seniors’
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A DV E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E
Mond ay, S e ptember 29, 2014
week A DV E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E
Leader-Post • leaderpost.com
SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2014
Regina Senior Centre —
world of computers and the Internet until they take a class. “We need to focus on how isolation really makes our citizens in the retirement years feel lonely and in turn, physically incapable of doing things,” said Harrower. “One way to definitely communicate and keep in touch with family who are at a distance — and with friends — is through socialization, either with classes such as the writing classes or through learning how to operate computers. I think multimedia is a huge advantage for them.” Beginner computer classes offer an introduction to computers, iPads, iPhones and other technology and programs, such as Windows 8, and how they operate. Harrower is currently exploring the possibility of adding a program whereby children connect and interact with the adults to teach them how Facebook, Skype and Google search engines work. “We have a thousand members here, and I get so many calls from seniors that just want to talk.” said Harrower. “Simply being here at the centre, talking to people and being a part of a group in our wide range of classes offered — I think it adds life to people,” said Harrower. “The difference we see in the patrons after they discover the centre is amazing.” A nonprofit, member-based organization, the centre’s mission is to foster, develop and deliver programs and services that encourage individuals to sustain independent, healthy and active lifestyles. For more information, visit reginaseniorcitizenscentre.ca or drop by the centre for a tour at one of its two Regina locations: 2134 Winnipeg St. or 2404 Elphinstone St.
Seniors: Protect Your Home with the Provincial Seniors Home Security Program AT NO COST TO YOU!
Everyone wants peace of mind in their own homes, and seniors can be particularly vulnerable to property crimes, break-ins or home invasions. The Seniors Home Security Program is geared to low-income seniors or seniors that have been the victim of a crime in their home. It provides free security assessments and free installation of the following home safety upgrades, including: • Deadbolts • Door viewers • Smoke alarms • Smoke alarm batteries • Carbon monoxide alarms For details, and to apply, call toll free: 1-855-524-6034 www.seniorsecurity.gov.sk.ca
Tracking person-centred dementia care By Hilary Klassen SP Creative Features Dementia care has reaped the benefits of a humanistic approach to treatment over the past decade or two. The late British psychologist Tom Kitwood’s application of Carl Roger’s person-centred psychology to aging populations with dementia in the UK has become a global movement. With increased aging populations, the incidence of dementia is rising. Pressure on health systems is anticipated to increase, and solutions are needed. Person-centred dementia care is being applied in the majority of residences in Canada according to Dr. Paulette Hunter, Assistant Professor of psychology at St. Thomas More College. Hunter conducts research on dementia care and became interested in the topic because of her mom, a long term care nurse, who sensitized her to look deeper for the causes of agitation among long term care residents with dementia. Roger’s approach to person-centredness emphasized empathy, transparency, and unconditional positive regard – in Hunter’s words, “having a really good understanding of, and respect for, the person you’re working with.” In adapting these ideas to residential dementia care, health professionals have focused on good relationships, residents’ unique personal identities, opportunities for meaningful roles, and a home-
Photo: Debra Marshal Photography
like environment of care. A special focus of Canadian programs has been in raising awareness that accommodating the individual needs and preferences of residents improves wellbeing and prevents agitation in advanced dementia. But tracking the efficacy of person-centred dementia care is no easy feat. Hunter says there’s not a lot of science attached to the approach yet. “I think everybody resonates with the idea of treating people respectfully, and acknowledging their personhood, their rights, their individuality, but we don’t know how to do this in the best possible way.” She believes research on person-centred care is important because little is known about the potential effects of numerous new programs on residents and staff alike. For example, if staff are asked to change the way they offer care, could this increase staff burnout? “There are a few studies now that say even though it’s a bit time-intensive to do this kind of problem solving or this extra level of programming or intervention with residents, it actually reduces staff burnout. I think that’s because they have a better grasp of residents’ individuality and are better able to meet their unique needs. So they there are seeing less of the troubling behaviour (such as frequent wandering or calling out) that can arise when residents with advanced dementia have unmet needs,” says Hunter. Less is known about how it affects the residents, partly because person-centred care operates under many different names, like culture change, relationship-centred care and individualized care. There are even a number of specific programs to promote person-centred care, such as the Gentle Persuasive Approach and the P.I.E.C.E.S (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Capabilities, Environment and Social) program, developed in Canada. In addition, studying person-centred care isn’t like studying the effects of a medication because the treatment must be uniquely