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May/June 2021

SIDNEY HOMES DESIGNED FOR ELEGANCE AND FLOW “WHY DIDN’T I MAKE THIS MOVE YEARS AGO?” COMPANIONSHIP IN ADDITION TO IN-HOME-CARE I BELONG HERE, MAKING CONNECTIONS EATING AND LIVING WELL TAPESTRY AT VICTORIA HARBOUR OMI INTERACTIVE PROJECTORS BASIC FIRST AID IS A VERY IMPORTANT SKILL

34 Sophisticated Homes in the Heart of Sidney.

Sales Centre Open Wednesday to Sunday | 12 pm - 4 pm 2387 BEACON AVE. | 250.883.2715 REGISTER TODAY DON’T MISS OUT|

AURARESIDENCES.COM I AURARESIDENCES.COM

HARD HAT TOURS AVAILABLE This is not an offer for sale. An offer for sale can only be made in conjunction with a Disclosure Statement. E & OE.

NOW SELLING SELLING 2 NOW & 3 BR HOMES

FEAR OF MOVING

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TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Perfectly situated Sidney Homes designed for elegance and flow

ife in an idyllic town like Sidney is the dream of many.

It’s a community built around the belief that the best small towns balance walk-able convenience with the sense of getting away from it all.

Located right in the centre of town, the new development Aura Residences is perfectly situated

for outdoor activities, amenities, schools, public transport and bustling Beacon Avenue. Inside is comfort and quiet sophistication; outside is a statement of graceful living.

More famously known as a quaint, upscale retirement community, the town of Sidney is experiencing a shift in demographics that is moving the average age of its residents decidedly lower while ramping up the vitality factor.

“Sidney is much more diverse now,” says Siobhan Newton, head of sales for Aura Residences, a new condominium development in Sidney.

“It’s not just in the people walking around, but also in the restaurants and in the building [that’s happening]. It’s still like

Tues, May 25, 2021

A Victoria Times Colonist publication

Publisher: Dave Obee Director of Advertising: Peter Baillie #201-655 Tyee Road Victoria, BC, V9A 6X5 To advertise in the next issue and or submit content contact: Simone Fibiger sfibiger@timescolonist.com

being in a village, and it has that community feel, but it’s more eclectic than it used to be.”

At just four stories high, Aura features West Coast modern architecture quietly at home with its surroundings. Built by awardwinning Homewood Constructors Ltd., Aura offers an exclusive collection of 34 condominium homes where you can choose from one, two and three-bedroom layouts carefully designed to enhance the lifestyle that draws you to this peaceful corner of Sidney.

From the airy over-height ceilings, two professionally curated colour scheme palettes, Oak cabinetry and engineered Oak flooring to premium energyefficient stainless steel appliances and a natural gas fireplace, everything at Aura is designed for elegance and flow.

“It has excellent accessibility for everyone,” says Newton. “If you are older and you’re at the point where you can’t drive, there are three major grocery stores, a theatre, wine boutiques, a liquor store,

clinics and a hospital five minutes away.

“It’s not like being in a small place where, if something happens, you wonder ‘how am I going to get somewhere?’” Filled with fine boutiques, a dining culture that includes 12 cafes and several

international restaurants, as well as many must-visit bookstores, this little gem on the peninsula certainly keeps its residents busy.

To arrange a showing or for more details about Aura Residences, call 250-883-2715 or visit auraresidences.com.

Guided by thoughtful design and a desire to bring leading-edge projects to life, Homewood Constructors Ltd. is a trusted name in local development and a leader in the multi-family residential construction market.

To view Homewood Constructor’s award-winning projects visit homewoodconstructors.com

Stairs can be challenging.

1/3 British Columbians over the age of 65 will fall once every year.*

Reduce the risk of falls by scheduling a FREE in-home or virtual assessment to see if a stairlift is right for your home.

*Per Government of BC

Contact David for a FREE In-Home Assessment!

