September 27, 2015

LIVING

55 A Helping Hand

Volunteering Has its own Rewards Celebrating & Serving Vernon Seniors

FALL 2015

Plus

in the North Okanagan

Z2 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

LEAVE A LEGACY It's easier than you think.

RECREATION

EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

ARTS

SOCIAL SERVICES

COMMUNITY MAKES YOU. YOU MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY. “I am proud to have been a director of the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan for over 15 years. The Foundation is a terrific way to benefit local charities on an ongoing basis and to have you and your family recognized for doing so. Your contribution is professionally managed and the bulk of the income from it is distributed to local charities annually. You can contribute during your lifetime and as part of your estate planning.” Paul Nixon, Past Director, Community Foundation of the North Okanagan.

www.cfno.org

At the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan we are passionate about community. Everything we do is designed to help build more healthy, liveable communities in our region. We pool the gifts of caring donors and invest them to create a renewable source of granting funds for hundreds of local charities. By building endowment funds and monitoring community needs, we help donors positively impact our community today, tomorrow … forever.

Call 250.542.8655 or visit our website www.cfno.org to find out how you can help.

communityfoundations.ca

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z3

A Helping Hand CARA BRADY Morning Star Staff

Peter Brisco can remember the exact time he realized his housekeeping was getting out of hand.

“I was getting out some dishes for when the family was coming over and I saw I had a dirty cupboard and a lot of other things weren’t that great either,” he recalled.

Brisco, 87, had been on his own in his Spallumcheen home for almost three years since Florence, his wife of 63 years, had to move to Pleasant Valley Manor. He was spending a lot of time with her and not doing much at home.

Not that he hadn’t done his fair share of housework. When he was growing up, his mother was often ill and he and his siblings had to help with housework.

“Then I married my pride and joy and she did what needed to be done in the house and I worked as a millwright and mechanic,” he said.

“When she had to go to the manor, I made a vow that I would visit her every day. Now that I have the help from Better at Home, I can spend all the time I want to with my wife.”

Brisco wasn’t sure what to do about keeping up the home he had lived in for 12 years. He liked the area and the neighbours were friends. He started asking around and was referred to the Better at Home Services by the Armstrong Community Care Program. Better at Home is funded by the Government of BC and managed by the United Way of the Lower Mainland. It is

administered locally by Nexus BC. People can self-refer to the program.

The cost depends on the person’s income and ability to pay with some subsidies available.

He made the call and arranged to talk to a program coordinator about his needs and situation.

“This service is available but you don’t really think about it until there’s something that’s too much to do. When it’s facing you square in the eyeball, you have to think about it. There wasn’t any one part of housekeeping that was problematic, it’s just that you do one thing and then you turn around and there’s another thing to do,” said Brisco.

He remembers the first time Mike and Tara Ruhwald, owners of Sudz in the Bucket, a professional cleaning company contracted by Better at Home, came to his home.

“I said, ‘There it is,’ and climbed up on the settee and said, ‘I’m out of the road,’” he said.

“I always like to see Mike and Tara. They’re so friendly and they have so much energy. They just go through the house and do everything.”

Tara Ruhald has enjoyed the chance to get to know Brisco.

“This is a fulfilling part of the job.

Seniors need our help and they are worthy of it. If it wasn’t for seniors, we wouldn’t be here. My grandma is a Better at Home client in the South Okanagan. I told her about it. She likes that she doesn’t have to get down on her hands and knees now.

We’re proud to be able to do this.”

Mike Ruhwald is also pleased

CARA BRADY/MORNING STAR

Peter Brisco, back, is always happy to see Tara (left) and Mike Ruhwald, owners of Sudz in the Bucket Cleaning Services Inc., come to help him with his housekeeping. The cleaning service for seniors who qualify is available through Nexus BC Better at Home Services. with how things have worked out.

“We find it rewarding to help seniors stay independent in their own homes as long as possible. A lot of people don’t have family nearby and they really need the help,” he said.

The cleaning service provides washing floors, cleaning kitchen and bathroom, dusting and vacuuming.

There can be light household tasks like changing a light bulb in an awkward position.

“Individual needs are discussed with the program coordinator. There is no wait list for the program in Armstrong/Spallumcheen at the moment so people may be able to get services within one to two weeks of calling. People in other areas who think they might qualify for

the service should call as soon as possible,” said Lisa Roberts, Better at Home program coordinator.

“I was just astounded that this was available,” said Brisco. “It’s made my life so much better. It’s the freedom that you’ve got. It’s lifted a weight off my shoulders of not having to worry about tomorrow. Older people can get in a situation where one partner has more needs but this is a way to get help if one partner is at home or in care. Help is there but you have to ask for it.”

For more information about the Better at Home program, which also includes other services, like transportation, call 250-545-0585, see www.nexusbc.ca or email betterathome@nexusbc.ca.

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Z4 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

Is there hope for repairing injured knees without surgery?

New techniques aim to unleash the body’s own healing power DR. CHRIS SPOONER B.SC. ND Submitted

Aching knees are a huge problem. 4.5 million, or one in six, Canadians aged 15 years and older report having arthritis. By 2031, approximately seven million Canadians (one in five) are expected to have arthritis. Joint damage caused

by Osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for over 90 per cent of knee replacements in Canada. It’s expected that people aged 55 years and older will account for the greatest increase of arthritis cases in the future; a high proportion of these people may face reduced participation in the labour force. It’s projected that, within 30 years, there will be a new diagnosis of OA every 60 seconds, resulting in almost 30 per cent of the employed labour force having difficulty working due to OA. While surgery does a good job of getting people back on their feet it does not restore an injured knee to its original condition and generally fails to stop—or even exacerbates—the long-term deterioration of the joint. Damage

Dr. Chris Spooner B.Sc. ND Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Kristen Read B.Sc. ND Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Marc Boutet B.Sc. ND Naturopathic Doctor Melissa Spooner B.SC, Nutrition

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to the key stabilizing structures of the knee joint often triggers a degenerative process that leads to the worn-out cartilage and chronic pain of osteoarthritis.