tailored to each person. Hunter is part of a team of researchers from the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan that is working on understanding quality of life for seniors in Saskatchewan from a number of angles. Hunter’s research has explored whether and how beliefs about personhood might impact dementia care and the effects of programs that promote person-centred care, as well as the contexts in which the programs are delivered. Her research suggests organizational factors (e.g. management support) are some of the biggest contributors to person-centred care, and personal factors, including staff burnout and beliefs about personhood in dementia, also make a difference. The research team has just received a renewal of grant funding ($717,881) from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation for its work, and is beginning a series of 10 new studies. Hunter’s upcoming work will focus on the effects of Montessori-Based Interventions on long-term care residents’ mood and level of engagement, and whether these interventions can be successfully delivered by volunteer visitors. “There’s a big emphasis in the Montessori approach on the roles that residents have in their homes. For example, rather than having the staff deliver lunch, maybe a resident can have a role in setting the table.” Meaningful activities, environmental supports, physical environmental cues and maintaining mobility are also emphasized. Dementia is still very much a mystery, but through person-centred care, we are moving away from a model of long-term care that made efficiency paramount toward a model that recognizes residents as community members who want to have meaningful roles and relationships.
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Act now and make your home more secure.
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The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) is a non-profit, volunteer organization that was formed in 1990. This umbrella organization brings together other organizations to work together in the interest of seniors in Saskatchewan. It does this by providing specific types of programming, addressing issues of interest to seniors, or sharing information to benefit seniors in our province. For more information about SSM see our website www. skseniorsmechanism.ca. A priority issue for SSM is senior neglect and abuse. According to Statistics Canada in its publication Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile 1999 (1999a), 85 per cent of violent offences against older adults were physical assaults. More than half of these (53 per cent) resulted in an injury. By 2031, eight million Canadians — which is nearly 25 per cent of the population — will be over the age of 65. The World Health Organization defines abuse of older adults as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” Types of abuse that older adults may experience can include: financial or exploitation, physical, emotional, spiritual, sexual and neglect. Frequently older people are subjected to more than one type of abuse or neglect at the same time. Abused seniors may be from any social, economic or educational level, any ethnic group and any age group. We also need to recognize the ways our society discriminates against older adults. “Ageism” is the term that describes attitudes and beliefs that cause people to treat older adults as if they were less important or less valued because they are older. These attitudes are a factor in abusive situation because they allow people to believe that they have the right to ignore, harm or control an older adult. If you suspect abuse, look for: · Older adults who tell you they are being abused or hurt — believe them! · Injuries, such as bruises, sprains, broken bones or scratches, especially when the explanation does not fit
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Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism strives to eliminate abuse
benefits of writing and technology By Sheila Bautz For L-P Specialty Products Don’t let the word senior cast a stereotype on the abundance of opportunities available at the Regina Senior Centre. The age range is large, with patrons as young as 55 exploring a variety of activities and networking with others through writing and computer classes. Other various activities rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. “The stories the participants write about in our writing classes include memoirs, such as stories from their childhood, significant life events, historical events and expressions of feelings, such as loneliness and happiness, future dreams and goals to travel. Such topics, through writing, allow them to express, talk and communicate,” said Jackie Harrower, marketing development coordinator at the Regina Senior Centre. “Creative expressions are extremely beneficial to well-being. Our members want to express what they have gone through in life so that others can learn from it. There is a sense of ownership in their life and what they have accomplished. Writing is one way of expressing it,” said Harrower. Computer classes — which can be vital for easing the loneliness and seclusion that individuals of all ages may experience — are also offered. Technology increases opportunities to explore and provides education. “Computer classes are so important,” said Harrower. “For example, my fatherin-law is 86 and he can now Google the past history of his family tree. The computer classes completely changed his way of thinking. “Seniors are afraid to venture into the
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ABOUT THIS CONTENT: These stories were produced by the Leader-Post advertising department to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. The Leader-Post editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.