DAVID MANUEL Seating & Mobility Consultant 101 - 2657 Wilfert Road Victoria, BC V9B 5Z3 www.HMEStairlifts.com Call: (250) 880-2493

David.Manuel@hmebc.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 | 3

“Why didn’t I make this move years ago?”

By Andrew Trinder, Director of Operations, VRS Communities Seniors Living

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oss Place in Victoria and Lakeside Gardens in Nanaimo In my previous life, now feeling like a lifetime ago, I used to operate high end hotels, clubs and resorts.

I was happy, I thoroughly enjoyed my chosen career which started in London, moved to obscurity for a while in Andorra, then followed the high life in Bermuda for more years than I should have, surrounded by turquoise waters, wealth and fame (others, not me). I escaped and moved to Victoria in 2007 initially to run the Aerie Resort and Spa, before I was hired to operate Ross Place Seniors Community.

Honestly, I did not know if it would be a good fit for me, but decided to try.

From the moment I walked through the door, I loved it. I was surrounded by wonderful people and felt a sense of worth. Right then, I knew I would never be going back to hotels. That was ten years ago and I asked myself the question “why didn’t I make this move years ago?”

Having now welcomed and gotten to know thousands of seniors who have chosen to move from their home into a community living setting, whether Independent or Assisted Living, I now recognize

they are all faced with similar questions (albeit more important than a career choice). “Do I want to change my lifestyle?”, “Do I want to live in a community?”, “Will I like the other people living there?”, “Do I want someone else to cook my meals, and will it be to my taste?”, “Will I be interested in attending all these activities they are telling me about?”.

My best advice is this – we never know what life has to offer if we stay within our comfort zone. Stepping out into something new, whether it’s a new career or residence, can bring an even better future than you imagined. You just have to give it a try.

Ten years later, what I hear from so many of our residents is the same response I had, “Why didn’t I make this move years ago?”.

VRS Communities is a locallyowned, non-profit society for Seniors Living with locations in Victoria and Nanaimo. For more information visit vrs.org/ seniors-communities/

seniors living

Locally-Owned, Non-Profit

Part of VRS Communities, Ross Place and Lakeside Gardens are proud to be non-profit organizations. Owned and operated locally, we offer fair-market rates with quality services, amenities, and hospitality.

Book your safe, private tour today at your VRS communities on Vancouver Island:

250-756-0799

lakeside-gardens.com 4088 Wellesley Ave, Nanaimo

250-381-8666

rossplace.ca 2638 Ross Lane, Victoria

ONE MONTH FREE!

*LIMITED TIME OFFER. 6TH MONTH FREE.*

4 | TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

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TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Companionship in Addition to In-Home-Care

uring Covid, and in the past year, most home care companies are seeking individuals to assist them with care and companionship of seniors. In discussing our position with members of a local Business Networking Group this week,participants indicated that they thought we only did in home care which was care intensive and not companionship.

The truth of the matter is that during COVID, seniors have been marginalized as they cannot attend their local exercise group, van ride, day programs and neither can our workers visit them at care homes!

That means the companion side of our business has increased

and in fact is more centered on providing amazing companionship, cooking, drives, playing games, personal assistance, computer and email assists in addition to care!

You think it, we can do it.

It also means, we are seeking individuals with a love and passion for taking the time to get to know a senior and be a perfect companion for them as currently over 70% of our work is as a companion for a shut-in senior.

George is in his 90’s and recently had a live-in team of companions move in with him. He drives a scooter, and loves to go to the bank, post office and shop at the grocery store. His companion caregiver attends with him, and we often see

George and his companions in the village performing their errands. George does not require much care other than cuing, however the companionship, cooking, gardening and outings are making a great difference in his quality of life.

Sylvia is also in her 90’s.

She lives in her own home and wants to remain there with help. She has had home cleaners for many years and loves her current team so there is no need for that kind of attention. She is strong, healthy and fully cognizant of current events and keeps in touch with many of her friends throughout the world by email. Being an ‘airforce’ wife, she and her husband were based all over Canada, and have many friends throughout the world. Her greatest desire is to have a ‘bright young person’ to be a personal assistant, help with computer issues, organize paper work, discuss current events and take her on outings – especially drives.

