Seniors Week

Serving Seniors Since 1993 Celebrating Seniors

National Seating & Mobility(NSM) is NorthAmerica’s most experienced providerofcomplex rehabilitation seating, mobilityand positioning systems,with a nationwide network ofrespected professionals and dedicated specialists across Canada & 45 U.S. states.

Formore than 25years, NSM has been providing unparalleled products and services meeting mobilityand accessibility needs, no matterhowsimple orcomplex

Ourfocus is to provide one-of-a-kind mobilitysolutions designed to be comfortable, safe andwork completely in syncwith each client We deliver independence and self-reliance to our clients, regardless ofage orphysical challenge; offerreassurance to families and caregivers; and provide flexible, highly professional clinical support to therapists and healthcare professionals. Whetheryourmobilityneeds are straightforward orcomplex, NSM is here to provideyouwith 360-degree

How to protect against fraud

Fraud prevention is an important topic for all Canadians, but in particular for seniors.

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The Protection from Frauds and Scams page on the Canadian Government’s website, Canada ca, offers a section called “Tricks of the trade: What’s in a fraudster’s toolbox?”

They hope that foreknowledge will help Canadians recognize the increasingly sophisticated tricks and tools scammers use to entrap victims.

At a recent Canada-wide workshop that I attended, the presenters said, “education and awareness are the strongest line of defence against fraud ” Unfortunately, frauds and scams

disproportionately impact older people, although with the more sophisticated technology in use today, more younger people are also being successfully targeted

Nevertheless, the government website section What Every Older Canadian Should Know About Fraud and Scams, says “Fraud is the No. 1 crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others.”

Why are seniors being targeted? According to the same website, some of the reasons are that they are often home during the day to answer the door or phone, they can be more trusting, and they may not have family or friends close by to ask for a second opinion

Seniors are also perceived to have more money than others, many are not techsavvy so easier to scam online, over the

Continued on page B3

Older And Wiser Margaret Coates

Know what scams are commonly used

Continued from page B2

phone or on social media, they may have cognitive or physical impairments which prevents them from making good judgements, and they fear reporting because

they might be judged as incompetent

So, what are some of the scams to watch out for if you are a senior? Some of the top scams, according to the Safety and Continued on page B7

Celebrating Seniors

Don’t LetAging StopYou From LivingYourBest Life

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Celebrating Seniors

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Providing legal services since 1986

Are you looking for lawyers on the North Shore? Lakes, Whyte LLP is your local law firm. We are one of the few full-service law firms in North Vancouver who provide a wide range of professional assistance with business law, real estate, estates, wills, and litigation

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Didyou knowHome Care is Unregulated in BC ?

Ensure you ask the right questions before hiring a Home CareAgency

Caregivers are entrusted to care for vulnerable adults in ourcommunity with no regulations and/orstandards of qualityand safetyimplemented bythe government.Accreditation helps ensure health organizations improve quality, safety, and efficiencyso theycan provide you andyourfamilywith the best possible care and service We believe thatyou andyourfamilyhave the right to safe and regulated heath care services

We are a local, non-franchised home care agencybased on the North Shore forthe last 20years All care is provided

bylicenced CareAides underthe supervision ofourRegistered Nurses We are committed to serving ourcommunity with the highest qualityofhome support services In an unregulated industry, our safetystandards are exceptionallyhigh, andwe are proud to beAssurityApproved byBC Care ProvidersAssociation –EngAgeBC

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Seniors are warned to be wary of scammers. BLOOM PRODUCTIONS/DIGITALVISION/GETTY IMAGES

Families helping Families

The Kearneyname has been synonymouswith a deep-seated legacyofcare, rooted in the tradition ofproviding professional services to help lighten the burden ofsaying goodbye toyourloved one Familyis at the heart ofeverything theydo: fourgenerations of familymeetingyourfamily’s needswith compassion, dignityand respect built on the pillaroftrust for115 years instilled byfounderand patriarch,ThomasJ Kearney.

Ifyou are planning a cremation and memorial service don’twait You can’t put griefoff, griefis the emotional response to loss, and mourning is howyou externalize it; it’s somethingyou experience regardless ifyou’re delaying it ornot.

