QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIORS
Quality of Life
FOR SENIORS
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REGINA LEADER-POST
LIVING LIFE OUTSIDE THE LINES
C A RO L T O D D POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS
As children, we are told to “colour inside the lines,” and as adults, we are required to stay within manner of boundaries. Yet, for one Regina senior, art and life outside the lines has brought freedom and peace. “I am having the quality of life that I never had before,” says Jim Toth, who will turn 79 years young this summer. “It’s a quality that, at my age, I am absolutely delighted with and happy with, because I’m at peace,” he says. The journey to that place has not always been easy, but he found his way through his art and his faith. “Religion is an aspect that I have grown and matured in in life to where I am no longer confined by the mores and standards and rituals of everyday church practice,” he says, adding his worship is based on the biblical definition of a church as wherever “two or more are gathered in His name.” At the same time, his faith has helped shape his life in many ways. He has been a Lutheran lay pastor since 1961, and his second wife and his daughters from his first marriage are ordained ministers in their respective churches. Toth was born and raised in Regina and he and his family continue to live there. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, and a post-graduate diploma in Education Administration from the University of Regina. He recently graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree from Carey College at the University of British Columbia. He’s performed as a hypnotist and as Petals the Clown and continues to be an active volunteer, serving with the Regina LeaderPost Foundation, and, in the past, the Rotary Club, the Regina Exhibition Association and Taylor Field. But, it’s his faith, and his art, that continue to be the driving forces in his life. “I worship religion outside the lines as I paint outside the lines,” he says. He began studying watercolour painting in the 1950s before branching into oils and, eventually, acrylics. Today he paints mainly in oils, though he says that “acrylic painting has snuck back into” his studio. He and his wife travel extensively, with the vistas they see finding their way onto his canvasses. The other artists he visits contribute to his growth as an artist. A recent high point was a meeting with Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman. “It was magic. We were so blessed with this wonderful opportunity and experience,” he says. He’s looking forward to a trip to the Grand Tetons National Park next month to visit artist Scott Christensen to, he says, “help me
Don’t put me in a shoebox. J I M TO TH, Reg ina ar tist
Regina senior Jim Toth’s passion for art has elevated his quality of life. In recent years, Toth has focused on plein air (outdoor) painting. P H O TO S C O U RTE SY J IM TOTH
fine tune my brush.” For the last six years or so, he has focused on plein air painting, from the French term meaning open (in full) air. He jokes that he was driven to search for places to paint outdoors by the Prairie winter. “With winter comes the cabin fever,” he says of trips to places like the Anza Borrego desert in Northern California or Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island to wield his brush outside. His brush doesn’t seem to need much tuning: his first solo show and sale of his work at the University of Regina The World Through My Eyes, saw six paintings sold in the first two hours. He terms himself “delighted” with the response. “I am thrilled. I hope more go the same way. This is very uplifting,” he says. The show continues until June 24 at the University Club at the U of R. More information on the show, and on the artist himself is online at jimtothprairieartist.ca/ blog. While marketers encourage “thinking outside the box,” outside the box is where Jim Toth lives. “Don’t put me in a shoebox,” he says. That and painting outside the lines have brought him peace and a high quality of life. Good advice for the rest of us who are still searching.
Qualicum Beach, oil on canvas by Jim Toth.
ABOUT THIS CONTENT: QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIORS WAS PRODUCED BY POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS AS A RESULT OF ADVERTISERS’ INTEREST IN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THIS SUBJECT. POSTMEDIA’S EDITORIAL DEPARTMENTS HAD NO INVOLVEMENT IN THE CREATION OF THIS CONTENT.
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T U E S D A Y, M A Y 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIORS
REGINA LEADER-POST
ON-LINE ACCESS TO REPORTS Saskatchewan personal care home inspections go digital Pat R e d i g e R Postmedia Content Works
Personal care home consultants in Saskatchewan are trading in their pens and papers for tablets. These consultants are employed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and are responsible for inspecting the province’s personal care homes – typically on an annual basis – to ensure that the residents who live in these homes receive safe and appropriate care in the best possible environment.