Why Can’t These Joints Just Heal?

Much of the new thinking about joint repair is rooted in research into the perplexing question of why connective tissues in the joints— tendons, ligaments and cartilage—do not necessarily heal the way other tissues do. A big part of the problem in many of these structures is a relatively poor blood supply; blood contains cells and proteins that are essential to healing.

Tendons, the flexible ropes of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bone, and ligaments, the slightly stretchy bands that link bone to bone, are less well nourished by blood vessels than are most other tissues. The poor blood supply to the region is a major reason why it’s difficult to heal these injuries. Many of these injuries become chronic, and involve microscopic tearing of the tendon and formation of scar tissue. The perfect example would be the Achilles. It’s a tendon that, in general, has a poor blood supply. When there are microscopic tears or chronic scarring, the body has a difficult time healing it. As for cartilage, the super smooth white material on the end of bones that helps joints glide, most of it has no blood supply so cartilage has virtually no capacity to heal.

The meniscus is a ring of cartilage located in the knee joint and is commonly injured in with twisting injuries or side impacts to the knee. Surgeons can sometimes stitch together a torn meniscus especially if the tear is in the outer region, as it has its own supply of blood vessels. However, most of the time they can do little more than cut away the frayed pieces—a procedure that a major study in 2013 found was of questionable, long-term value. Nor can surgeons sew up a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), located in the middle of the knee and the site of many sports injuries. Instead they remove the torn ligament and replace it with a graft from a cadaver or from the patient’s own body.

In addition to a paltry blood supply, the ACL’s central location in the joint capsule, which is filled with a lubricant called synovial fluid, is another reason the band will not heal on its own. Wound repair normally begins with bleeding and the formation of a blood clot. Cells in the clot called platelets release certain proteins that promote healing, whereas the sticky clot itself serves as a temporary scaffold for reconstruction with new cells. In joints, however, synovial fluid dissolves clots, so there’s never that early bridge that gives healing a place to happen. This is why a tear in the ACL does not heal, but a rip in the nearby medial collateral ligament, which runs along the side of the knee beyond the synovial fluid, slowly knits itself together.

Secrets of Self-Repair

Learn more about us at paradigmnaturopathic.com

Physicians have long made attempts to get the body to do a better job of healing cartilage, ligaments and tendons. In recent years they have turned to

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z5

Why Drink

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Green Tea what they call “biologics”—substances made from the patient’s own blood and other tissues. One of the most popular is called platelet rich plasma (PRP), which was first used by oral surgeons to help regenerate bone and soft tissue in the jaw. The theory is that the body can’t get enough of these healing or growth factors to the area on its own. Having concentrated platelets injected at the site of injury just enhances the nutrients and growth factors that stimulates the healing process.

PRP is simple to produce and use: extract some blood from the patient, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then inject the resulting fluid into an injured joint. PRP is concentrates growth factors and other substances that promote healing. Studies have so far shown that it can help heal inflamed tendons, such as “tennis elbow,” and relieve pain in an arthritic joint.

Green Tea’s antioxidants protect against cancer.

Prevents clogging of the arteries & lowers cholesterol.

Burns fat.

Black Tea

Protects lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. Reduces the risk of stroke.

White Tea

Potent anti-cancer properties compared to more processed teas.

Oolong Tea

Lowers bad cholesterol levels and aids with weight loss.

Pu-erh Tea

Aids with weight loss and reduces bad LDL cholesterol.

PRP is not a first line therapy for injuries and should be part of a therapy program.

Rest, modification of activity and then ultimately some type of rehabilitation program with stretching and strengthening. As a general rule of thumb, PRP can considered if other therapies have not worked within at least two to three months. It is an out-ofpocket expense for patients as Insurance doesn’t cover it.

In some patients there can be some pain at the site of injection. There can be soreness in some instances for up to a couple of weeks. It’s already a very sensitive tendon and now all of sudden you’re taking a needle and you’re sticking it into that tendon and pushing this extra fluid in there. You’re increasing pressure and irritating the tissue which can lead to worsening pain early on.

But the pain goes away after a couple of weeks.

Dr. Chris Spooner B.Sc. ND, is a naturopathic physician at Paradigm Naturopathic Medicine in Vernon BC. He has been performing PRP injections for over 8 years and was recently asked to be the regional ambassador for the Orthobiologic Institute, an organization established to share best practices in the cutting-edge field of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and regenerative medicine therapies with doctors around the globe.

Vernon BC • (250) 542-5TEA

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Z6 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

How Exercise Keeps You Young

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CLAIRE KOWALCHIK Submitted

How do you envision your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond? Close your eyes. What do you see? A woman with a trim figure, who walks tall and confidently. Smooth skin. A radiant face. Living the life you love, whether that’s tending to your flower garden, playing games with your grandchildren, or traveling around the world. Want to be that woman? Keep on exercising.

Not only does regular exercise help you live longer by strengthening your immune system and helping to prevent disease, ongoing physical activity helps keep your body and mind young and your quality of life high.

“How long your grandparents or parents lived is a key factor in determining your longevity, and medicine will take you to your endpoint,” says Tim Church, M.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the Laboratory of Preventive Medicine at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge and a member of the Curves and Jenny Craig Science Advisory Board. “But regular physical activity helps you live better. It makes it possible for you to take that trip to Europe or go canoeing or play with your grandkids.” Here’s how.

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With regular cardiovascular activity, your body becomes better at delivering energy-producing oxygen and glucose (blood sugar) to working muscles. Your heart becomes stronger, your lungs more efficient, and your muscles become more adept at producing energy.

When you’re 85, you can take that stamina out the door and enjoy the activities you love.

STRENGTHENS MOVEMENT “We lose 1 to 2 percent of our muscle each year as we age,” says Church.

Regular strength training preserves that muscle, which is, of course, essential

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z7

whether you’re walking, dancing, or putting away the groceries. Resistance training also boosts bone strength and helps prevent osteoporosis. With strong, flexible muscles and a sturdy spine you’ll be able to carry yourself like a supermodel.

