Saugeen Valley Nursing Centre announces plan to redevelop 87-bed facility in Mount Forest | Sharon Village Care Homes

The Saugeen Valley Nursing Centre and local MPP Daiene Vernile met on Tuesday morning to announce a plan to redevelop the 87-bed long-term care facility in Mount Forest.

“Long-term care homes like Saugeen Valley Nursing Centre are not just facilities – they are peoples’ homes,” said Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “It is vital that they remain up-to-date to provide residents with secure, safe and comfortable surroundings.”

Unlike retirement homes or supportive housing, long-term care homes are places where adults can live and receive help with activities and access 24-hour nursing and personal care. Today, approximately 78,000 residents in Ontario live in the 630 long-term care homes across the province.

Some of the enhancements that residents of the Saugeen Valley Nursing Centre will benefit from once renovations are complete include: additional space for specialized programs like rehab and physiotherapy, a home-like environment with renewed interior design, more spacious rooms, more air-conditioned areas and better wheel-chair access.

The plans for redevelopment come as a part of Ontario’s largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history. The Ontario government has committed to helping renovate 300 long-term care homes over the next nine years ­– a $160 billion investment that will support 110,000 jobs every year across the province.

The project is also a part of Ontario’s Patient’s First: Action Plan for Health Care, which provides patients with faster access to the right care, better home and community care, the information they need to live healthy and a sustainable healthcare system.

“The redevelopment of homes like Saugeen Valley are crucially important and integral to the present and future needs of our aging population,” said Candace Chartier, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association. “The association remans committed to working with the government upon the capital renewal program sothat more homes can be modernized as soon as possible.”

Since 2015, the province has announced support for 475 projects for redeveloping hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. By investing in public infrastructure, Ontario will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life.

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Tips for Senior Care Financing | Sharon Village Care Homes

Life Insurance to Fund Long Term Care

Many seniors have funds invested in a life insurance policy but need ready money once there’s a change in a health status or a living situation. There are a number of options for using life insurance as a source of funds; choosing a method of accessing these funds requires careful consideration.

Policy holders can access the accumulated cash value using withdrawals, loans from the policy, or a cash surrender of the policy. In a cash surrender be aware of surrender fees, depending on how long you’ve owned the policy, and note that the gain on the policy is subject to income tax and it may be difficult or expensive to replace this coverage later.

Keep in mind that the cash from a death benefit may change a senior’s financial status, making him or her ineligible for other financial compensation. There are also tax implications to consider. Consult a tax professional to understand all tax implications of a settlement.

Check Your Benefits – Veterans Aid and Attendance

Did you know that the Veterans Administration will pay a monthly benefit to any active-duty veteran or their spouse who needs care? Any vet who has served even one day during a period of foreign war can apply for this Aid and Attendance Special Pension; beneficiaries need not have served overseas, retired from the military, or seen combat. Surprisingly, however, only a few of those who are eligible for these benefits take advantage of them.

The pension is “medically driven,” says Chris Merrill of the National Care Planning Council, an organization that helps families plan for long term care. The disability does not need to be service-related. Any vet who has difficulties with one or more activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and dressing, as well as financial planning and medication management, may be eligible.

Other Sources of Help

For instance, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a $1000 grant to defray the cost of respite care. The money can be used to give families a break from daily caregiving responsibilities so they can provide better in-home care for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Other programs include rebates from drug manufacturers on senior medications, assistance with paying utility bills, free or reduced dental care, and even free cell phone minutes. While many of these programs are for very low-income seniors, others are open to those with slightly higher incomes who are still having a hard time making ends meet.

Who is Eligible for VA Benefits?

•Any Veteran with 90 days of consecutive active duty services

•Any Veteran who served at least one day during active war time

•Veterans do not have to have served overseas or in combat

•A surviving spouse of a veteran is eligible if married to the Veteran at time of the Veteran’s death

Making the Most of Social Security

You can maximize benefits by taking advantage of delayed retirement credits. Also, a surviving spouse receives the entirety of that benefit upon the worker’s death, making those delayed retirement credits even more valuable.