Most of our families currently want their parent to live at home with help. If that means we assist with the home repairs, we can supply that as well. Many of our seniors live in beautiful homes with flower and vegetable gardens.

Sitting near the garden, holding the hose, or chatting with a companion while they are weeding the garden, keeps the senior doing what they love for as long as they can.

During COVID, getting your hair done, receiving proper foot care, having your nails

done, receiving massages, or occupational therapy were all services seniors struggled to access - we can bring them to you at home.

Being in your own home isn’t just about care – it’s about living life the way you always have, sending emails, going to the library or training on iCloud library and assisting with downloading books.

It’s about navigating the DVD and VCR machines (Yup those VCR’s are still around) Bill, had 3 shelves of beloved VHF tapes. Many of them real treasures. Unfortunately, when he moved from his home to independent living, the staff in the facility were not able to assist when he needed help to run the machine, so the tapes sat on the shelf. This is the difference in with in-home help as we would ensure that Bill had the ‘best fit’ individual to be with

Victoria’s Premium Home Care

him evenings watching movies.

So, in the end, we really want to get the message out that home care companies don’t just do care – they make a difference in a senior’s life – helping to keep them at home continuing on the same trajectory they’ve been on all their adult life, but just a little extra help around the home to keep them mobile, interested and outgoing.

With a huge need for performing companionship, we are calling out to individuals in their 50’s, 60’s and yes even 70’s to join us for a few hours a week to work with one or two clients, taking them on drives, cooking for them or playing games. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, give us a call – we want you!

Johanna Booy – Care & Company Ltd., seniorcarevictoria.ca

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 | 5

I belong here, making connections

dapting how we connect with friends, families and our communities has been a huge part of living through an evolving pandemic. Going online, going outdoors or calling, instead of seeing each other, seems more commonplace. Using community recreation centres in a registered socially distanced way rather than a place to be social and drop-in. For some, the awareness or access to opportunities to connect is still very limited, impacting quality of life. As we continue with immunizations, COVID-19 case numbers, and summer on the way, there are lots of questions around how we can best support each other to regain connections that may have been lost

over the past year, or how we can continue connecting in a variety of ways to support our physical, mental and social health.

Phones are one tool, keeping friends and families up to date on how you are doing, or calling neighbours or former group members to chat. Reaching out to adult counsellors to help navigate these strange times. Or connecting with friendly volunteer ears, through Peer 1 to 1 support and the Family and Friends Caregiver Support Program with groups like Beacon Community Services (778-351-1446), are also great ways to use the phone to connect this year.

Keeping aware of opportunities that are being provided, with safety

in mind, in your local area is also great. Saanich is producing their Older Adult Connections Guide, available in print and online the first week of June. This guide will be available at Saanich Recreation Centres, as well as online at Saanich. ca, and you can order one to be delivered by mail also at 250-4755408. This guide highlights many health and wellness programs, recreation and connection opportunities available this summer near to you in centres, outdoors, at home or online.

For example the centres continue to open as much as possible according to PHO orders so continue to check on programs available.

Outdoors keep your eye on walking

groups, clubs or arts programs to enjoy connections. There are many at-home and online opportunities being offered across municipalities and community centres so that there is the opportunity to connect from all levels of safety comfort.

Another way to connect is to communicate what matters most to you this year and how you feel your community services can help! For example at the back of Saanich’s Community Services Connections Guide there is a survey which can be dropped off at any Saanich Community Recreation Centre, returned by mail or shared over the phone or in email with Alison Chamberlain, the Older Adults Programmer II, with Saanich

Community Services (250-475-5408, Alison.Chamberlain@saanich.ca).

We are all in this together, even in the second year, we belong here making connections in a variety of ways.

I belong here, opening possibilities.

There are many safe ways to connect over the summer!

