Hope is on the Horizon - Penticton Arts Council
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
June 2021
SENIOR CONNECTOR Publication Agreement #4103918
Hope is on the Horizon
If all goes well, we can look forward to increasing our social contacts again, soon. That is something
to celebrate! It’s not time to let our guard down but it is time for renewed hope that we will be able
to see people in person once again; to expand that social bubble and maybe even travel to see
family. These dates are targets based on the statistics of increasing vaccinations and decreasing
COVID infection counts.
Are you waiting for your second vaccine appointment?
If you had your first dose of vaccine before April 6th
you may not be registered on the Provincial website.
If you are not sure if you are registered, call:
1-833-838-2323 seven days a week from 7am—7pm.
Page 2Page 2 SENIOR CONNECTOR
Seniors Services at 330 Ellis
Integrated services OneSky Community Resources and South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society
Phone: 250-487-7455 or 250-487-3376
Information, Referral, Navigation – looking for local resources or services for seniors? Need help
navigating systems or completing forms etc.? Give us a call.
Safe Seniors, Strong Communities – (a temporary program to assist during COVID-19 pandemic)
free grocery shopping service and delivery, phone check in, friendly visits over the phone, and hot
meal delivery. Sign up over the phone.
Better at Home program – non-medical services to support independent living at home. Services
include friendly visits, transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, light
yard work, simple home repairs and snow shoveling. Services are delivered by staff and volunteers.
In-home registration required. Fees based on income on a sliding scale. Expect a waitlist.
Out & About program - activity-based group program to increase social connections. Register for
this program over the phone and receive a monthly calendar of events and outings. Transportation
available, we take care of all the details. (modified during pandemic public health orders).
Senior Tech Connect – promoting digital literacy skills among older adults by providing technology,
training and support. Call the office for more information.
Caregiver Support program – for family and friends who are helping an individual with the tasks of
daily living. Individualized emotional and practical support; access to information, resources and
advance planning. Call the office to be referred to the Coordinator.
Cycling without Age – specially equipped trishaws with room for two passengers piloted by
volunteer cyclists offering free rides for seniors to experience the wind in their hair. Regular rides to
seniors in local care homes and independent housing facilities. Call the office for more information.
Aging Well Penticton – a network of community agencies providing support for seniors are working
collaboratively to reduce the impact of social isolation. We can help to connect seniors to various
community-based supports.
2021 Page 3
More than just Books
Did you know, the local library is so much more than just a
place to borrow a book for your summer reading pleasure? A
library card opens up a whole other world including access to
massive amounts of online content without the pop-up ads
and risk of scams. With your library card you can watch
movies, read magazines or listen to audio-books. Press Reader
is the leading digital newspaper with 6,000 publications from
over 100 countries in 60+ languages. You can access online classes to learn a new skill or even a
new language. Discover your family tree by doing some genealogy research. Book Clubs are
currently held on Zoom but hopefully, soon, they will offer in-person groups again. You can also
get 1 to 1 tech help. If you’re a visually impaired, there are a number of large print books and if
you are homebound, ask about home delivery. There is also a Library of Things!! You can borrow
a bird watching backpack, board games, puzzles, video games and even robots! For information
about all adult programs contact Stephanie at sjames@pentictonlibrary.ca or call 250-770-7786.
Cannabis & Older Adults
Be Wise, Cannabis and Older Adults is factual information
about cannabis for older adults. Easy to understand, written in
clear language, the Be Wise booklet is meant to help older
adults make wise decisions about cannabis use.
The booklet is divided into eight important topics:
• Older Canadians and cannabis use
• Facts about cannabis
• Cannabis and the law
• Therapeutic benefits
• Side effects and risks
• Aging and cannabis
• Talking to your doctor
• Dosing and your health condition
Research has been gathered from across Canada and around the world about older adults and
cannabis. The result of that work is presented in this compre-
hensive booklet.