Everything’s more automated and efficient. It provides more up-to-date information to the public to assist them with selecting a care home. In 2014, the Saskatchewan Legislature passed a law that enables these inspection reports to be posted publicly on the internet. As part of the digital transformation process that followed, the consultants now have the tools to share up-todate information with members of the public who are examining potential care homes. “Up until recently, we had always done our inspections with a pen and paper. When the regulations changed, the consultants would put the information into a PDF and we’d post that online,” said Dawn Skalicky-Souliere, Director of Licensing for Saskatchewan Health. “Now, they can conduct their inspections using tablets. Everything’s more automated and
efficient. It provides more up-todate information to the public to assist them with selecting a care home. When the standards under the Personal Care Homes Act change, so do our evaluation tools. At the end of the day, we’re looking at making sure the residents who live in personal care homes are living in a safe, secure environment and they’re receiving safe and appropriate care.” Care home inspection reports are now housed online at http:// personalcarehomes.saskatchewan. ca. Information is available for home inspections completed after Sept. 24, 2015, the date when Saskatchewan Health unveiled the new software. Inspection reports prior to the switch are available as online PDFs. The first thing one notices when visiting the site is a list of all of the personal care homes in the province. Visitors have the option to view this information as an interactive map – where a quick scroll or a few clicks will bring up all the options in your area – or a traditional table embedded in the site. Once a care home is selected, detailed information about the facility is presented, including the address, contact information, approximate monthly rates and attributes. The file also displays the infractions at the time of last inspection and total unresolved infractions. Some examples of infractions include personal care homes not storing, preparing, cooking and serving food properly to prevent or minimize risk of illness, poisoning, or injury to residents; not administering medications according to the 6 R’s (Right Resident, Right Time, Right Route, Right Medication, Right Amount, and Right Documentation); and failing to have proper door alarms installed on each exit and activated at all times to eliminate the risks of residents wandering off property. Despite infractions that may occur at the time of the last inspection, it’s common for there to be
Care home inspection reports conducted by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health can be viewed online, at http://personalcarehomes.saskatchewan.ca. P hoto: Get t y ImaGes
no current unresolved infractions. That’s because personal care home consultants work with licensees – often during the inspection itself – to address deficiencies and coaching them to facilitate compliance with the requirements. The new technology allows consultants to quickly update listings when the deficiencies have been addressed. “If you are looking for a care home, you have a good idea of what the home is like. You have access to quite a bit of information online,” said Skalicky-Souliere. “We’re cer-
tainly finding it a lot easier to track infractions.” Skalicky-Souliere said that around 30 per cent of the personal care homes in the province have been inspected since the new software was introduced. Beyond the inspections, the FAQ section of the website offers a bevy of information, including how to report a problem with a personal care home and information on applying for a personal care home licence. There’s also a link to the document “Selecting A Personal
Care Home That Is Right For You”, which contains general information on things to consider when selecting a home. “The document is a very good resource for people who are looking for a personal care home,” Skalicky-Souliere said. “It suggests some questions for people to ask when they’re meeting with personal care home operators. It also suggests some things to take note of when you’re looking at homes. It kind of sets the tone for the whole process.”