If you are in ill health, if you have a family history of early mortality or if you simply need the money, delaying benefits may not be possible. But, with life expectancy at retirement currently standing at 17.2 years for males and 19.9 years for females, odds are that the larger monthly check will quickly pay off—and continue paying, with regular cost of living adjustments.

Married couples with similar incomes can also approach Social Security tactically. If one member of the couple decides to retire, the other can collect spousal benefits and delay receiving his or her own benefit in order to increase the size of the eventual monthly check.

Important Steps for Getting Your Affairs in Order:

•Gather everything you can about your income, investments, insurance and savings

•Put important papers and copies of legal documents in one place

•Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your important papers

•Give consent in advance for your doctor, lawyer and any financial advisors to talk with your caregivers as needed 

Bridge Loans

Most people, their most valuable asset is their home. But, with houses lingering on the market for months or even years, that capital may not be available when the time comes to make the move to a higher level of care.

With its rapid turnaround time, this loan can be especially useful when dealing with urgent needs that must be met before other longterm financial resources can be tapped.

The Reverse Mortgage

Reverse mortgages let homeowners stay in their own home while also tapping into the equity they’ve built up over the years. Mortgage holders get tax-free cash flow as a loan against that equity—a loan that doesn’t need to be repaid until the house is sold or the owner moves out or dies.

Though, reverse mortgages can be expensive, too; fees are higher than a conventional mortgage, and closing costs run high, you may be forced to sell your home if you need to leave it for an extended stay in a hospital. Remember that taking out a reverse mortgage is actually withdrawing the equity from a home, and as interest compounds on the reverse mortgage balance, the value of the estate declines at a progressive rate. Mortgage holders will also not be able to pass the family home down to their heirs after their death.

Making Use of All the Tools Available

Paying for senior care can be a daunting prospect in the current economy, but a little knowledge can go a long way in preparing for this time of life. No matter what financial route you choose, it’s important to do your research, read the fine print and consult professionals when needed. Get creative and combine as many resources as you can. Planning means peace of mind.

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Remember When | Sharon Village Care Homes

Remember when . . .

Neighbours knew one another?

In many cases, today’s city dwellers don’t know the names of their neighbours. They may exchange a smile or a quick hello if they happen to be coming or going at the same time, but that’s about it.

How about you? Do you know the names of those on either side of you? And if you do, do you know the names of their children and grandchildren? Where they grew up? What they did for a living?

Of course, some people are reserved and would rather keep to themselves, and that’s fine, but maybe—just maybe—they are waiting for one of their “neighbours” to extend a hand in friendship. Will you be that neighbour?

Remember when . . .

One went out of his or her way to help those in need?

It’s not that everyone extended a helping hand in days gone by—or that no-one does so today, but it isn’t as common for many reasons.

If you’re able, why not be on the lookout for those in need? Something simple—retrieving a book that has fallen to the floor, getting the attention of a staff member for a fellow resident in distress, even offering a smile—can make the world of difference and brighten someone’s day.

Remember when . . .

One struck up a conversation with passersby?

It seems that the admonition “don’t talk to strangers” is no longer just for children. It appears that we’re reluctant to strike up a conversation or even “shoot the breeze” with those around us. But what’s the harm in saying hello to those who walk past.

You never know. They may stop to chat for a few minutes—or more. We may even find ourselves developing new friendships. And we’re never too old for that.

Remember when . . .

The evenings were spent playing games and chatting?

While there’s nothing wrong with retiring early or watching a television show or two, why not consider inviting a friend or two to the games room to play a friendly game of cards, checkers, or chess? It’s a great way to pass the evening and get to know some of the other residents. Plus, if the conversation lags, that’s fine. You can simply focus on the game. (Plus, playing games is a great way to help your mind stay sharp. Bonus!)

Remember when . . .

One looked forward to daily visits from the letter carrier (once called a mailman)?

With the advent of email and Facebook, it seems the art of letter writing has been retired to the history books. And if anyone gets something in the mailbox, it’s likely a flyer for the local eating establishment or some such thing.