CONNEC Saanich

TIONS

Older Ad ult Guide

Connections Guide:

Coming this summer, available the first week of June, get one at Saanich Recreation Centres or call 250-475-5408

PARKS, RECRE & COMMUNITY ATION SERVICES

SUMMER Effective June to Sept ember 2021

Beacon Services:

Friendly volunteer ears, Peer 1 to 1 support and Family and Friends Caregiver Support Program 778-351-1446

Saanich Community Services Division: Older Adults Services Phone: 250-475-5408 Email: Alison.Chamberlain @saanich.ca

Creating inspiring community spaces where everyone can connect, learn and belong.

PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

6 | TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Eating and Living Well - Tapestry at Victoria harbour

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apestry’s culinary experience has always been a point of differentiation for its active aging seniors’ communities. With its wellness-inspired focus, Tapestry believes food should not only be delicious, but also support individual health and well-being so that residents can remain independent while continuing to pursue their purpose and passions.

There are many studies that indicate that quality of life can be directly improved by the simple act of eating meals with others.

A 2020 study of older adults in Japan found that eating alone is associated with a decreased quality and quantity of food eaten as well as depressive symptoms. Similarly, Canada’s Food Guide also encourages people to eat with others and notes eating alone can lead to feelings of loneliness, especially for seniors.

Tapestry at Victoria Harbour, which opened in February, is demonstrating its commitment to wellness by introducing a new dining model where the talented chefs are responsible for the full-service madeto-order dining experience. In addition to designing nutrient-rich and creative menu options, they prepare and serve meals to residents who choose to dine at the in-house restaurant.

This innovative approach allows Tapestry chefs to share how each menu item was inspired and prepared, right down to the last ingredient. The relationship they develop with residents helps to ensure the culinary offering meets individual expectations today and evolves over time as do resident tastes and preferences. They involve the residents too – the Tapestry gardening club recently planted herbs for the chefs to use this summer.

At Tapestry, every aspect of the community is designed with the residents’ health and wellness in mind. A daily schedule of events and programming offer fitness classes, social clubs, learning opportunities and more. Residents stay engaged and socially connected while enjoying beautiful amenity spaces such as the restaurant, pub, fireside lounge, and the rooftop terrace that overlooks the Inner Harbour. Every day, residents are discovering new hobbies, activities and events - all while meeting likeminded friends.

Available to own or rent, homes at Tapestry are open and bright, equipped with full kitchens and generous living spaces. Book a private appointment today and tour the beautiful display homes and amenity spaces. Visit TapestryVictoria.com or call 250.419.4261 to learn more.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 | 7

e ov m he et ak m y da to

wake up to wellness A positive environment can make all the difference. Moving into Tapestry's new inspired active aging community is choosing to embrace wellness.

Each and every day our residents are discovering new hobbies, enjoying made-to-order dining and staying active – all while meeting like-minded friends.

What's more, Tapestry's dedicated employees are there to help you thrive on your own terms.

Own or rent – Studio to Two Bedroom + Den homes Open by Private Appointment Call to Book Your Personalized Tour Today 777 Belleville Street | 250.419.426

TapestryVictoria.com

8 | TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Omi Interactive Projectors

Victoria Computer Club

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SPRING CLEANING AND TECHNOLOGY

t’s Spring, the time of decluttering… and yes your devices need to be decluttered on a regular basis.

With your laptop/PC’s/tablets/ phone you can delete files you no longer need or accidentally downloaded to the hard drive, review your pictures to make sure the blurry ones are deleted, delete those 1,000’s of emails you never got around to reading, or take time to read and delete them.

Other decluttering tips are to get rid of electronics you no longer use, ensuring you do a factory reset or have a trusted technician remove all personal data. When you have done that, take an inventory of what you have and write down the Serial Numbers, Models, what year

Mobile Computer Technician Service

Phone: 250-652-7989 seniorscs@gmail.com

Computer and tech help, right to your door Flexible scheduling allows us to come at your convenience Tutoring or instruction at your location or ours

Limited small group sizes Book Early!