KEEPS YOUR MIND SHARP Regular physical activity improves your powers of perception, thinking, reasoning, and remembering. And, according to Church and colleagues, older adults, in particular, benefit from the positive influence of cardiovascular exercise on organization, planning, and attention.

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Whatever it takes to bring you peace of mind

SLIMS YOUR FIGURE Yes, you know that movement burns calories and helps you get to and maintain a healthy weight, and that building calorie-burning muscle raises metabolism. When you’re at your goal weight, the benefits to a youthful body go beyond a more flattering fit in your clothing.

Shedding extra pounds relieves pressure on joints, prevents arthritis, eases the workload on your heart, and makes every physical activity easier and more comfortable.

MAKES YOU HAPPIER

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We now have new offices in Kelowna with Whatever you need - daily, Stay comfortable and or evenand end-of-life in your home. our live-in additionalsafe staff toown serve clients caring. Helping you from Medication and daily families, in bothliving Vernon hospital tolocations. home. A qualified Whatever it support -& Kelowna caregiver or nurse ensures look and feel great. takes to bring you Thank you Vernon! attentive caring.

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Choose fromitone of our 3 Pillars Caring: Call todayoffor a Whatever FREE Caring Taking takesCare to bringEnriched you CareConsult Vital Care Attentivepeace visits, deliciousof mealsmind Whatever you need - daily, Stay comfortable and 250-762-0016 and light housekeeping, of live-in or even end-of-life safe in your own home.

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live-in or even end-of-life caring. Helping you from hospital to home. A qualified caregiver or nurse ensures attentive caring.

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Z8 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Recesses 6. Slanderous defamation 12. Fruit phrase: Life is just ....

16. Undergraduate degree 17. A way of damaging 18. Indicates position 19. Equally 20. Manuscript (abbr.)

21. ___ Lanka 22. Thus 23. 4th tone of scale 24. Town or commune in France 26. Sharp inclination 28. Watering holes 30. 1st state (abbr.)

31. Cattle genus 32. Type of American Indian 34. Before 35. Hairless 37. Hosts film festival 39. African tribe 40. Loud crowd noise 41. Quarter 43. Swiss capital 44. Sandhurst (abbr.)

45. Golfer Snead 47. Bachelor’s of Applied Science 48. A radio band 50. Assist in some

wrongdoing 52. SW German state ___: Württemberg 54. Rosary component 56. Expresses surprise 57. Hot Springs state (abbr.)

59. Soak flax 60. Atomic #73 61. Exist 62. Megabyte 63. Energy in the form of waves or particles 66. Farm state (abbr.)

67. WWII flyer’s phrase: On ........

70. Store fodder for preservation 71. Lubed

12.

13.

14.

15.

25.

26.

27.

29.

31.

33.

36.

38.

39.

41.

42.

43.

46.

47.

49.

51.

53.

54.

55.

58.

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69.

Sleeveless Arab garments Abstains from food Waxed finish Conditions of balance Cloud of interstellar dust Turf Political action committee Repentant act B.B. King sang them Salesman’s items Every Neither African nation Hindu’s creator god The bill in a restaurant Edict Maritime Small bright tropical fish Cockered Mountain lakes No longer alive Unoriginal Costly Finger millet Aaron Spelling’s child Dekaliter Initial public offering Not out Thou

CLUES DOWN 1. Lowered in prestige 2. Turin river 3. Moves through water 4. Disappearing shade trees 5. Standard operating procedure 6. A shrill cry 7. Japanese apricot 8. Emergency Response Notification System (abbr.)

9. Sparta’s ancient rival city Answers to Crosswords 10. The Ocean State are on page Z19 11. Jack-tar

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z9

OKU SFunUByDNumbers!

Vernon’s Community Centre for Seniors Ever since the new Schubert Centre opened its doors in 1984 it’s been a social & recreational hotspot for seniors!

Like puzzles?

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ANSWER:

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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Z10 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

PS I T A FEW

FOR

n e r d il h c e is a r o t g helpin

As retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren.

CanGrads, a National Kinship Support organization, says approximately 62,500 children are being raised by grandparents and other family in Canada. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents.

Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age.

• Get the right equipment

Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items.

Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury.

• Gather important documents

Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets.

“Dementia linked to untreated Hearing Loss.”

• Speak with an attorney

Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures.

• Investigate financial assistance

Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who find themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas.

Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time, states a study by Dr Frank Lin, MD, PHD conducted at Johns Hopkins University. Dr Lin states; “…a hearing device can possibly help mitigate the social isolation for those with a hearing loss…”- hopkinsmedicine.org

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• Contact schools and daycare centres

School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day.

• Find emotional support

Bea Jackson RHIP/Owner

Brietana Finch RHIP/Manager

nexgenhearing.com

Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z11

can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans.

Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.

The veterinarians of Creekside Animal Clinic, Drs. Flock, McOnie and Rijnen wish to recognize their staff for consistent exemplary work.

Not only do they endeavour to provide exceptional service to clients and their animal charges but they have in no small way contributed to 2 recent honours:

2014 *BestWinner Veterinary

Service, North Okanagan in the

Reader’s Choice Okanagan Life Best of the Okanagan Awards.

*

2015 BC SPCA Veterinarians of the Year Award.

These support staff are Tena Clark, Dawn Doyle, Hilary King, Monica Martin, Sheryl McGowan, Chris Minshall, Lisa Van Der Oort and Sara Vardon.

We also welcome 2 new members to our team: Chelsea Silzer and Dr. Carolyn Walsh.

Creekside Animal Clinic • 5001 24th Street,Vernon • 250-549-3533

fr om

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Z12 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

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T

he decision to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living facility can be difficult. When men and women begin to experience difficulty with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around, families may need to explore assisted living facilities.

Millions of people in North America reside in assisted living facilities. The majority of residents in senior living are those who may need assistance with one or two daily activities, but who are otherwise mobile and self-sufficient.