To download a copy or order a free booklet:
visit Activeagingcanada.ca or check out the Be Wise podcasts
Page 4 SENIOR CONNECTOR
Artsy Aging with Alice
July 8th & 22nd
10:00 am to Noon
Seniors 55+ Create & Connect
Register: 250 492 7997 or
info@pentictonartscouncil.com
$2 drop in fee
10 People Seated - Masks Required
Penticton Arts Council Community
Room
220 Manor Park Avenue
First Friday Felters
Make Friends, Have Fun, and Felt!
Drop-in group, First Friday of Every
Month
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
June 4th, July 2nd, Aug 6th, Sept 3rd,
Oct 1st, Nov 5th & Dec 3rd
$2 drop in fee / Masks mandatory
Location: Community Art Room at the
Leir House, 220 Manor Park Ave.
10 people max.
Register: 250-492-7997 or
programs@pentictonartscouncil.com
2021 Page
Page
5 5
Getting Out & About
The prospect of the lifting of restrictions means
the Out & About program is busy planning for a
gradual expanding of activities and the return to
more in-person group programs. How exciting!!
We’re looking forward to getting together for
luncheons, in and out of town, as well as various
excursions such as a possible KVR train ride or
pontoon boat tour this summer. Walking groups,
Tele-Talks and picnics have proven popular so we
keep them as “staples” on the calendar.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, to receive the Out & About monthly calendar,
please go to the website: seniorswellnesssociety.com to download a copy or call 250-487-7455
to be put on the mailing list.
Do a Little Dance!!
If you are tired of being home alone and are craving
a social life, the Penticton Seniors Drop in Centre is
re-opening! We are all looking forward to the good
food and good company once again. It may take
some time to get back in the flow but one step at a
time and before you know it, you are dancing.
Social dinners, music, dances, events, activities, cards
and games, health and fitness classes and live and
learn events. Not to mention the famous cinnamon
buns!
Ask about volunteering. It takes a lot of volunteers to
keep the centre running. Keep your eye on the
website for details: pentictonseniors.org or call the
centre at 250-493-2111
“Enjoyable social interaction, community and laughter has a healing effect
on the mind and body” —Bryant McGill
Page
Page 6 6 SENIOR CONNECTOR
June is National Indigenous History Month 2021
This year is dedicated to the missing children, the
families left behind and the survivors of residential
schools. 25 years ago, Canada recognised June 21st
as National Indigenous Day. Better late, than never,
it is to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of
First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada.
Did You Know?
* There are over 634 recognized First Nations governments or
bands, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and
British Columbia. The total population with First Nation identity
is more than 850,000
* There is not one culture for all First Nations. Each Nation has
its own culture, customs, beliefs, traditions, and world views.
Cultural practices, symbols, and belief systems are influenced by each Nation’s unique
experience on the land and with each other, and are always connected with the Spirit world.
* In First Nation spirituality the circle is everywhere – the medicine wheel, meetings and
gatherings are held in circles, dances go in circles, drums are round, as are sweat lodges and
tipis. The circle is the symbol of the cycle of all forms of life.
From: Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. https://www.ictinc.ca/
Looking for Federal Government Services?
Service Canada Community Outreach Support Call Center is available from 8:30am to 4:00pm
1-877-631-2657 as well as Canada.ca for on line support, information and in-person service
booking. Individuals should use Service Canada’s many online services whenever possible.
Our priority at Service Canada is the health and safety of all individu-
als, while continuing to maintain service to the public.
Due to recent service changes as a result of COVID-19 (Coronavirus),
we urge you not to visit local Service Canada Centres unless it is
absolutely necessary to do so.
2021 Page 7
Volunteer Opportunity!!
Are you interested in using your knowledge, compassion and leadership skills to build a vibrant
and inclusive community? Do you believe that wellness is important as we age? Then we want
you!
The Seniors Wellness Society provides support and services to isolated
seniors in South Okanagan-Similkameen communities in partnership with
One Sky Community Resources through programs such as Better at
Home for seniors. The Board of Directors provides the vision and
direction for these programs, as well as working in the Community to
further collaborative actions to create a community where all seniors
can feel connected and supported.