Summer & Fall 2021 Discovering Vancouver Island Yukon & NWT - Beyond the Arctic Circle Haida Gwaii & Inside Passage New York, New York!

Discover Newfoundland Fraser Gold Quest Autumn in Quebec & Ontario Enchanted Ireland

An Exciting New Dementia Therapy For Victorians in Long-term Care

you purchased, etc., keeping all of this in a safe place. You may be surprised if you have more than 1 person in the household the amount of equipment you have.

Repurpose, Recycle and Donate.

Sometimes a friend who isn’t as fortunate to have electronics may be overjoyed at receiving something you are getting rid of.

We can help answer some of these questions you may have about how to do this.

The virtual room we meet in is private, but you are welcome to join us if you are interested in learning about our club.

Check out our website at victoriacomputerclub.org/ or email us at VictoriaComputer Club@gmail.com

8 Days 12 Days 9 Days 7 Days 12 Days 8 Days 10 Days 13 Days

July 21 Aug 8 Aug 9 & 23 Sept 8 Sept 13 Sept 15 Sept 26 Oct 9

$3299 $6499 $4299 $4099 $4999 $2999 $4399 $5799

Life enriching travel starts at your door!

250.590.0811 1.844.590.0811 Full Details at: www.MileZeroTours.com 208-620 View Street, Victoria BC Reg # 67275

All deposits fully and promptly refunded if travel cannot occur.

D

ementia is a disease that progressively robs victims of their memory and reasoning skills, affecting their behaviour and their ability to perform the tasks of everyday living. Without effective care, those afflicted often experience isolation and sensory deprivation, further exacerbating their cognitive decline. This in turn can increase incidents of aggressive behaviour as the person experiences feelings of inadequacy, loss of control, and confusion about the world around them.

Unfortunately for Greater Victoria’s 700 long-term care residents living at Aberdeen, Glengarry, Priory and The Summit care facilities – many of whom have some form of dementia – COVID-19 has severely limited the availability of effective care.

Therapy staff are stretched to capacity supporting residents and upholding COVID protocols, and group therapy programming has been largely stopped to prevent virus transmission within this vulnerable population.

With COVID protocols likely to continue for several months to come, the need for innovative new solutions is more urgent than ever. Eldercare Foundation, a local charity dedicated to improving care and quality of life for seniors, is leading a charge to integrate new

technology into the care received by local dementia sufferers.

They hope to provide therapy staff with tools that can increase vital therapeutic interventions now during the pandemic and, ultimately, improve the care available to local residents beyond pre-pandemic levels.

The tool they’re banking on is the OMI projector. It’s an exciting new technology that has garnered accolades across North America and Europe - including a National Dementia Care Outstanding Product Award for the UK in 2018. It projects interactive puzzles, games, and images (easily programmed for different levels of cognition) onto any surface.

For users it feels just like playing video games, but the ‘games’ are specially designed to stimulate memories, improve emotional stability, and even increase strength and mobility through ‘play’.

As users only interact with the projection surface – usually a table top or floor – disinfection between users is quick and easy.

The projectors are also portable, and can be moved anywhere within a long-term care facility. This means that even residents placed in isolation (due to a virus scare, or recent hospital visit) can now receive care in their own rooms.

Eldercare has raised roughly $66,000 so far, which has provided two OMI Projectors to The Summit, and one for the Priory (they are continuing to seek funding for two additional units for the 230 residents of Glengarry and Aberdeen). The early results have been encouraging: individuals who are ordinarily unable to experience periods of calm or focus longer than 20 minutes, are now regularly reported spending more than an hour happily playing games. At a time with COVID limitations have increased agitation and anxiety for many long-term care residents, it’s heartening to see this technology help bring back smiles to those most in need.

For more information about Eldercare Foundation, visit gvef.org.

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING FEATURE ADVERTISING FEATURE FEATURE

TUESDAY, TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 9 TUESDAY, MAY MAY 25, 25, 2021 2021 ||| 9 9

Basic first aid is a very important skill as as aa bandage bandage to to help help stop stop the the bleeding.