We can bemoan the fact or . . .

We can take up pen and paper and send notes to family members and friends. Just think how much they’ll enjoy getting something rather than an advertisement in their mailbox. And if handwriting has become a chore, you can always keep a box of greeting cards on hand, write a line or two, and pop it in the mail. You might be surprised at how much it will mean to the recipient.

Remember when . . .

A ringing telephone meant a family member or friend wanted to chat?

Many people are getting rid of their home phones (landlines) because the vast majority of the calls are from telemarketers, someone trying to sell something—or worse, someone trying to scam those who answer out of money and/or information. It’s sad.

Home phones have been replaced by cell phones. Conversations have been replaced, to a great extent, by text messaging.

While we’re not likely going to see a resurgence of lengthy telephone calls, we may want to make a point of chatting with

family and friends who aren’t able to come and visit.

Telephone calls. Skype calls. Emails. Why, even text messages. Do your best to keep in touch. And as the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

Each one of you likely has many I-remember-when stories.

Why not reminisce with your fellow residents, not for the purpose of lamenting what once was, but for the purpose of sharing a smile or two—maybe even the occasional laugh?

Why not see how these memories can inspire you to create similar memories for family and friends?

And then you will be able to smile and rejoice when you “remember when.”

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Past, Present, and Future | Sharon Village Care Homes

Days Gone By

Your first bike. Your first day of school. Your first kiss. The list of fond remembrances likely stretches on and on. And whether you’re lonely or unwell or simply in a funk, it’s easy to develop a longing for those days, even though they, too, included difficulties to overcome—or, when necessary, learn to live with.

So, what are you to do when these memories fill you with sorrow and discontentment?

There are a number of ways to draw those memories to the surface in a way that will benefit you and others. Below are a few to use as a springboard for your own ideas.

Gather together old photos and write or record a few key memories each one brings to mind. (There are simple scrapbook kits that include all you need to create a keepsake that you can enjoy and pass along when the time is right.)

Think back over the years and the current technology that you did without. Write or record what life was like before cell phones and computers, before mp3 players and GPS navigation. Remember to include the challenges not just the perceived benefits.

Create a journal under the following headings: Life from 0-10; My Teen Years; Early Adulthood; Life from 30-65 (which can easily be separated into decades if you prefer); The Golden Years. This is a great exercise for your memory—and will make an incredible keepsake for those who love you.

When your present reality is challenging, it’s tempting to dwell on what once was. And while it’s great to ponder the joys of the past, it’s also important to look for the good things happening right now.

The Now

When thinking of the Now, it’s possible to narrow your focus to this very minute. Sometimes the days are difficult, but there is always good to be found and celebrated. It may take concentrated effort, however.

Here are a few ways to zero in on the good:

Create a list of things to be thankful for. Sure, you can look back and even look ahead, but start with what you have to be thankful for right this minute.

Think of half a dozen or more ways you can brighten someone else’s day. This week, seek to do so each day. If you’re feeling lonely and depressed, it’s a given that others are as well.

Plan a Thankfulness Party. Serve snacks and enjoy a time of sharing only the good things. Others’ positive contributions can spark even more ideas in their fellow partygoers.

Whether the present is challenging, overflowing with joy and laughter, or a mixture of both, it’s natural to look ahead to the days to come.

Days to Come

There once was a time when you likely couldn’t wait for the next big thing on the horizon. Purchasing your first car. Getting married. Buying your first home.

However, the older one gets, the more difficult it becomes to look to the future. You may not plan for 5, 10, 20 years down the road, but what about tomorrow, next week, next month?

Follow these steps to keep you anticipating the days to come:

Decide what realistic achievement you would like to accomplish by the end of the year (i.e. take up a new hobby, read a stack of books, create a scrapbook for your grandchildren).

Now, think of what you need to have accomplished by the end of the month to move you in that direction.

By the end of the week?