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QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIORS
T U E S D A Y, M A Y 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
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REGINA LEADER-POST
When seeking care for a loved one, it’s vital to do your homework R ac h e l e O d n O kO n Postmedia Content Works
Choosing a care home for your loved one can be a daunting as well as emotionally challenging experience. With so many factors to consider, such as your loved ones’ individual health care needs, as well as location, cost and accessibility, it can be hard to find a place that has everything you are looking for. It can also be hard to place your trust and the care of your loved one with someone else, despite knowing they are professionals who can provide the long-term, daily supervision and assistance you simply cannot on your own. Luckily, the Personal Care Home Association has some tips to help guide you through this difficult but important decision. The Personal Care Home Association is a privately owned and operated group of care homes in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health District aimed at providing the most personalized and quality care to seniors who are no longer able to safely live at home or in independent living complexes. All homes are monitored and inspected annually by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, facilities, staff and services are delivered. Registered Nurse Shannon Chapple is President of Dove House and Dove Home Care in Regina. She explains, the care homes in this privately owned group are typically quite small, with approximately 10 to 20 beds per facility. They feature private, individual rooms so that residents may have their own television, phone and personal space. “The low ratio of residents to staff allows for greater individualized care, monitoring and planning. As well, many of the facilities are equipped to offer end of life and palliative care, and multiple health conditions can be monitored and cared for,” Chapple said. The average cost of a placement in one of these facilities can range from approximately $2,000 to
It is important if you are caring for an elderly parent or loved one that you become aware of and familiar with the services available in your area, as emergent care can and will be needed at some point. A care home that has a low ratio of residents to staff allows for greater individualized care, monitoring and planning, says Shannon Chapple, R.N., President of Dove House and Dove Home Care in Regina. P hot o: Get t y I m aG e s
$5,000 per month, depending on health care needs, with some subsidies available from the Government of Saskatchewan. When seeking care for your loved one, it is vital that you do your research beforehand, said Chapple. “It is important if you are caring for an elderly parent or loved one that you become aware of and familiar with the services available in your area, as emergent care can and will be needed at some point. As well, when searching for care, make sure all needs can be met and sustained for the duration of their life, giving them safe independence and quality of life at whatever stage they may be at. Your elderly loved one may need constant daily supervision for all aspects of care, something that you may not be able to provide but a Personal Care Home Association facility can,” Chapple said. While you may not wish to transition your loved one from home to a care facility, there are some key things you need to watch for
which could indicate that professional care is needed. These include changes in cognition, mobility issues and diet or appetite. One of the most important things to monitor is signs of cognitive deterioration, such as confusion, poor memory, poor concentration, misplacing objects, getting lost, or no longer recognizing familiar people, places or things. As well, frequent falls, difficulty getting around, and difficulty or inability to bathe resulting in poor hygiene might be a sign that your loved one can no longer safely live at home. You may also want to ask yourself if your loved one is getting the proper nutrition he or she needs, and whether or not he or she is able to safely cook for him or her self or get to and from the grocery store. If not, it may be time to seek professional help, as Chapple explains. For more information, contact Dove Home Care at (306) 5250045.
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3446 Wascana St. Regina, SK S4S 2H3 Phone: 306-586-2361 Fax: 306-584-5008 Licence #8322
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Everything is the same, except for the name. Brightwater Senior Living of Riverbend is now “Riverbend Crossing – An Esprit Lifestyle Community”. Rest assured though, we will continue to provide the same comprehensive care for seniors living with dementia in the same welcoming, friendly and secure environment. Our staff, quality of care and service remain unchanged. One exception is the Esprit Living philosophy, which is born of the belief that a joyful retirement comes from extended vitality of the whole self. Residents now enjoy amenities and activities that engage the body, mind and spirit. We’re better, yet we’re the same…right down to our signature apple crisp.
2235 Heseltine Road, Regina, SK., S4V 3G8
306 347 7773 www.riverbendcrossingrc.com
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T U E S D A Y, M A Y 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIORS
REGINA LEADER-POST
Looking to take a vacation? Find inspiration, as well as helpful tips and great deals, in our Travel section on Fridays. Finding love again is possible for seniors who get back into the dating scene. P hot o: MNS
Senior dating trends The first Baby Boomers will be turning 70 in 2016, and this generation remains one of the most influential in the country and around the world. Scores of products and services are now marketed to seniors, many of whom remain as active and socially aware as they were in their youth. One aspect of senior marketing that is booming is dating and relationship products. Singles age 50 and older are increasingly relying on online dating sites and other methods to find love and companionship. Dating is no longer kids’ play, and those who have been away from dating for some time may have to get reacquainted with the process in the modern age. CONSIDER ONLINE DATING
Data from Pew Research found one in two divorced or widowed seniors had remarried in 2013, and that trend figures to continue. Many seniors are using online dating sites to find their new matches. While websites geared to dating make it easier to get in touch with fellow singles, the relative anonymity of the process can make it challenging to separate the truth from some self-promoting hype on dating profiles. Begin by relying on dating sites that have been tested and recommended. One to try is the AARP dating site partnered with How About We. In addition to its simplicity and small financial commitment, the site caters to the over-50 crowd and is backed by the AARP name. It’s good for those looking for
an activity partner as well as casual dating. Popular sites Match.com and eHarmony.com also boast high percentages of users age 50 and up. Even after thorough consideration and conversation, online daters should exercise caution when meeting someone online and then in person. Profiles aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easier to fudge the facts when initiating contact over the Internet. KEEP AN OPEN MIND
It’s easy to be preoccupied with the rigors of being an older adult and the responsibilities that still may rest on your shoulders. Part of the fun of dating when you were young likely had to do with throwing caution to the wind. But some of those same carefree aspects remain true whether you’re dating at 17 or at 57. Laughter, fun, spontaneity, and the chance for some adventure are still the keys to making memorable dates.