Apply steady bleeding. Apply steady pressure pressure for for 15 15 minutes, minutes, and and don’t don’t peek peek at at the the wound. wound. In In an an emergency, emergency, 15 15 minutes minutes goes goes by by pretty pretty quick. quick.

Once this is done, Once this is done, that that the the injured injured person person sit sit down. down. This This will will be be helpful helpful to to reduce reduce symptoms symptoms of of shock and prevent shock and prevent further further injuries injuries if if patient patient faints. faints.

Once Once the the bleeding bleeding has has stopped, stopped, it it is is time time to to remove remove improvised improvised bandage bandage and and clean clean the the wound. wound.

Remove any pieces Remove any pieces of of debris debris and and rinse rinse with with cool cool water water for for 55 minutes. minutes.

If If there there are are any any big big items items in in the the wound that cannot be removed, wound that cannot be removed, bandage bandage as as well well as as possible possible and and seek medical attention. seek medical attention. Avoid Avoid using using alcohol, alcohol, hydrogen hydrogen peroxide peroxide

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his his was was aa requested requested topic topic by a coworker. by a coworker. How How do do you you treat treat aa serious serious cut cut or or wound? wound? This This is is aa very very good good skill skill to to have, have, basic basic first first aid. aid. Many Many people may not be getting people may not be getting their their regular regular first first aid aid training training because because they they have have not not been been working working in in an office.

Community an office. Community first first aid aid courses courses are are also also restricted restricted due due to the pandemic. to the pandemic. Basic Basic first first aid aid is is still still aa very very important important skill skill to to know. know.

First First Aid Aid training training is is still still occurring, occurring, it is just a little different it is just a little different during during this this pandemic. pandemic. Little Little known known fact: fact: One of the most common One of the most common kitchen kitchen injuries injuries seen seen by by emergency emergency room room Physicians is hand Physicians is hand lacerations. lacerations.

Usually Usually occurring occurring after after people people trying trying to to remove remove an an avocado avocado pit pit forcefully forcefully with with aa knife. knife.

Perhaps Perhaps the the first first thing thing when when dealing with emergencies dealing with emergencies is is to to be be prepared.

Ensure your home, prepared. Ensure your home, or or car, car, has has aa few few key key items: items: aa first first aid aid kit, fire extinguisher and working kit, fire extinguisher and working smoke smoke detectors. detectors. I’m I’m aa big big fan fan of of two two first first aid aid kits kits in in the the home. home.

The The first first is is aa fancy fancy one one that that is is well well stocked and never used.

Every stocked and never used. Every year year

open open it it up up and and familiarize familiarize yourself yourself with the contents. with the contents. What’s What’s in in there, there, are are the the medication medication expired, expired, do do the the bandages bandages look look OK? OK? II also also like like to have a second first aid to have a second first aid kit kit that that you you use use for for minor minor injuries. injuries. This This will be the messy kit will be the messy kit with with empty empty band-aid band-aid boxes boxes and and poorly poorly rewound rewound compression bandages. compression bandages. Looking Looking for for aa gift gift for for the the person person who who has has everything? everything? Perhaps Perhaps aa quality quality first first aid aid kit. kit. If If they they need need it, it, they they will will be be very very thankful. thankful.

The The next next step step for for dealing dealing with with emergencies is prevention. emergencies is prevention. Should Should you you really really balance balance on on aa wobbly wobbly chair to reach that chair to reach that top top shelf? shelf?

Are Are you you qualified qualified to to repair repair the the electrical electrical system system in in your your home? home? Is Is it it really really wise wise to to swing swing that that sharp sharp knife knife into into that that avocado avocado pit pit while while you are still holding it?

Maybe you are still holding it? Maybe you you should should place place it it on on the the counter counter first.

Yes it will take longer, first. Yes it will take longer, but but an an emergency room visit can also emergency room visit can also be be aa great great inconvenience. inconvenience.