Families faced with moving relatives into assisted living facilities can consider the following pointers to find facilities their loved ones will enjoy.

• Consider the arrangements and services offered. Some facilities offer single rooms, while others provide apartment-style living. Most assisted living facilities provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, exercise and wellness classes, and social activities, for their residents. Investigate the offerings at each home you visit, looking for a facility that best suits your loved one’s needs.

• Inquire about staff and their schedules. It is important to know how many staff members a facility has and how many people are working at any given time. Do staffing schedules differ at night? If a resident has a particular rapport with one staff member, can he or

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z13

she be requested? Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept at dealing with elderly men and women.

• Learn about individual service plans. Many assisted living facilities create individual service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to ensure individualized care is given. These plans are important for the safety and comfort of residents and also can help maximize a person’s independence. Some communities offer memory care programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders.

• Consider the security in place.

A good assisted living facility has a 24-hour support system in place and immediate access to care. Rooms may be equipped with emergency phones that can be accessed day or night.

Many homes have check-in desks so that residents are accounted for when going on outings and for announcing guests.

• Check on licensing. Confirm a facility is licensed and that it meets the expectations of the local regulatory agency. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the home.

Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people who cannot live independently but do not require the around-the-clock care of a nursing home.

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Z14 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

HEARING TROUBLE getting a little HEARING

RUFF?

on the phone?

Come see us to discuss your hearing health.

Celebrating

&Serving

LEE BRINKMAN

Vernon Seniors

Submitted

October 1st is National Seniors Day and is an occasion to celebrate the nearly 13,000 seniors in the Vernon area. As a community with the percentage of seniors higher than the national average, Vernon is very fortunate to have so many services available to seniors. Some services are funded by government dollars, but many are volunteer-based and provided BY seniors to seniors. Services available locally include: The Seniors Services Program through NexusBC Community Resource Centre helps seniors 60+ with a range of services including housing options, transportation resources and referrals to agencies for legal, tenancy and abuse issues. Volunteers are available to help with filling out applications for Shelter Aid, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. They help complete basic tax returns for low income seniors during tax season. 250.545.0585 Rockwell Audiology delivers a hearing aid loaner program for low income seniors. Drop off hearing aids for recycling at Rockwell Audiology or NexusBC. 250.545.2226 Seniors receiving Canada Pension Plan Disability or the Guaranteed Income Supplement are eligible for a 75% discount for public swim and weight room drop-ins or passes at the Vernon Rec Centre. Call the Ministry of Social Development at 1-866-866-0800 and request the recreation discount form (EIA95) be mailed to you.

When it’s time for your driver reassessment, senior motorists can learn what to expect at older driver reassessment workshops hosted by NexusBC Seniors Services in partnership with ICBC. 250.545.0585

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If you are looking for computer help, the Junction Literacy Centre offers a volunteer-based computer support program for seniors. Seniors are matched with a volunteer tutor and can learn how to set up and use email, send photos, and search the internet. 250.549.2216 The Better At Home Program through NexusBC can provide subsidized services for transportation, grocery shopping, minor home repair, yard work and light housekeeping. Program. 250.545.0585 Downtown Safeway on 30th Avenue provides free delivery to seniors on

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z15

Tuesdays for minimum $40 order. Place your order between 8am and 10am.

Groceries are delivered by volunteers through a local church. 250.545.2978 or 250.542.5328

Do You Snore?

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For seniors experiencing various age-related issues such as social isolation, depression, dementia and grief and loss, the Family Resource Centre offers a Senior Support Volunteer Program. 250.545.3390 The People In Need Crisis Line offers the Good Morning program, a telephone service offered to individuals who are living alone or feeling isolated in the community. Each call is a non-intrusive, non-judgmental safety check that provides some social interaction. 250.545.8074 Support group meetings are held monthly at the People Place by New Hope, an organization committed to encouraging and helping those who have lost a spouse to death. 250.545.6004 NexusBC Seniors Services spreads happiness to low income seniors through the Secret Santa Gift Program. During the holiday season, volunteers distribute gifts donated by local businesses and organizations in our community. Phone 250.545.0585 to donate.

The Schubert Centre is Vernon’s community centre for seniors. They are run primarily by volunteers and have a variety of social and recreational programs and services as well as Meals on Wheels which provides nutritious and well-balanced meals to seniors and home-bound individuals. 250.549.4201 Join in the various activities at the Halina Centre. There’s a variety of entertainment and activities such as dancing, curling, shuffleboard and more.

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Z16 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR OVER THE LONG HAUL

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eye diseases related to aging are the primary cause of vision impairment in North America.

Many people consider vision loss a natural side effect of aging, but there are ways men and women can protect their vision and reduce their risk of vision loss as they age.

• Quit smoking According to the National Eye Institute, smoking doubles a person’s risk for age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in men and women over the age of 50. It causes damage to the macula,

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which is the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision.

If the macula is damaged, vision may be blurry, distorted or dark.

• Protect eyes from ultraviolet light The American Optometric Association notes that UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse effects on a person’s vision. A short-term effect of excessive exposure to UV radiation is photokeratitis, a painful condition that can lead to red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Long-term effects of such exposure include a higher risk of developing cataracts and damage to the retina, which is the part of the eye used for seeing. When spending time outdoors, always wear sunglasses that provide protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure High blood pressure, often referred to as HBP or hypertension, can contribute to vision loss as a person ages. The American Heart Association notes that HBP can strain blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to narrow or bleed.

HBP also can cause the optic nerve to swell, compromising a person’s vision as a result. Eye damage that results from HBP is cumulative, which means the longer it goes untreated, the more likely the damage to the eye will be permanent. Men and women can maintain a healthy blood pressure by eating right, exercising regularly and sustaining a healthy weight.

• Take breaks from work Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is a legitimate condition that can develop when a person spends ample time staring at a computer screen. Adults and kids alike are susceptible to CVS, which can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, eye irritation, and headaches. One way to reduce risk of developing CVS is to take frequent breaks from staring at the screen. A handful of 20-second breaks over the course of an hour can help prevent CVS. In addition, change lighting in the room where you work so you can reduce glare on the computer screen.