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Kearney’s empathetic and knowledgeable staffprovide customized services and personalized assistance to create a meaningful experience that honours the life and memoryofyourloved one,whetheryou choose a traditional funeral, conventional orgreen burial, cremation, memorial service, a celebration oflife, or you require funeral rites and religious rituals foryour culture,youwill be supported through everystep Pre-planningyourfuneral service and burial could be a consideration that ensuresyourfamilyand friends knowpreciselyyourwishes, helping to mitigate a lot of emotional choices foryourfamilyand also alleviating a lot offamilyconflictwhenyou’ve madeyourviews known followingyourdeath.There are manybenefits to pre-planning, such as the financial component; you’ll paya lot less todaythan in the future, so it’s advantageous to lock in the price now Kearneycan helpyou considerthe details to plan a meaningful memorial true toyou and the lifeyou’ve created However,you do need to allowyourfamilysome input; funerals are also forthe living onceyou have died. www.kearneyfs.com

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Estate planning and probate

Estate Planning and Probate Made Easy Celebrating Seniors

Based on the North Shore since 2011, Westcoast Wills & Estates is a team ofeight estate lawyerswho focus on creatingwell-thought-outwills and other estate planning documents Theyalso help executorswith probate

EstatePlanning:

With theirdeep focus on estates and commitment to personalized service, Westcoast Wills & Estates has become a go-to resource forseniors on the North Shore seeking to secure theirlegacy. Common estate plans include awill, a powerofattorneyand a representation agreement.With thorough estate planning advice, these three documents provide youwith peace ofmind knowing thatyou are lessening the chance offuture costs and disputes

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CELEBRATESENIORSWEEKJUNE5-11

Avoid scams by remembering the phrase ‘you don’t get something for nothing’

Continued from page B3

Security 2022 booklet, published by the North Shore News, include the grandparent, romance, extortion, service, internet, CRA, and charity scams.

The booklet outlines these scams in detail and suggests useful prevention tips

The publication is also helpful in outlining other safety issues for seniors such as vehicle security, home safety, wills and power of attorney, signs of abuse and more.

To get a copy, try your nearest seniors centre, recreation centre, or library It can also be found on the North Shore News website nsnews com under “Features/ Special Print Features ” The new edition of the booklet should be in circulation by September of this year, according to Tannis Hendricks, one of the project co-ordinators

One of the worst scams in my opinion is the grandparent or emergency scam, in

which a scammer posing as a grandchild solicits a trusting grandparent for money for any number of emergency issues They’ll often request funds through money service businesses or they might offer to send someone to pick up cash in person.

It would be wise to remember that phone calls from grandkids should not be acted on until you take time to think carefully about the call, and then phone a friend or family member to get advice.

Also, remember that police, judges, or other legal entities will never request money from money service businesses. The good news that I heard at the workshop I mentioned above is that a lower number of seniors are being scammed by this method in British Columbia than other large provinces

In terms of protecting yourself, take seriously the following phrases: “buyer beware” and “you don’t get something

for nothing.” That advice might help you might avoid a scam

Also, never tell another person your PIN or account passwords, do not click on pop-up windows or respond to e-mails, open attachments, or go to website links sent by people you do not know.

Never give out your credit card, bank account or personal information to someone over the phone, at the door or over the internet unless you know the person or organization well, and do not sign an agreement until you give yourself time to think it over Do not be rushed into buying something.

Before hiring someone or agreeing to have work done on your home, ask for proof of identity and references and make sure to check them

I was once almost nearly swayed by a scammer who strongly and persuasively suggested that all my home heating system needed replacing On the pretext of

going to the washroom, I quickly checked the Better Business Bureau website and found the company to have serious issues attached to its name.

Tannis Hendricks said that it’s a shame we need to warn people every year about the myriad of scams targeting not just seniors but everyone

“I’m a positive person who likes to believe in the good of people and give them the benefit of the doubt. It’s just so disappointing when people prove otherwise ”

If you are feeling pressured or rushed in any situation, take this advice: “take five and call someone ”

Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She has lived on the North Shore for 52 years and has worked for and with seniors for twenty-seven of those years Ideas for future columns are welcome – email lions view@ telus net

Celebrating Seniors

YourLife,YourLegacy

From our family to yours, we invite you to visit Hollyburn Funeral Home & First Memorial Funeral Services Boal Chapel. As the only funeral providers with full facilities on the North Shore and years of experience, we encourage you to meet our friendly team who pays attention to every detail, as we provide service that is second to none.