The The best best way way to to stop stop the the bleeding bleeding from from aa cut cut or or wound wound is is to to elevate elevate the the area area and and provide provide compression compression with with aa bandage bandage for for 15 minutes.

Ideally you 15 minutes. Ideally you would would wash wash your your hands, hands, put put on on gloves gloves and use a clean, sterile and use a clean, sterile bandage bandage on on an an elevated elevated limb. limb. Things Things rarely rarely go go as as planned. planned. Can’t Can’t wash wash your your hands, hands, use use some some hand hand sanitizer sanitizer first.

No gloves, use first. No gloves, use aa clean clean dish dish towel, towel, plastic plastic bag bag or or t-shirt. t-shirt. No No bandage bandage handy? handy? Again Again aa dish dish towel towel or item of clothing can be or item of clothing can be improved improved

and and iodine iodine to to clean clean wounds. wounds.

These products These products can can delay delay healing healing and might lead to scarring. and might lead to scarring. II recommend recommend applying applying polysporin polysporin antibiotic antibiotic ointment ointment then then covering covering with with aa clean clean non-stick non-stick bandage. bandage.

Then Then check check the the wound wound daily daily for for signs of infection.

Signs signs of infection. Signs of of infection infection may may include, include, increased increased pain pain and and redness, redness that spreads redness, redness that spreads from from area, area, unusual unusual discharge discharge or or aa fever. fever.

If If these these symptoms symptoms occur, occur, seek seek medical medical care care promptly. promptly.

Basic Basic first first aid aid skills skills should should not not be overlooked.

It is like be overlooked. It is like insurance, insurance, you you might might never never need need it. it. But But when when you do, you are very happy you do, you are very happy it it is is there. there.

Brought Brought to to you you by by your your friendly friendly Heart Heart Pharmacy Pharmacy Pharmacist Pharmacist

Worried about the safety of living at home alone, but not ready for long-term care or full home-care?

Sometimes a little help means a lot.

Heart Pharmacy’s Heart at Home program helps with:

• Daily in-home medication support, ensuring that your loved one is taking their medications daily • Assistance with more challenging medications like patches, inhalers, eye and ear drops, and insulin • Regular reporting to your doctor and loved ones of any issues with medications or general health • Companionship and structure, with the same faces every day at consistent times

To discuss how it works and whether it’s right for you or a loved one, contact us anytime by: Phone: 778-817-0417 or Email: heartathome@heartpharmacy.com

www.HeartPharmacy.com/heart

10 | TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

SILVER THREADS SERVICE

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Living Life to the Full

his has been a challenging year and all of us are having our own personal ups and downs dealing with COVID. It is important that we use whatever tools are available to help us cope and be healthy in body, mind and spirit. If you are finding that you could use a few more tools in your tool kit and are open to learning, we have just the program for you!

The Living Life to the Full Program is offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association in partnership with Silver Threads Service. In this 8-week program you will be taught strategies to deal with feelings when you feel fed up, worried or hopeless. Using

Cognitive Behavioural Principles, participants will learn how to reverse negative habits and develop new processes to rebuild happiness — important skills to practice and build in these uncertain times.

We hope to offer the classes in person (depending on Provincial Health Orders) at the Victoria Centre, 1911 Quadra Street. The session will start Wednesday, June 16th from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

The cost is $30 and includes useful resource materials.

Call the Silver Threads Service Victoria Centre for more information and to be included on the interest list at 250 388-4268.

Silver Threads Service We are a charitable, not for profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors.We provide programs and services for those 55 years of age or better with two centres and outreach programs to serve you.

Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151

Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268

Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information

stay active * stay healthy * stay connected

EARTH’S OPTION CREMATION AND BURIAL SERVICES Contracted provider to the Memorial Society of BC

WE COME TO YOU All arrangements made in the comfort of your home and all pre-arrangements are fully transferable at no cost.

Specializing in low cost cremation and green burial.