2735 Avonhurst Drive 306-949-8798
GT Pharmacy – We’re committed to you! After undergoing a complete renovation in September 2015, the Giant Tiger (GT) store at 2735 Avonhurst Drive in Regina became one of two locations in Canada to offer pharmacy services, including a full dispensary and expanded over-thecounter department. “As part of the GT family, our pharmacy’s focus is to always offer outstanding value to the community, and professional services that look after your health. We offer competitive pricing on both prescription and over the counter medicine,” explains Shannon Appel, pharmacist and manager of GT Pharmacy. Pharmacists are providing more services now than ever before to help seniors live and feel better. “There is a new type of pharmacist in Saskatchewan, and this new pharmacy reflects that. It is my passion to pass on my medication knowledge to the public, and I enjoy spending one-on-one time with my patients,” says Appel. For more information about GT Pharmacy contact Shannon and the pharmacy team directly at 306-949-8798. Free delivery for all of your medication needs.
Talk to your GT pharmacist We can help
SOMETIMES IT’S WHO YOU KNOW
The old adage of it’s “who you know” and not “what you know” is applicable to dating. If you are ready to jump into the dating world again, ask your close friends or family members if they know anyone who might be in a similar situation. Taking another stab at dating later in life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no matter how long it’s been since your last first date, some aspects of dating are the same as ever. Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things. (MNS)
Shannon Appel Manager
• Easily arranged prescription transfers • Personalized and confidential medication counselling • Professional advice on over-the-counter medications • Organizing your medications (blister packs) • Professional advice on choosing vitamins/ supplements • Complete medication reviews • Health education and seminars • Pharmacists specializing in diabetes care • Free blood pressure monitoring • Smoking cessation expert
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Fall Prevention
Most feel anxious when first diagnosed with osteoporosis. Their concerns are usually related to the fear of breaking bones. With the help of drug therapy and appropriate lifestyle changes, individuals are able to reduce their risk of fracture and, in some cases, improve bone mass. That is food for positive thought! If you have osteoporosis, you should become aware of the factors that could increase the likelihood of falling. In addition to making your home safer, you should consider assistive devices that can reduce the risk of falling. • Canes and walkers will provide stability. • A seat lift is a device you put under you while sitting in a chair that helps push you up when you need to get up. • Hip protectors are designed to act as shock absorbers. • Reaching aids are helpful and come in different lengths. Call your local community information centre to inquire about access to fall prevention resources. An accurate diagnosis of your pain is very important. More chronic back pain is caused by degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis than by osteoporosis. With an accurate diagnosis, you will be better able to develop a pain management program that works for you. Walking, even if inside your home or apartment is a desirable exercise because it forces your major bones to bear the weight of your body. As you feel stronger, you can begin a formal exercise program that incorporates other weight-bearing exercises. There are several types of professionals who can assist you with these pain management techniques. Your family doctor will be able to refer you to someone who specializes in pain management. Source: Osteoporosis Canada: www.osteoporosis.ca Questions Ask your PharmaChoice Pharmacist. For information only & should not be a substitute for Medical Care.
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 2 locations! 3015 5th Ave. 306-352-5626 3992 Albert St. 306-586-6366
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!
AdviceLife for
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