The ideal board member candidate:
is committed to the Seniors Wellness mission and values (check the website)
has good self-awareness and understanding of cultural safety and cultural humility
is willing to provide one to three hours a month of their time and talents
Please submit your application by June 25th, 2021
For full description and application, visit the website: seniorswellnesssociety.com
Making the Best of Social Isolation
Local senior, Merle Hein, was not bored during COVID
restrictions. She chose to write her memoir. This newly
published author has her book available for sale on Amazon.
“Follow my story from age seven in 1948 on a farm in
Saskatchewan and moving to an unsettled homestead in the
north east, Peace River district of British Columbia. Through
childhood into my teens adapting to an entirely new lifestyle
in this strange new land.
With my mother’s health not always being the best and helping
raise my younger siblings I flourished through hardships,
heartache and heartbreak. Losing family members, finding love
and starting my own family all while building a new part of the
province and learning many lessons along the way. I am the
person I am today because of these lessons and while it wasn’t
always the easiest life it made me, well, me. “
Page
Page 8 8 SENIOR CONNECTOR
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
WEAAD is marked each year on June 15. It is an
official United Nations International Day
acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a
public health and human rights issue.
Since 2006, communities throughout the country
and around the world have honoured this day to
raise the visibility of elder abuse by organizing
events to share information and promote resources
and services that can help increase seniors’ safety
and well-being.
This year’s theme is “Rights Don’t Get Old”
Elder Abuse networks and organizations are planning multiple WEAAD activities across the coun-
try to mobilize community action and engage people in discussions on how to promote dignity
and respect of older adults.
Preventing the abuse and neglect of older adults is a shared responsibility. Everyone can learn
about the warning signs of abuse and neglect and what to do when you see things that just aren’t
right. Everyone has a role to play.
Learn more about elder abuse and how you can support an older adult by visiting the Canadian
Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse cnpea.ca or the British Columbia Association of
Community Response Networks bccrns.ca
If you have not yet applied for the BC Recovery Benefit, you have until June 30th to apply.
The BC Recovery Benefit (the benefit) is a one-time direct deposit payment for eligible families,
single parents or individuals. Benefit eligibility is based on net income from your 2019 tax return.
You must apply to receive the benefit. You will need your 2019 Income Tax Assessment.
• $500 for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $62,500
• $1,000 for eligible families with a net income of up to $125,000
Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/economic-recovery/benefit
If you do not have computer access, you can apply over the phone
or by visiting ServiceBC office.
2021 Page 9
We’re Stronger Together
If you are living with one of the health concerns listed and have a smartphone, you don’t have to
rely on Doctor Google or go through this alone. Learn about your condition; access up-to-date
information from medical practitioners; join a virtual support group; take charge of your health so
you are better prepared and doing what you can to make the best of your condition.
Strong today ` Stronger tomorrow ` Strongest together!
Page 10 SENIOR CONNECTOR
A Way Forward for Everyone
Dementia doesn’t care who you are; it could
affect us all. Because public understanding is
so poor, people with dementia often feel –
and are – misunderstood, marginalised and
isolated. And that means that they’re less
likely to be able to live independently in their
own communities.
Dementia Friends Canada is a national campaign that’s helping Canadians to learn a little about
dementia, and then turn that understanding into simple actions that can improve the lives of
people living with dementia.
Every person living with dementia is an individual first and foremost
with unique values, personal history and a personality.
The more you learn about dementia, the more you will be able to
connect with a person who has it in a way that is supportive and
inclusive. People with dementia are just like all of us, their quality of
life depends greatly on how well they connect with others:
Keeping that connection strong is the most important thing you can do.
You can learn more about behaviour here: http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/Living-with-dementia/
Understanding-behaviour or reach out to the local Alzheimer Society call Penticton Resource
Centre 250-493-8182 or Dementia Helpline 1-800-936-6033
Our newsletter mailing list has increased
and so has the cost of postage. If you are
able to receive this newsletter by email,
please let us know to help reduce our
costs. Email Betty and she will update
your file.
betty.bates@oneskycommunity.com
CONTACT US
330 Ellis St. Phone: 250-487-3376
Penticton BC
Phone: 250-487-7455 www.seniorswellnesssociety.com
V2A 4L7
Email: SeniorsWellnessSociety@OneSkyCommunity.com www.oneskycommunity.comYou can also read