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Volunteering has its own rewards CARA BRADY Morning Star Staff

The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary gift shop has always been popular as a place to find fresh flowers, baby gifts, cards, magazines and something special when visiting someone in the hospital.

“We get a lot of good comments now that we have more variety of items, people are calling it a boutique and that makes us feel good,” said May Correale, VJH Auxiliary member for 35 years and public relations person.

“Some visitors have even said it’s the best gift shop in town. We are happy that we can do this to help

the hospital in so many ways. What we need now is some more volunteers so we can keep the shop open for all the hours it should be. This is a fun place to work.”

The gift shop is popular with hospital visitors and patients, as well as staff members and some people make the shop a destination when looking for gifts.

The increased selection is thanks to two dedicated auxiliary members who went to a gift shop buying show in Toronto and brought back new items. Shoppers can now find the always popular hand knitting and crafts made by auxiliary members as well as things like jewelry, clothing, scarves, purses, hats and toys.

“We need gift shop volunteers but

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z17

we are happy to have more volunteers in all the things the auxiliary does for the patients and the community,” said gift shop coordinator Joan Bourget, a 20-year auxiliary member. We’d like to remind people that men are welcome to volunteer with the auxiliary and in the gift shop. The shifts are only three to three-and-a-half hours long and people can choose their shifts to fit their schedules.”

Volunteers can choose active membership in the auxiliary or associate membership. Volunteers do not have to use the till if they don’t want to but can be placed on a shift with

a volunteer who knows how to use the till.

“Volunteering is really rewarding.

I enjoy talking to the people. It’s a happy, cheerful place in the hospital. It makes you feel good to be here,” said Eva Pope, who has been a volunteer for seven years.

“One woman who was visiting from the coast said this was the best gift shop she had seen anywhere.”

The VJH Auxiliary is 108 years old on Oct. 8. For more information about becoming a member and to volunteer in the gift shop or about other volunteer positions, call Joan Bourget at 250-558-5117

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Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary gift shop volunteer Eva Pope checks out some of the new fall items that are arriving now.

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Z18 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

Health • Medical • Important Numbers POLICING

Emergency Calls Only................................................................................ 911 RCMP Vernon non emergency.................................................. 250-545-7171 RCMP Armstrong non emergency............................................. 250-546-3028 RCMP Enderby non emergency................................................ 250-838-6818 RCMP Lumby non emergency.................................................. 250-547-2151 RCMP Oyama non emergency................................................. 250-766-2288 Vernon Community Policing..................................................... 250-550-7840 Vernon Crime Stoppers............................................................. 250-260-7161 or.......................................................................................... 1-800-222-8477 RCMP Victims Assistance.......................................................... 250-260-5833

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

Interior Health Authority Okanagan.......................................... 250-545-9167 www.interiorhealth.ca • Regional Administration Office............................................ 250-862-4200

Vernon Jubilee Hospital

2101 32 St, Vernon BC • Switchboard........................................................................ 250-545-2211 • Foundation.......................................................................... 250-558-1362 Vernon Health Unit.................................................................. 250-549-5721 BC Prosthetic & Orthotic Services............................................. 250-542-3384

Armstrong/Enderby/Spallumcheen Community Health Services

• Intermediate/Extended Care ................................................ 250-546-4707 • Home Support Services ...................................................... 250-546-4712 • North Okanagan Health Unit ............................................. 250-546-4720 • Lumby Health Centre.......................................................... 250-547-2164

MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS & SERVICES

Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral Service .............................................................................................. 1-800-663-1441 Allergy/Asthma Information Assn............................................ 1-877-500-2242 ALS Society of BC................................................................... 1-800-708-3228 Alzheimer Society of BC......................................................... 1-800-634-3399 Dementia Helpline................................................................. 1-800-936-6033 Arthritis Society Answers Line................................................. 1-800-321-1433 Interior Regional Office (Trudy).............................................. 1-250-868-8643 BC Brain Injury Association.................................................... 1-877-858-1788 BC Cancer Agency Sindi Ahulwalia Hawkins Centre for Southern Interior.................................................... 1-250-712-3900 Screening Mamography Program................................................ 250-549-5451 Book Your Screening............................................................... 1-800-663-9203 BC Epilepsy Society................................................................ 1-866-374-5377 BC Lung Association............................................................... 1-800-665-5864 BC Lupus Society.................................................................... 1-866-585-8787 BC Schizophrenia Society........................................................... 250-260-3233 BC Spinal Cord Injury – Vancouver......................................... 1-877-324-3611

SCIU BC Infoline.................................................................... 1-800-689-2477 Brain Trust Canada................................................................. 1-250-762-3233 CNIB...................................................................................... 1-250-763-1191 Canadian Cancer Society ........................................................... 250-542-0770 Caner Information Service...................................................... 1-888-939-3333 Southern Interior Rotary Lodge............................................... 1-250-712-2203 Freemason Volunteer Driver Program...................................... 1-800-299-0188 Canadian Diabetes Association.............................................. 1-250-762-9447 Information Line..................................................................... 1-800-226-8464 Canadian Institute for Health Information (Victoria)............................................................. 1-250-220-4100 Canadian Liver Foundation..................................................... 1-800-856-7266 Canadian Mental Health Association......................................... 250-542-6155 BC Division............................................................................ 1-800-555-8222 24 hour Information Line........................................................ 1-800-661-2121 Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program............................................................................. 250-545-3111 Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada Central Okanagan Assoc. for Cardiac Health .............................................................................................. 1-250-763-3433 Cerebral Palsy Association of BC............................................ 1-800-663-0004 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.................................................. 1-800-513-8202 Denturist Association of BC.................................................... 1-604-582-6823 Dietitian Services............................................................................... Dial 8-1-1 TTY................................................................................................... Dial 7-1-1 HealthLink BC................................................................................... Dial 8-1-1 TTY................................................................................................... Dial 7-1-1 Healthy Eating For Seniors................................................................. Dial 8-1-1 TTY................................................................................................... Dial 7-1-1 Heart & Stroke Foundation BC.................................................... 250-558-5815 Toll Free................................................................................. 1-866-432-7833 Interior Health Lifeline Program.................................................. 250-558-1334 Toll Free................................................................................. 1-800-994-8414 Kidney Foundation of Canada................................................ 1-800-567-8112 Lake Country Health Planning Society.................................... 1-250-766-5437 Medic Alert Foundation.......................................................... 1-800-668-1507 Medical Services Plan............................................................. 1-800-663-7100 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Vernon........................................... 250-542-2411 Muscular Dystrophy Canada ................................................. 1-800-366-8166 Okanagan Mental Health Services Society Assisted Living Program.......................................................... 1-250-717-3368 Therapeutic Work Program..................................................... 1-250-717-3007 Osteoporosis Canada (Trish Gunning)..................................... 1-250-861-6880 Pacific Blue Cross................................................................... 1-800-873-2583 Parkinson Society British Columbia........................................ 1-800-668-3330 PharmaCare............................................................................ 1-800-663-7100 Prostate Cancer Canada Network........................................... 1-888-255-0333