the injury · Changes in behaviour of the older adult such as depression, withdrawal or fear · Changes in regular social activity such as missing church or other social events · Changes in living arrangement such as previously uninvolved relatives or new friends moving in · Changes in financial situations, such as cancellation of services (television, internet or phone) because the bills are not paid, or unusual activity with the older person’s bank account · Signs of neglect such as no food in the house, being left alone for long periods of time, not having glasses or hearing aids that are needed, or not having proper or clean clothing. Every situation is different. A warning sign does not automatically mean abuse is happening. Ask questions, seek advice from experts on abuse, avoid judgment and be respectful. Trust your instincts. In Canada, some kinds of abuse — like fraud, assault, sexual assault, threatening harm and criminal harassment — are crimes under the Criminal Code. Some types of abuse are also offences under provincial and territorial laws. To learn more about senior neglect and abuse or to arrange an awareness workshop, contact the SSM at 306-359-9956 or visit www.skseniorsmechanism.ca. Another informative resource is www.seniors.gc.ca. SSM is currently working on a project to establish a province-wide, 24-7, 1-800 response line. It will be a centralized resource and crisis intervention line for seniors encountering abuse and neglect. If you have immediate concerns about an older person’s safety, call the police by dialing 911. If you are a victim of neglect or abuse, or you suspect abuse, call the following Mobile Crisis Services numbers collect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week: Regina and area: 306-757-0127; Saskatoon and area: 306-933-6200; Prince Albert and area 306-764-1011. —Submitted by Dianne Barrow, research coordinator, SSM REG31996425_1_1
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. The components of your feet work together, sharing the tremendous pressures of daily living. Foot ailments are among the most common of our health problems. Although some can be traced to heredity, many stem from the cumulative impact of a lifetime of abuse and neglect. Your foot health can be a clue to your overall health. For example, joint stiffness could mean arthritis. Tingling or numbness could be a sign of diabetes. Swelling might indicate kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure.
Regardless of the current condition of your feet, you can take actions to reach or maintain healthy feet for a lifetime. Simple steps for taking good care of your feet include: • Don’t ignore foot pain. • Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in colour and temperature of your feet. • Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely. • Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. • Select appropriate shoes for your feet. Wear new shoes in slowly and remember new shoes should not hurt your feet. • Keep-the-blood flowing to your feet. Avoid crossing your legs and don’t smoke. • Keep a active Lifestyle. Questions ask your PharmaChoice Pharmacist.
Your Independently Owned Community Pharmacy STAPLEFORD PHARMACY 4113 5th Ave. 306-545-5900
COLLEGE AVENUE DRUGS 636 College Ave. 306-525-2513
TOWERS PHARMACY 2713 Avonhurst Dr. 306-586-9377
DEWDNEY DRUGS 3034 Dewdney Ave. 306-757-8604
HILL AVENUE DRUGS 3410 Hill Ave. 306-586-6262
LORNE DRUGS 2255 14th Ave. 306-757-9667
MEDI DRUGS 3 locations! 3015 5th Ave. 306-352-5626
3992 Albert St. 306-586-6366 355 Albert St. 306-924-0700
RIVER HEIGHTS DRUGS 2730 Montague St. 306-584-2455
PARK STREET DRUGS 2415 Park St. 306-757-9164 LAKESHORE PHARMACY 1380 23rd Ave. 306-584-0717
For information only & should not be a substitute for Medical Care. Always consult with your Medical Physician on any health related issues. Proudly Supporting Seniors Week in Saskatchewan!
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