We believe that every life is unique

This belief is what drives us to provide personalized funerals and memorial services with a focus on honouring the lives ofyour loved ones in unique and meaningful ways. Whetheryou prefer a traditional funeral service or a small gathering of friends, we are committed to meeting your needs and wishes.

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Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

offer a serene and natural setting for placement ofyour loved ones ashes. As you stroll through the grounds, you will notice a wide range of cremation

5.

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Ifyoucan’tcareforapetonyourown,lookfor aretirementcommunitythatallowsfamily memberstobringpetstovisitorprovides sessionswithspeciallytrainedtherapyanimals.

Then Now

Taking

Established

HowWellwise byShoppers™ is Helping Canadians Bring Wellness Home Celebrating Seniors

At Wellwise byShoppers™,we believe thatyourhome can and should be an environment that supportsyourhealth andwellness asyou age – soyou can carryon doingwhat you love That’swhywe offerawide range ofproducts and services to helpyou bringwellness home.

Bringsafety&comforthome

95% ofCanadian adults over45 believe that being able to age in placewould allowthem to maintain their independence, dignity, and comfort – andwe agree!That’s whywe offerhome products such as bathroom safety equipment, lift chairs, and adjustable beds to ensureyour home continues to meetyourneeds foryears to come And ifyou’re not surewhere to start, ourhome services team can carryout a home assessment to helpyou make the modifications that are right foryou.

Bringactivelivinghome

Make everydaya little more activewith ourline of compression socks and stockings,which can help reduce swelling, increase circulation, and support tired muscles and joints We also offerbraces and supports forthe entire body, ideal forthose looking to be proactive against common injuries orthose recovering from an existing injury.

Bringindependencehome

Being able to move around independentlyis an important part ofagingwell. It allowsyou to do the thingsyou want and need to do, aswell as stayconnectedwith yourcommunity At Wellwise byShoppers™,we offer an extensive range ofmobilityaids to helpyou stay independent Depending on the level ofsupportyou need,you can choose from canes,walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, and more.

Bringbettersleephome

Sleep apnea,whenyourbreathing stops and startswhile you sleep, affects more than 12% ofCanadians over60 It’s detrimental to sleep qualityand can have knock-on effects on otheraspects ofyourhealth At Wellwise by Shoppers™,we’re experts in CPAP– continuous positive airwaypressure – one ofthe main methods fortreating sleep apnea We stock awide range ofCPAPmachines and accessories, aswell as otheritems designed to give you the soundest possible sleep.

Everyonehastheirreasontobewell

Wellness enablesyou to pursue things that mattertoyou –whetherthat’s spending timewith friends and family, doing the hobbies and activitiesyou enjoy, orsimply maintainingyourindependence

At Wellwise byHowWellwise byShoppers™ is Helping Canadians Bring Wellness Home Shoppers™,we’re dedicated to empowering ourcustomers to take control ofhowtheyage. Whatever yourreason to bewell,you can startyour wellness journeyatwellwiseca oryour local Wellwise store. wellwise.ca

HAPPY HAPPY NATIONAL NATIONAL SENIORS WEEK! SENIORS WEEK!

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Celebrating Seniors

Oftenreferredtoasthe snakeplantormother-inlaw’stonguebecauseofits shape,thesansevieria doesn’tneedmuchlight It alsodoesn’tneedtobe wateredfrequently; therefore,it’stheperfect plantforforgetfulfolk

Respect Your Elders: How Seniors Contribute to A Better World

We are often reminded in the news that Canada’s population is aging, seniors outnumber children in this country, and seniors are also the fastest-growing demographic.

Seniors do have high healthcare and social-service needs, but what’s often lost in the conversation is how much seniors contribute to society.

Did you know that 1.5 million of Canada’s nearly eight million caregivers are 65 or older?

