The CAMROSE BOOSTER, November 30, 2021 – Page 17
Visiting seniors By Camrose Seniors Coalition
Beautiful lights and decorations are bearing witness that the Christmas season in Camrose has arrived. Acts of kindness are popping up all over, such as when recently a group of Hospice grief walkers brought a candy cane to the Hospice office with the word “Joy” taped to it. A group of the Hospice Grief Walkers who walk round Mirror Lake hung candy canes on the trees with words taped to them so people’s heart’s may be lightened. Volunteers who visit seniors in our Nav-CARE program love what they do. They look for the little things that bring people pleasure, and offer this during their visit. Often this means having a cup of tea and a cookie while the person shares stories about their life. When someone feels like his or her story has been heard, this can be the greatest gift one can receive. This holiday season, all of us appreciate the warmth of a smile, and the knowledge that even if we
don’t know each other well, we can get to know each other through the tender feelings of caring about one another. What is Nav-CARE? Nav-CARE is a program at Camrose Hospice which uses specially trained volunteers to conduct regular in-home visits with people who are living with declining health that is affecting their quality of life. Many seniors are living with declining health and are at risk for increased social isolation and feelings of loneliness. They often have difficulty connecting with people and resources that are important to them. They experience challenges with knowing what is available to help them in the community. They may be experiencing multiple losses such as mobility, sight, hearing, their home, or death of a loved one. The Nav-CARE program trains volunteers how to be with people so that they can help them find ways to engage with others, to find the resources they need to be able to stay at home as long as possible, and to find meaning in their life as their health declines. Here is a story of someone, who through a severe infection and long-term hospitalization, lost muscle mass and walking became
limited. This person had to give up driving and thus became quite housebound. A Nav-CARE volunteer was able to help this person make a list of friends who could come and visit and helped schedule these visits. Friends were grateful to know how they could help. The result was some friends became regular drivers for appointments, others took this person to the theatre, and others just enjoyed visiting. Friends and neighbors do want to help, but more often than not, just don’t know what is needed. You do not need a referral to Nav-CARE, you can simply call the Hospice Society at 780-587-9269. Health Canada, in conjunction with the Universities of Alberta and British Columbia, are supporting the implementation of NavCARE across Canada. The Hospice Society of Camrose and District has agreed to help with this project and is already training volunteers in Flagstaff, Beaver and Wetaskiwin counties. Our compassionate Nav-CARE volunteers are bringing much joy to many already this Christmas season by giving so many people the opportunity to tell their stories and be heard.
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Rounding up the informative series on alcohol awareness, CARE Coalition members Jennifer Willies and Tammy Richard offer the following information focusing on older adults and alcohol. According to the Canadian Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs Survey, nearly 70 per cent of those over the age of 65 have consumed alcohol in this last year. A recent poll conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health showed that one in 10 Canadians who are 55 and older are drinking more alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Some people have turned to alcohol to cope with the stress, loneliness in isolation and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic,” explained Richard. “Some older adults may also drink to deal with the loss of a loved one or their daily routine.” Richard noted that older adults are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and should be aware of the following risks: • As you age, your body processes alcohol more slowly. This can lead to loss of balance and coordination, falls, injuries
and an increased risk of accidents. • Worsening of some health issues such as liver damage, diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure and stomach problems. • Alcohol can negatively affect memory and cause or worsen some mental health problems such as confusion and depression • Older adults are also more likely to be using medications, which can be harmful when mixed with alcohol. Before taking any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can safely drink alcohol. Recognizing that many people may have trouble identifying whether they personally or someone they care about has a problem with alcohol, Willies offered the following. “Many older adults drink alcohol responsibly. Problems can develop early or later in life. It can be harder to tell if an older adult has problems with alcohol, because they’re more likely to drink alcohol at home, do not go to work, or do other things that are affected by alcohol use, and caregivers of older adults may be aware of the problem, but may not want to talk about it.”
Some of the symptoms of problem drinking resemble symptoms generally associated with aging, such as an overall decline in health, loss of interest in usual activities, mood swings, memory loss, depression, insomnia, and falls. “Problem drinking by seniors may therefore go undetected or may be treated inappropriately,” said Willies, suggesting if you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, talk to your doctor to determine a problem with alcohol or other health problems. In an effort to avoid problems with alcohol, Richard stated, “While the easiest way to avoid problems with alcohol is to not drink at all, the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health has recommended low-risk drinking guidelines for adults over the age of 65 to help keep your drinking at a level that is considered low risk.” The guidelines include: • Women: No more than one standard drink per day, with no more than five per week. • Men: No more than one or two standard drinks per day, with no more than seven per week. • It is recommended to
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CARE informs on senior alcohol use By Lori Larsen
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have days that you don’t drink every week. • As you reach your 70s, 80s and 90s, consider decreasing your alcohol consumption below these guidelines and perhaps even not drinking at all, especially if you have a health condition. “People may wonder what they can do instead of drinking alcohol,” explained Richard, offering the following suggestions. • Try to maintain a daily routine by building good sleep and eating habits. • Stay active by doing daily exercises, walking, and making time for hobbies.
• Stay connected to love ones. • Write, call or video chat with friends, neighbors and family. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, telephone 8-1-1, your local Addiction and Mental Health office at 780-679-1241, or visit AHS online at helpintoughtimes.ca. The Addiction Helpline is also available 24 hours a day by telephoning 1-866-332-2322. No one needs to face concerns by themselves. All one needs to do is reach out to organizations such as the CARE Coalition where help is always available.