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z19

Certain foods

can have a positive or negative impact on

menopausal symptoms Healthcare professionals note that the foods women eat can affect how they feel during menopause.

Some foods may reduce or eliminate troublesome symptoms, while others actually may make conditions worse.

Weight gain, hot flashes, lack of energy, and mood swings are some of the more widely known symptoms of menopause, which is the time when a woman’s menstrual cycle permanently ceases due to the natural depletion of ovarian follicles and oocytes.

Elevated follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, and low estrogen levels are consistent with menopause and can cause any number of symptoms.

While hormone replacement therapy is one option, women may find that changing their diets is enough to make them feel better and may even help them reduce their risk for certain diseases and better manage some of the negative side effects of menopause.

• Osteoporosis: Menopausal women are at a greater risk for osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weaker and more brittle.

Increasing one’s intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help.

Calcium-rich foods include low-fat

yogurt, sardines, broccoli, and firm tofu.

• Weight gain: It’s possible to gain some weight during menopause. Data from the International Menopause Society and the Mayo Clinic point to decreases in metabolism as the source of menopausal weight gain.

Women should cut back on fatty foods and trim any visible fats from the foods they cook. Eating foods high in complex sources of fiber can help a person to feel full on less food.

• Mood swings: Hormone fluctuations may lead to mood swings and feelings of anxiety or depression. Improve mental well-being by increasing intake of foods rich in B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming whole grains, lentils, flaxseed, and oily fish can help.

• Risk for other diseases: Women who are menopausal are at an elevated risk for breast cancer and even cardiovascular disease. The North American Menopause Society says such women should cut down on alcohol consumption, which can contribute to increased risk for both of these conditions. Women who have between two and five drinks per day are one and a half times as likely

to get breast cancer than women who don’t drink at all.

ORD CROSSWAnswer

• Fatigue: Foods can control how the body sustains energy levels. Sugary foods may provide a fast jolt of energy, but that boost often dwindles shortly thereafter. Look for carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, as such carbs provide longer-lasting energy. Boosting iron intake also may provide more pep and may even boost metabolism.

Smart food choices can help women reduce the severity of some uncomfortable symptoms and side effects of menopause.

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Z20 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

Cholesterol and its relation to heart disease

High cholesterol levels have long been directly linked to heart disease. But as more research into cholesterol and its relation to heart disease is conducted, some doctors are shifting their views on the relationship between the two.

The

AUDIOGRAM Everyone should have one and know how to read one.

More than 1.4 million Canadians have heart disease. It is also one of the leading causes of death in Canada, claiming more than 33,600 lives per year.

More revelations are coming to the forefront regarding cholesterol and heart disease. New research has shown that statin drugs are ineffective at reducing mortality rates in most populations. Furthermore, according to the Framingham Heart Study, which is the longest-running and most comprehensive study on heart disease to date, it was demonstrated that cholesterol intake in the diet had no correlation with heart disease. The study found that men and women with above average cholesterol levels had nearly identical rates of heart disease compared to those with below average cholesterol rates.

Another potential eye opener is that, in addition to cholesterol not affecting heart disease risk, eating high-cholesterol foods does not elevate blood-cholesterol levels as doctors once thought. Ancel Keys, who is considered the “father” of the theory that cholesterol contributes to heart disease, now says that there’s no connection between cholesterol in food and cholesterol in the blood.

If not cholesterol levels and the foods one eats, what, then is responsible for heart disease? Many medical professionals and researchers now believe the primary causes of heart disease are inflammation and oxidative stress.

According to Dr. Dwight Lundell, a heart surgeon and author of the book, “The Great Cholesterol Lie,” foods like refined sugars and vegetable oils used to preserve processed foods may lead to the inflammation that ultimately causes heart disease. Inflammation is the body’s immune response to a foreign invader. Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can exacerbate inflammation. Bacteria and other unwanted substances in the body also contribute to inflammation.

To combat inflammation, people can adopt a healthy eating style. Fatty fish, whole grains, leafy greens, fiber, and nuts can help reduce inflammation.

Exercise also can reduce inflammation. Research from Mark Hamer, PhD, an epidemiologist at University College London, found that, regardless of BMI or weight, study participants who completed 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week — about 20 minutes a day — lowered their markers of inflammation by at least 12 percent.

When a person exercises, muscle tissue releases a protein molecule called cytokine, which likely prompts an inflammation drop. Just about any type of workout that raises heart rate is effective in helping with inflammation.

The public may have been misinformed about just how vital it is to reduce cholesterol levels. Contrary to popular belief, high cholesterol may not have the same connection to heart disease as doctors once thought. In fact, inflammation may be the bigger component in heart disease risk.

