income seniors that need our services and the generosity of your support allows us to be able to assist them. Please see our contact info at the end of this article to help our seniors today!
Plan Your Final Wishes Together
Did you know that 70% of Canadian couples don’t know the details of their partner’s final wishes? Do you know what your loved ones wishes are? There are many decisions that have to be made immediately after a death, including: • Securing vital statistics and documents • Arranging and paying for a funeral service and burial plot• Notifying the authorities, family and friends. Planning final arrangements, gathering legal information and paying for everything can be overwhelming to a grieving spouse. Luckily, many of the details can be taken care of today by planning together. Speaking with a professional will give you peace of mind, knowing that the stress of making final arrangements will not be left to your family at a difficult time. Book your appointment today at HillcrestMemorial.ca
Prevent Falls for Aging Loved Ones
A fall could have life-changing consequences. Take action! Home Safety: remove tripping hazards, install handrails in key areas and consider a cane or walker. Regular Exercise: encourage low-impact activities like walking, tai chi, or water aerobics. Vision and Hearing Checks: both are crucial for spatial awareness and overall stability. Medication Review: a pharmacist can assess for side effects like dizziness. Hire Care Professionals to provide appropriate nutrition, hydration and engagement in meaningful activities on a regular basis. By implementing these measures, families can reduce the fall risk and promote a safe and independent lifestyle for their aging loved ones.
Silent Struggle: Hearing Loss Dangers
Recent research has illuminated a concerning connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of falls, particularly among older individuals. Hearing impairment can compromise spatial awareness and balance, making it challenging to detect potential hazards and maintain stability. Social isolation, often a result of hearing loss, exacerbates these risks. Falls can lead to severe consequences, including fractures and head injuries. However, the good news is that addressing hearing loss through regular screenings and assistive technologies can significantly reduce these risks. Promoting awareness, routine check-ups, and a stigma-free approach to hearing aids can empower individuals to proactively manage hearing loss, enhancing both their quality of life and overall safety.
Pre-Plan for Peace of Mind
Pre-planning for your final wishes is a compassionate choice that relieves your family of the burdensome task during a time of grief. It provides financial security, shielding against rising costs and disputes. Furthermore, it offers emotional support, allowing loved ones to come together, grieve, and bond. Planning your farewell in advance ensures that your specific wishes and budget are met. It becomes a cherished gift to your loved ones, enabling you to share your life’s story one last time. Remember, if you want to live well and die well, you need to plan your funeral well!
