WEDNES D AY, D E C E M B E R 1, 2010 T H E VAN C O U VE R C O U R IE R
Seniors
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DECEMBER 2010 SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
GREETINGS FOR THE SEASON by Helen Peterson
December is a month when there is a lot going on. As well as celebrating holiday events with family and friends and perhaps helping out those in need by offering a stranger a hand, it is also a time to pause and reflect on the new year that lies ahead. For seniors, particularly those that are of advanced age, or those that have significant health issues, the holidays can be a challenging time. And not just for the senior but for their families as well. All the visiting and shuttling about to attend dinners and other events can be trying, especially if there are mobility issues, or if a change of scenery brings with it some cognitive difficulty. As seniors are living longer and longer, so the list of issues presenting themselves grows, too. In this regard, it is important that seniors, their families, health care practitioners and caregivers work together – to provide the best quality of life possible for a person who may just need that extra hug.
For this holiday season, make an extra visit to see a loved one, enjoy a musical interlude or arrange a visit by a pet to soothe someone’s anxiety. The togetherness of families – the coming together of generations – means everything. Because whether they’re at home, or in a retirement residence, all seniors need to feel special… this month and beyond.
THE RUSSIAN NESTING DOLL (MATRYOSHKA) IS A SET OF DOLLS OF DECREASING SIZES PLACED ONE INSIDE THE OTHER (TYPICALLY BETWEEN FIVE TO SEVEN WOODEN FIGURES). THE WORD MATRYOSHKA IS DERIVED FROM MOTHER; LITERALLY IT MEANS "DEAR (OR LITTLE) MOTHER."
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TH E VA N COUV E R C OURI E R WEDNES DAY, DECEMBER 1 , 2 0 10
seniors
SENIORS’ HEALTH CHECK: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR F.E.E.T.S. by Peter Silin, contributing writer
F.E.E.T.S. is an acronym that we developed to provide caregivers with a checklist of five areas that are important to monitor regularly. F.E.E.T.S. stands for Feet, Eyes, Ears, Teeth and Sleep. Proper care and attention to these can detect illnesses and conditions at an early stage and may help to prevent permanent, irreversible damage. Regular monitoring of F.E.E.T.S. can also help to maintain the highest level of emotional well being for the older person by preventing falls, social isolation, depression and anxiety.
FEET Good foot health is important for balance, stability and mobility. If feet deteriorate, a person's ability to walk can become compromised. When this happens a person is at risk for falls and social interaction and independence can be restricted. Problems with the feet can include corns, toenails that are ingrown, infections and wounds. People with diabetes can have impaired circulation, which leads to reduced feeling in their feet. If they have a wound or injury, they may not realize it. Due to the reduced circulation, the wounds can cause permanent damage, and even lead to the necessity for amputation.
For good foot health: • Have regular appointments with a podiatrist of a foot care nurse every eight weeks. Many foot care nurses will visit private homes.
• Make sure that shoes fit comfortably and are not impeding circulation. • If someone has edema of the ankles and feet, try to keep the feet elevated at least to the waist level when sitting. Review with a physician treatment for edema. • Wash and examine feet regularly. • Pay attention to wounds and small cuts, especially if they seem not to be healing. • Learn, and do regularly, exercise which increases balance and strength.
EYES Common eye problems that may go undetected for quite a while include cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. People often wear their eyeglasses when they are often no longer appropriate for the degree of type of visual impairment they have. Another problem is diabetic retinopathy, a condition of the retina, which results from diabetes. If untreated, it can lead to blindness. Poor vision can lead to falls or accidents from driving.
For good eye health: • Have an eye exam annually, by either an optometrist or ophthalmologist. There are some optometrists that will do home visits. An eye exam can detect diabetes that may otherwise go undiagnosed. • Glasses should be reviewed yearly, to ensure they are still appropriate for the degree of visual impairment. • Caregivers should ensure that the glasses being worn are the ones that were last prescribed. Sometimes
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glasses may be lost, and a person will resort to using older ones. • Remember that even someone with advanced dementia should have eye exams. Even if they are not able to respond, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect problems, which are impacting on quality of life. • Visit the CNIB website to find a range of visual aids.
In Part Two of Seniors’ Health Check – Jan. 5, 2011 – we look at the Ears, Teeth and Sleeping habits. Article supplied by Diamond Geriatrics, a geriatric care management, counselling, and consulting company based in Vancouver; website: www.DiamondGeriatrics.com.
WEDNES D AY, D E C E M B E R 1, 2010 T H E VAN C O U VE R C O U R IE R
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seniors SENIORS’ KIN REPORT Are Mom and Dad safe at home? Ask aging Canadian seniors to list their highest priorities and chances are 'continue living in my home' will be at the top of the list. Thanks to modern technology combined with community and family support, older seniors are able to live at home longer than ever before. However, it is important that family members conduct regular preventative checks to ensure Mom and Dad continue to be safe at home. “Right before the holidays is a great time to discreetly check on aging family members to determine whether they need some extra help at home,” says nurse practitioner, Michelle Acorn, who runs a falls prevention clinic for seniors. “Drop by for a visit and subtly examine everything from their physical appearance to the condition of their home.” Acorn says to look for signs such as whether the refrigerator is stocked with food, whether they are dressed appropriately for the weather or whether there are piles of unpaid bills or newspapers stacked around. More information
on how to make elderly family members safe at home is available online at www. lifeline.ca. Even if Mom and Dad have experienced some decline in their health, sometimes only small adjustments are required to enable them to continue living independently at home. First off, to minimize falls, eliminate clutter and throw rugs, and check their shoes to make sure they are sturdy, with low heels and rubber soles for traction. Also do a home safety inspection and install better lighting, hand rails on both sides of the stairs, grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats and night lights. You may want to consider subscribing to a medical alert service that can be there for Mom and Dad when you can't be. Info. courtesy www.newscanada.com.