778.440.8500 EarthsOptions.com

5 - 831 Devonshire Rd, Victoria

Walk in Comfort

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he original Birkenstock footbed is the heart of all models. The anatomicallyshaped inner soles feature special support elements in a multi-layer design.

The first layer is jute which forms the foundation. It stabilizes the natural cork and latex core.

The second layer has shock-absorbing and flexible cork and latex core supports which relieve pressure on the feet. The natural materials insulate against heat and cold.

A second layer of jute is placed around the sides of the footbed. This increases the flexibility and makes it more durable.

The suede lining absorbs moisture and the natural property of the layer helps ensure a pleasant foot climate.

WHY WEAR BIRKENSTOCKS?

• COMFORT – They have spacious toe area and a great support system.

• ARCH SUPPORT – Birks take good care of your feet. You have a choice of standard footbed or soft footbed.

• ADAPT TO YOUR FEET – Over time, your Birks will mold themselves to the unique shape of your feet, making them even more comfortable.

• ECO-FRIENDLY – Birkenstock was manufacturing in an eco-friendly manner long before it was the thing to do.

• REPAIRABLE - Birks can be repaired, which increases the value of your investment. It also helps keep them out of landfills.

Along with comfort, Birkenstock footwear presents designs for today’s market – women’s, men’s, and unisex styles offer a selection for individual tastes.

So, enjoy comfort while you walk.

Or as we say - “Walk in Comfort”. walkincomfort.ca

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 | 11

Fear of Moving • Care free living. It is time for you to sit back and be served.

Living at Shannon Oaks, you can enjoy delicious meals prepared by our Executive Chef in our open seating dining room. No more dishes or cleanup for you.

You will also receive weekly housekeeping and linen service in your private suite.

Making the choice to move can improve your quality of life in so many ways.

Please call Kailee today for a tour and see why Shannon Oaks could be your wonderful new home.

– Kailee Haaksma, Marketing Manager

D

o you have a fear of moving?

Are you living in a house that is too big for you, too much to handle on your own? Are you stressing about the garden, the exterior and all the cleaning? Do you feel like you are a burden to your children?

Maybe you have too many stairs and it stresses you daily that you could have a fall? These are all very common and valid fears. Moving from your big family home full of memories can feel overwhelming and emotional all at the same time.

HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO JUST DO IT! • Safety is number one. If you are living in a place where you are at risk of hurting yourself then that is a big sign it is time.

Wouldn’t you rather take on the task of moving instead of having a fall, breaking a bone and dealing with the pain and treatment or even possible surgery?

• Loneliness. Living alone is just lonely. Eating alone is lonely and cooking for 1 is no fun. Were you always a social butterfly and now find it difficult to get out to visit friends or go to social events? Retirement living can give you a community feel and countless opportunities to join social groups and activities with the freedom and independence in your own personal space.

• Moving into all-inclusive retirement living like Shannon Oaks in beautiful Oak Bay can offer community and social opportunities.

You can meet age-like people, play cards, games, attend social events and dine with others on a daily basis. We have a full time Activities Coordinator who creates monthly calendars that include daily exercise, movie nights, theme days and opportunities to grow and learn new things.

• Security. Living in a retirement community can make you feel safe and secure. We have 24 hour on-site monitoring.

We have a maintenance team available 7 days a week that can tend to that plugged toilet, light bulb out or closet door falling off the hinges. We have a personal help button that is monitored all hours of the day and night.

12 | TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Over 4,000 pairs in stock

GIZEH

Order online: www.walkincomfort.ca

MAYARI

“Frequent Buyer Plan”

Purchase 5 pair and receive 50% of the average value of those 5 pair towards your 6th pair.

ARIZONA

Order online:

www.walkincomfort.ca

731 FORT STREET MAYFAIR CENTRE HILLSIDE CENTRE 2238 OAK BAY AVENUE 2447 BEACON AVENUE WOODGROVE CENTRE 150 STATION ST, Duncan

388-9910 389-1158 592-2223 598-9255 655-7463 390-7463 597-1950