And now, what can you do today to start on your journey? Perhaps you want to make a detailed plan with target dates for each item. Perhaps you want to borrow a book from the library and take some time to read—or listen to an audiobook. Or may, you want to go on a shopping trip to purchase the needed supplies for your new project.

So, while you have a long-term goal in mind, you can enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you accomplish each step along the way, a classic win-win situation.

And so, whether they be many or few, seek to make the most of the days to come.

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A Non-Traditional Scavenger Hunt | Sharon Village Care Homes

Do you remember the wonderful games you played at children’s birthday parties and summer camp? Perhaps, you had the opportunity to go on a scavenger hunt or two in your day.

While it likely isn’t practical to imagine doing so again in quite the same way, you might enjoy the following suggestions just the same.

And if you’re bold enough, why not invite others to go on this non-traditional scavenger hunt with you?

And what will you be looking for? There is a list below, but feel free to make your own additions.

1. Before you even get out of bed in the morning, think of three things you’re thankful for.

2. Make note of the name of the first person you see. If you don’t know his or her name, just ask.

3. When choosing your clothes for the day, see if you can select no two items of the same colour.

4. At breakfast, introduce yourself to two people you don’t know and make note of their names.

5. Select a book you’ve never read and write a synopsis of the first chapter.

6. Participate in an activity that hasn’t interested you previously and write a pro/con list to determine if you’ll participate again.

7. Find someone who was born in the same month.

8. Find a staff member with pink on his/her shoes and make note of his/her name.

9. Find a resident who has lived in the care centre for less than a month. Chat about his/her first impressions.

10. Spend some time outdoors—or looking out the window. Name as many plants, flowers, trees, and birds as you can.

11. Make a list of six people you haven’t been in touch with in a while and drop each of them a note just to say hello. (People still enjoy getting “snail mail,” but email is another good option if you have access to a computer.)

12. Make a list of four of your favourite songs. (If you have access to the Internet, you may want to listen to them on YouTube; you can find almost anything on YouTube.)

13. If you watch TV or listen to the radio, make note of people’s names that begin with A, B, and C; place names that begin with D, E, and F; and objects whose names begin with G, H, and I.

14. See how many of your teachers’ names you can remember. How about names of childhood friends?

15. Make a list of all the colours you see around you.

16. Make a list of things you would appreciate others doing for you and choose one of those things to do for someone else.

17. Think of five things you enjoy about being older. This is an especially good list to keep track of and add to. You can look it over when you’re having a rough day.

18. Before you drift off to sleep, think of three things that happened during the day that brought a smile to your face.

May you succeed on your hunt for happiness each day!

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Kids These Days | Sharon Village Care Homes

We’ve all heard the saying . . . kids these days!

And yet, there are plenty of examples of young people seeking to make the world a better place.

There are everyday examples of what some used to consider common courtesy.

One mom had to take her young children to the doctor’s across town. She had to ride the bus with her three in tow. It wasn’t a problem on the way there. There were plenty of available seats. And yet, on the way home, it was a different story.

You see, school had just let out, and the bus was filled to overflowing with high school students. All the seats were occupied, so this mom tried her best to deal with a stroller and her family. Before the bus had gotten a block from the medical centre, a teen offered her his seat. She was most grateful and knew then that kids these days aren’t all that bad.

And it’s not only these little things that make the world a better place, of course. It’s those examples of young people giving of their time and energy to reach out to those in need.

A group of senior high teens and their sponsors took their vacation time to head two-and-a-half hours north to run a day camp for elementary school-aged children and reach out to their fellow teens. They ran fundraisers to cover the cost and met together regularly before the trip to prepare.

They slept in tents and put in long hours decorating the facility, practicing skits and songs, and preparing games. And more importantly, they spent time getting to know the children and having fun with them. Their efforts and willingness to adapt when asked were well-received.

The local teens, however, were not as keen to spend time with “the intruders,” but the young people kept up with their day-to-day responsibilities faithfully and enthusiastically. Their sponsors were impressed with their efforts.