The Stars Step Out Variety Show and Auction ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE ZAJAC RANCH FOR CHILDREN
LOVE life. LIVE here.® Come and discover the fresh, new spaces at Amica at Arbutus Manor. Beautifully redesigned to give you the luxury of a first class hotel combined with services and programs that enhance your active independent lifestyle. Set amidst acres of landscaped grounds and courtyards, you will live in the heart of Kerrisdale, with Arbutus Shopping Centre, amenities and parks just steps away. Coupled with an all inclusive low monthly rate, now is the ideal time to make the move to Amica at Arbutus Manor. Live the retirement lifestyle you’ve worked your whole life to achieve! Call or visit today to learn more about our Independent Rental Retirement Living and our VITALIS™ Assisted Living Suites and Services.
Master of Ceremonies: Red Robinson ~ Open House Week ~ Wednesday, December 1st through 7th, 2010 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Call today for your personal tour and stay for lunch, compliments of our Executive Chef Robert!
The doors open at 6:15pm; the show begins at 7:30pm.
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On Sunday, December 5th 2010 at the Arts Club’s Granville Island Stage, over twenty-five international artists will come together to perform in a variety show benefiting the Zajac Ranch for Children. Along with an evening-long silent auction, this event will raise funds for The Zajac Ranch for Children, a one-of-a-kind camp for children with chronic and serious illnesses and disabilities who would otherwise not have an opportunity to attend camp.
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TH E VA N COUV E R C OURI E R WEDNES DAY, DECEMBER 1 , 2 0 10
Fall in love with your smile seniors A WINTER POEM Svetlana Lopareva R.D.BPS
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by Jacquie Hooper Cross-country skiing. Come out to the mountains with back-country skis, They said as we entered the track through the trees; Hemlock and cedar bowed down in the snow And nary a chair-lift, T-bar or tow. Just uphill and onward, stride after stride, Aches in all muscles and pain in my side. Sweating and groaning as upward we strain, Longing to see a more flattened terrain. Stopping to shed a warm sweater and vest Drink coffee, eat lunch and treasure our climb While watching the on-creeping shadows of time. Then back down the mountain's steep face in the sun, Hyped up for what must be a picturesque run, Just great for those experts who telemark ski, (But slow, easy, downward traverses for me.) Even with caution we have a few falls, And making a vow to discard all the rest. Wax, compass and garments now bulging our packs And a thermos of coffee along with our snacks, The weight on my back like a fifty-ton boulder, The straps on each side slicing into each shoulder. Cross-country, they said, is the sport of the day,
As long as your muscles can stand it, I say. But wait, here's a scene that is hard to resist, A lake, locked in ice, and a valley, sun-kissed, And snow-covered meadows right up to the peak Where runs can be slalomed by even the weak. And on top in the sunshine, the city below With highways, and houses, row upon row. Off to the north more mountains appear, Here rounded, here jagged, here snow-topped and sheer, And far to the south lie Gulf waters a-shimmer By the Island's dark ridges, their snow-caps a-glimmer. Now finished with climbing we're due for a rest; Off packs and off skis as we stand on the crest And savour the cool mountain breeze on our faces, We stretch and relax, even undo our laces, Drink coffee, eat lunch and treasure our climb While watching the on-creeping shadows of time. Then back down the mountain's steep face in the sun, Hyped up for what must be a picturesque run, Just great for those experts who telemark ski, (But slow, easy, downward traverses for me.) Even with caution we have a few falls, Covered in snow and exchanging catcalls. Then back at the base we laud cross-country skiing, Giving outdoorsmen a reason for being.
“WHAT’S ON” FOR DECEMBER Killarney Community Centre is hosting a “Senior’s Holiday Dinner,” Thursday, Dec. 2 at 6 pm. The cost is $14.50 for ages 55-plus, and instead of the usual luncheon at Killarney, seniors will be having dinner at Fraserview Golf Course (only a five-minute drive away from Killarney). Join the gang to celebrate the holiday season and have a beautiful catered meal! Note: The Killarney bus will be taking participants there at 5:30pm and 5:45pm. When registering, stateif you will be using the Killarney bus; participants are encouraged to drive themselves. Call 604-718-8200 to register.
Amica at Arbutus Manor invites interested Vancouver residents to its “Open House” Wednesday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 10 am to 4 pm daily, or the “Winter Warmer Open House” on Wednesday, Dec. 15 between 1 and 4 pm. Drop by to find out more about Amica’s elegantly redesigned studios, one bedrooms and Assisted Living Suites, and stay for tea! Located at 2125 Eddington Drive; call 604-736-8936.
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