TOSHA R. HODGSON, M.CL.SC., AUD(C), RAUD, RHIP Submitted

Have you ever heard of hearing loss exhaustion? It can occur when hearing loss prevents sound from reaching the brain properly, forcing the brain to work harder to fill in missing pieces of information. People with normal hearing do not experience these sound gaps. People with hearing loss must use extra cognitive energy and visual cues to understand speech. Lip reading, facial expressions, and gestures all help to fill in the missing sounds. And it is tiring! Not only can hearing loss lead to cognitive exhaustion, but emotional exhaustion, increased stress, anxiety, and depression can develop.

A variety of hearing loss types, shapes, and severities exist. It is important to understand which sounds are most challenging to hear in order to learn how to manage hearing loss and minimize hearing loss exhaustion.

Enter the audiogram – just one component of a comprehensive audiological evaluation. The audiogram is a graph used to record a person’s ability to hear soft sounds 50 percent of the time across a range of frequencies (pitches). Each ear is tested independently and responses are plotted using red O symbols for the right ear and blue X symbols for the left ear. Additional symbols are used for different purposes (masking, bone conduction, sound field, loudness discomfort, etc.) but we will focus on the just the basics here.

Looking at the audiogram, the horizontal axis shows frequency (pitch) in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz), and intensity or loudness is shown on the vertical axis as decibel hearing level (dBHL). Imagine each number across the top of the audiogram represents a key on a piano (low pitched keys on the left and high pitched keys on the right). The further down the audiogram a response is plotted, the louder the sound needs to be for it to be barely audible to the person being tested. Responses marked above the 25dBHL are within normal range and responses marked below 25dBHL suggest a hearing loss is present.

Most speech sounds fall within a pitch range of 250 to 6000 Hz. Vowels are lower in pitch and consonants higher in pitch. The degree and shape of an audiogram can tell us which sounds a person likely cannot hear well. Jerry L. Northern and Marion P. Downs came up what is called the “speech banana” and later a fabulous graphic they referred to as the “frequency spectrum of familiar sounds.” The image has been used, re-used, and adapted many times over the years. The graph shows images of speech and environmental sounds plotted on an otherwise blank audiogram. Recording a person’s hearing thresholds onto this graph quickly reveals a wealth of information. Sounds that are seen under a person’s O and X symbols are audible and sounds that appear above the O and X symbols are likely not audible.

To understand how this graph works, find yourself a red and a blue pen or marker, and plot an audiogram. You can plot your own if you have had your

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z21

hearing tested and have a copy of your results. Otherwise, plot the numbers shown in the table below onto the audiogram. The hearing threshold at 1000 Hz is plotted already for each ear to get you started.

Back to hearing loss exhaustion. Now that you have plotted the O and X symbols on the audiogram above, which sounds will the person miss because of their hearing loss? Birds, many consonant speech sounds during conversation (p, h, ch, sh, g, k, t, f, s, th), leaves rustling in trees. If you plotted your own hearing thresholds, which sounds do you miss? It is no wonder the brain can get tired trying to fill in all these missing pieces during a simple conversation! “Did she say ‘cat, sat, or hat’?”

Statistics Canada just released population-based hearing loss data and found about one in five adults aged 20 to 79 had some hearing loss. Hearing loss does not age discriminate. Talk to your hearing professional if you have any hearing concerns.

Frequency (Hz) RIGHT (use red O) LEFT (use blue X)

250 25 30

500 35 40

O X

1000 2000 45 55 50 60

4000 55 65

8000 60 55

Est. 2011

100% Locally‐Owned | 100% Manufacturer‐Independ

ent | 100% Client‐Focused

About Rockwell's Audiologist / Owner & Director Tosha R. Hodgson, B.A., M.Cl.Sc., Aud(C), RAUD, RHIP Reg. Audiologist & Hearing Instrument Practitioner Tosha holds a Master of Clinical Science (M.Cl.Sc.) degree in audiology and has been a nationally certified Audiologist for 19 years. She tests hearing, prescribes and fits hearing aids, and helps people prevent and overcome hearing loss.

She is authorized to assess and treat individuals of all ages as well as special needs populations. She has provided quality hearing care to thousands of clients over the years.

She practiced in Alberta and Ontario before moving closer to family in Western Canada in 2010. Naming her clinic after ancestors, Tosha successfully launched Rockwell Audiology Inc. in Vernon from scratch in October 2011.

In July 2015, Statistics Canada released results of a study of measured hearing loss. From a sample of 2,972 Canadian adults aged 20 to 79 it was found that:

Hearing loss might choose you as the 1‐in‐5 ...

• Over 19% had measured hearing loss.

• Only 3.7% self‐reported hearing loss.

The data suggest hearing loss is often under‐reported and that prevalence is estimated to be 1‐in‐5 adults (about 4.6 million Canadians) ‐ roughly equal to British Columbia's entire population!

but you can choose to overcome it today.

Graphics c Rockwell Audiology Inc.

Health Reports, Vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 18‐25, July 2015 ‐ Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 82‐003‐X Prevalence of hearing loss among Canadians aged 20 to 79: Audiometric results from the 2012/2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey ‐ Research

Talk to your Audiologist Tosha R. Hodgson, B.A., M.Cl.Sc., Aud(C), RAUD, RHIP

250.545.2226 Rockwell Audiology Inc. 204 ‐ 3334 30th Avenue Vernon V1T 2C8

www.rockwellaudiology.ca Registered under the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC

Z22 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

Powers of Attorney Changes to an Old Favourite and not just for Seniors

CHRIS ALVEBERG Submitted

Do you know what would happen to your home, financial affairs and other property (e.g., your finances, real estate, business) in the event that you suddenly suffered an accident (whether at work or otherwise) or illness (e.g., stroke)? Who would manage your property and financial affairs? Nobody, not even a spouse, has automatic legal authority over an adult’s financial or legal affairs, even if you become incapable.

At some point in most peoples’ lives, they turn their mind to the care and management of their assets in the event, through accident, injury or advancing years, they are no longer mentally capable of managing their day-to-day financial affairs or require third party support to look after them.