In light of senior’s week, here are a few examples of how older adults give back to society and make our world a better place:

Caregiving: Nearly a quarter of people aged 65 or older provide help or care to family members and friends with a long-term health condition, a disability or problems related to aging, according to Statistics Canada Seniors are most likely to provide care for a spouse or partner, followed by caring for a friend, neighbour or colleague, a parent, or another family member. More than a quarter of seniors say their health as suffered as a result of their caregiving responsibilities.

Childcare: Canada has 7.5 million grandparents, the

highest number ever. They have fewer grandchildren than in generations past, but their relationships with grandkids are longer and richer. Some grandparents even share a household with their children and grandchildren.

Volunteering: Prior to the pandemic, older adults who volunteered contributed the most hours per person, on average: in 2018, it was over 130 hours. Among other benefits, local volunteerism helps communities build resilience and manage risk in a crisis. Seniors get

a lot out of volunteering, too, including community engagement, life-long learning, and better physical and mental health.

Sharing knowledge: Seniors have a wealth of knowledge and lived experience, making them valuable mentors and teachers. After retiring from full-time work, many older adults continue to contribute through volunteering providing consulting services or mentoring younger people. These activities can also give retirees a sense of purpose as they navigate life after work.

Charitable donations: Seniors are a generous bunch – per person, they give more money to charities than other age groups. In 2018, seniors donated nearly $10 billion, up nearly 4% from the previous year, and those figures don’t include other donations not claimed on tax returns. Seniors contribute financially in other ways, too, supporting children or grandchildren either by sharing their homes or providing funds. And, of course, let’s not forget the vast sums of taxes that seniors have paid over their lifetime, contributing to society at large.

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CELEBRATESENIORSWEEKJUNE5-11

CHLOROPHYTUM

Usuallycalledthespider plant,chlorophytumcanbe placedonapieceoffurniture orshelftotraildown.It’sesthetically pleasingandeasytomaintain Asa bonus,chlorophytumplantsoften producepups,soyoucancreate newplantstogivetoothers.

CRASSULA

Commonlyknownasthejade plant,thecrassularequiresa lotofsunlight.Itneedsverylittle waterandgrowsslowly,making itidealforsmallspaces.

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Celebrating Seniors

Honoringyourlife, home, and community

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We understand that choosing a seniors’ home is an important decision.You can rest assured that all ourstaffmembers are caring, compassionate, andwell-

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Celebrating Seniors

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SilverHarbourSeniors’ActivityCentre

It’s Seniors Week and fornearly50years

SilverHarbourSeniors’ActivityCentre has been offering a gathering place forlocal seniors We currentlyoffermore than 75 programs and services, including physical fitness,visual and performing arts, games, informative seminars and much more

We also provide a numberofimportant services such as delicious low-cost meals, a legal clinic, and information about others seniors services

We hopeyou’ll check out ourwebsite at www.silverharbourcentre.com and call us at 604-980-2474 formore information Seniors Week is an opportunityto acknowledge and celebrate the integral part seniors playin communities across British Columbia We are celebrating seniors thisweek and hopeyou are too! SilverHarbourSeniors’ActivityCentre 144 East 22nd Street, NorthVancouver 604.980.2474 | silverharbourcentre.com

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Celebrating Seniors

Make Life Golden – EnjoyPeace ofMind

Locallyowned and operated,we strive to put relationships first andwant to enhance the qualityoflife foreveryfamily member Affordable 24 hourin home services everydayoftheyear. Ourcaregivers epitomize dailyintegrity and professionalism.All ourstaffare trained in FirstAid, CPR, and must pass stringent background checks

We are committed to extraordinary caregiving to the residents and communities on the North Shore We keepyou healthyand happyby providing a balance ofsocial interaction

and independence

Oursuccess is based on the philosophy that aging is a gift to be experienced togetherwith ease, comfort and joy.

We believe dignity, integrity, and respect are always the mostvaluable commodities Yoursmile is the highest level ofpraise forus

GoldenAge Seniors Services 220 - 145 Chadwick Court NorthVancouver 604-512-0647

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~NewspaperToolbox