Community News
Hearing Sound: Our Window of Perception

If we heard and processed every sound wave traveling through the air, we could easily be overwhelmed by sensory overload. Instead, through evolution, humans have evolved to perceive sound waves within a limited range of frequency. As we age, high frequencies are usually the first to be affected by hearing loss. Those with high-frequency hearing loss may have trouble understanding female or children’s voices or distinguishing consonants such as S, F or H. An audiogram can help determine any loss of hearing perception and is the first step toward counteracting losses of inner ear function.

Cherish the Memories When Downsizing

Downsizing is often a stressful process — both emotionally and physically. When the time comes, give yourself plenty of time for the process to make it seem less overwhelming. As you go through and sort things, recognize and acknowledge the sentimental value of a once-prized stuffed bear and kindergarten Mother’s Day cards. Great Grandma’s 20 piece dinner service will remind you of all the happy family times. It is ok to get lost in nostalgia for a moment or two. Remind yourself that the memories will always be there. Focus on looking forward to the new environment to help ease the process.

Work Towards a Healthier Winter

The winter months can be challenging for many residents, particularly when you’re grappling with poverty and a pandemic. SOS is continuing to assist residents in need with emergency supplies including food and medicine, grocery shopping for seniors, and mental health supports like counselling. Although the pandemic has made it difficult to connect with others and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to engage in self-care, especially if you are caring for others. Once basic needs are met, residents can look forward to healthier and more stable days. Help SOS meet basic needs by donating to our Winter Emergency Fund. Visit our website or contact us today.

It’s COLD out there.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a Covid-safe, family-friendly walk to raise money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over 33.5 million dollars in 144 communities across Canada. In Nanaimo and Oceanside, the walks raise funds for the Island Crisis Care Society. This year it is your own self-organized micro-walk! Register now and gather with your Covid-safe bubble (or on your own) and get walking. Please see their website for more information.

Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention

What a tough year it has been! Everyone is at wit’s end with Covid fatigue. With vaccines now rolling out in care homes and the promise for the rest of Canada’s seniors on the heels of that, we will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief. It’s been a long, tough haul so it is good to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to remain vigilant a little longer. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention line is open 24 hours/day with wonderful volunteers who genuinely care – 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).

Residential Care – Access to 24/7 Assistance

Residential care, sometimes known as complex care, offers 24/7 nursing and care support. This level of care is designed for those in need of intermediate care, extended care, dementia care, respite care and palliative care. Residents receive: *Three meals a day customized as per the individual’s dietary needs *Medication support and management *Assistance with personal care, including bathing, dressing and other hygiene-related tasks *24 hour on-call nurse *Housekeeping and laundry services *Access to entertainment, activities and socializing. A multidisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, occupational and physiotherapists ensure both the body and soul of residents are nurtured.

The Need for Social Support

Feeling that we belong and that others care about us is important to all of us. People need people. Social support is exactly that: the sense of belonging and care we get from others. At uncertain times, it’s important to identify what we need and to remind ourselves that there are people we can reach out to who can help. This support can be in different forms such as *providing knowledge or information *bringing a different point of view *emotional support *immediate assistance. Try to identify and connect with people in your life who offer you the social support you need.

Community Profile: Ears to You

Today’s technology makes life a little more convenient; a watch that knows your body fat percentage and the ability operate your lawn sprinkler from any time zone. Now you have the convenience of getting the correct hearing aid, at the right price, without leaving your own driveway. So long, boring beige office; this mobile office comes to you. Jeff Campbell, hearing specialist with decade of experience and founder of Ears to You, brings you a truly custom and personalized approach to hearing heath – complete with a streamlined booking system, to-your-door service and diligent follow up.

Alcohol Free Elixirs

Ancient wisdom describes an elixir as a magical or medicinal potion designed to cure. Solbrü has redefined a modern elixir as a liquid infusion of herbs that serves a function in the body. They have soulfully infused a blend of balancing herbs and adaptogenic mushrooms, to raise vibes and ground souls. Their Brü replaces alcoholic spirits in a sophisticated way, with its own unique flavours and novel functionality, delivering a bold authentic bite without the hangover. Drink it as a shot, sip it on the rocks; or enjoy it in an AF (alcohol-free) cocktail. Pour over a glass of nut or oat milk or mix it with orange or grapefruit juice for an extra Vitamin C punch.

Stay Young at Heart

CardioFlex Q10™ is a proprietary collagen precursor formula designed to promote the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and repair connective tissues to support cardiovascular health. Each serving contains 2000 mg Vitamin C, amino acids and other nutrients that help build structural elastin and structural collagen, maintain cardiovascular health, reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex virus/shingles, maintain proper muscle function and generally maintain good health. Excellent for supplementing vegan diets and made in Canada by Innotech Nutrition, a family company.

Heart Awareness Month

Did you know that heart disease Is the second leading causes of death in Canada? The good news is that 80 per cent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable through healthy lifestyle and diet. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can delay the onset of heart disease or stroke by as much as 14 years! You can further reduce your risk by considering these heart-healthy steps: • Be smoke-free • Be physically active • Control your blood pressure • Keep your blood cholesterol levels in check • Eat a healthy diet • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight • Limit alcohol use and look for healthy ways to reduce your stress. Talk to your health practitioner how they can help you make positive changes in your life.