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Unfortunately, most commonly these considerations only occur as people advance in years and experience family friends or acquaintances who lose their ability to manage their financial affairs or to care for themselves without aid. Because of the length of time and cost involved if you have not planned for incapacity, a review of the options available is essential at any age.

Powers of Attorney A Power of Attorney allows a person (the Donor) to appoint another person or a trust company as his or her attorney. The Power of Attorney can be prepared in any number of ways. For example: (a) the Donor could state that there are no restrictions on the authourity of the Attorney which would result in the Attorney having full discretion and decision-making authourity over the Donor’s legal matters and assets (e.g., real estate, financial and business affairs); (b) alternatively, the Donor could prepare the Power of Attorney so that the authourity of the Attorney is restricted or limited to a specific task or role (e.g., selling certain real estate for a specific period of time).

Since there is no formal supervision of the Attorney, it is critical that the Donor have the utmost trust and confidence in the person they appoint as their Attorney. The Donor could appoint more than one person to be their co-Attorneys, but in such case, appropriate wording should be inserted to address how the co-Attorneys are required to make decisions and what happens if one of the co-Attorneys dies or themselves becomes incapable.

If the Donor wants the Power of Attorney to continue or “endure” even after they later become mentally incapable (which is usually the case), then certain provisions must be included in the Power of Attorney. Otherwise, once the Donor becomes mentally incapable the Power of Attorney has no effect.

In addition, if the Donor wants the Power of Attorney to be effective so that the Attorney could use it to deal with the Donor’s real estate for more than three years after the Power of Attorney is signed then certain special wording

Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star Z23

must be included in the Power of Attorney. The Power of Attorney must also be prepared and signed in a certain format to enable the Attorney to use it in dealings with the Land Title Office.

Finally, in a situation where the Attorney may require a transfer of an interest in real estate from the Donor to themselves (e.g., where a husband/Attorney needs to have real estate (which is currently registered in the name of the wife/ Donor) in his name so that he can mortgage it for business purposes), the Attorney will not be able to do so unless the Power of Attorney has express wording allowing that to occur.

The most common and unfortunate situation which occurs where a husband and wife have not planned for incapacity is where the family home is owned jointly and one of the spouses becomes mentally incapable. In that situation, the only alternative for the capable spouse if he or she wants to sell the family home is for the capable spouse to apply to Court for the Court to appoint them as the Committee of the incapable spouse. However, the Court application and procedure to be appointed as Committee of someone is very time consuming, is expensive, involves the Public Trustee, requires notification to next of kin, generally requires the Committee to post a bond for the value of the patient’s estate, etc.

Recent Changes to the Power of Attorney Law On September 1, 2011, changes to the Power of Attorney law came into effect in British Columbia. However, if your existing document was validly made under the previous provisions it should still be valid, as existing Powers of Attorney were grandfathered under the new provisions.

Even though pre-existing Powers of Attorney may still be valid, when your appointed Attorney acts as your Attorney they will be governed by the new provisions and will have different powers and limitations. If you do not want those particular changes then you may have to revoke your existing Power of Attorney and make a new one on different terms.

Some of the most important changes include a restriction on how your Attorney can invest your property unless the Power of Attorney specifically provides otherwise. In addition, your Attorney will not be able to be paid for their duties as attorney, unless your Power of Attorney specifies a rate or amount of compensation. If there is no mention of such compensation, your Attorney cannot be paid even if they are spending significant time year after year looking after your affairs.

If you want your Attorney to have the ability to delegate certain of their powers (for example, preparing your income tax returns) under the new provisions you must specifically state that your Attorney has to ability to delegate.

Finally, under the new provisions your Attorney may make gifts, loans and charitable donations that you would have made, but only up to a maximum of $5,000 and only if you will have sufficient property left over to meet your needs (and anyone you are supporting). As a result, if you want your Attorney to be able to make more generous gifts (including to immediate family members and certain charities) then you will have to specify that in a new Power of Attorney.

Since there were many changes to the Power of Attorney law, it is a good idea to have a lawyer review your existing Power(s) of Attorney to confirm that they are still valid and reflect your current instructions. You should also be aware that if you decide to change the people that you have appointed as your

Attorney the new provisions require you to give written notice to each Attorney of the cancellation of the existing Power of Attorney.

But your Attorney cannot make medical or health care decisions for you. For these decisions, you will need to consider preparing a Representation Agreement. The Representation Agreement Act allows you to appoint someone as your legal representative to handle your personal care, medical and health care decisions if you are unable to make them on your own. We will discuss Representation Agreements, and incapacity planning for health, medical and personal care, in a future article.

Summary As with preparing your Will and planning your estate including the succession of your business, it is critical for individuals, regardless of their age, to also plan for incapacity. Failing to do so only leaves your family with added expense, delays, uncertainty and very limited options. There are a number of other tools that should all form part of incapacity planning including Bank forms of Powers of Attorney, joint tenancies (including joint bank accounts), Representation Agreements, advance directives, inter vivos trusts and nominations of committees. Like most legal matters, each person and the nature of their assets and wishes are different and each person should consult their own lawyer to consider which incapacity planning tools are best for them.

Chris Alveberg is a partner with the Vernon law firm of Nixon Wenger LLP and practices in the areas of real estate, business law and wills and estates.

August 2015.

Thank Those Who Cared

For You Or A Loved One

Each day, staff in programs and facilities operated by Interior Health in the North Okanagan, performs miracles in our community. Maybe you or a loved one experienced a kind word, a gentle smile or a lifesaving procedure. You can recognize this experience by making a gift.

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation needs your help!

Why not make a gift today or plan for a legacy gift in the future?

2101 32ND St, Vernon, BC

250-558-1362 On-line donations: vjhfoundation.org

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation is a charitable society that supports health care in the North Okanagan by raising funds for Residential Care Facilities, Community Health Services and Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

Z24 Living 55 Plus Sunday, September 27, 2015 - The Morning Star

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