Yet another group of young people committed to traveling 15 hours east to help in whatever way they could. As it turned out, they ended up tearing down a building and saving the organization thousands of dollars. For this, the team gave up time, money, sleep, and relaxation—and had a blast while doing so. And, of course, there was the 15 hour return trip, which included a broken down van and the fun that goes with it.

And a third group ventured even farther afield. So many people talk about their wonderful vacations to the Dominican Republic, a warm Caribbean destination that sounds pretty good to those of us in the Great White North about this point.

However, there is “another Dominican Republic,” one where poverty and despair are the daily reality. And this was the destination of these young people and their adult sponsors. Again, they were working with children, but the conditions were eye-opening. The Haitian refugees were discriminated against. Three million of them lived in only 104 square kilometres.

The team’s days involved working with the children: stories, games, crafts, songs, and reaching out to those on the streets and paying calls to local residents. They also were involved in a building project.

And what was one young man’s favourite part of the trip? (By the way, this particular teen is setting records in field events and could very likely be headed for the Olympics. He gave up training time to go on this trip.) This is what he had to say:

My favourite part of the trip was working with the kids. My favourite part of the day was, without a doubt, spending time connecting with the kids. They took such pride in completing their crafts and listened intently to the stories. They just wanted to soak in everything we had to offer.

Kids these days, indeed!

We may not hear about these examples. It seems we’re more prone to complaining about the times when someone—young or not-so-young—wrongs us in some way. It takes practice to look for the positives. But we’ll be happier when we do—and so will the people around us.

Why not get together with some of your friends and discuss positive experiences you’ve had with young people. Even better, why not invite a few of them in to address the group. You may very well come away encouraged by “kids these days.”

Let’s look for reasons to smile today.

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12 Ways to Avoid Idle Hands | Sharon Village Care Homes

You may have developed one or more of the skills below over the years . . . or you may be looking for something new to occupy your hands and your mind.

Whichever is the case, the following can fill many hours and bring tremendous satisfaction. And remember to be patient with yourself. New skills take time to develop, and those you’ve had for years may be hindered by failing eyesight and/or motor control. Make adaptations as needed.

Carving

Anything from a rustic picture frame to a personalized nameplate makes a wonderful gift. (Of course you will want to exercise caution. Carving tools can cause injury.)

Colouring

While you may consider colouring a child’s pursuit, there are several detailed colouring books created for those of all ages. Why not grab some crayons or coloured pencils and have some fun?

Crocheting

From the intricate lace doilies that used to adorn tables and couches to the cowls and hats made with the large Q hook, crocheting is here to stay.

Cross Stitch

When you think of cross stitch, your mind may automatically go to the impossibly-tiny stitches of classic counted cross stitch samplers that were once so popular. But there are also cross stitch patterns that can be created on plastic canvas, which is much easier to work with and comes in a wide variety of sizes.

Drawing

All you need is a pencil and a piece of paper and you’re all set. Whether you’re a skilled artist or just want to doodle, it’s a great way to pass the time.

Embroidery

As is the case with cross stitch, there are embroidery patterns for those with varying levels of motor control and skill.

Knitting

Knitting is perhaps the most popular handcraft of all. Therefore, if you don’t know how, it’s likely you can find someone who does and would be willing to help you. And the idea of knitting with chunky yarn and extremely large needles or even just your hands makes it doable for almost everyone. Why not learn a few simple stitches and get busy making that first scarf?

Painting

Paint-by-numbers. Watercolour. Acrylic. Oil. From painting on canvas to purchasing unpainted novelty items at the dollar store, there are lots of options when it comes to taking up painting.

Puzzle-Making

Many people find puzzle-making relaxing and enjoyable. If you have the space to leave it out, it can be a great way to pass the time for several days—or even weeks. The wonderful thing about puzzles is that they came in all shapes and sizes. Plus, the designs range from easy to extremely difficult. And this is one of the best hobbies to share with the other residents.

Rug Hooking

Rug hooking is a fairly simply handcraft to learn. You can make everything from pillows to wall hangings. There are several different kits available that include all you need.

Scrapbooking

This pastime, like all others, can be as simple or complex as you choose to make it. There is likely thousands of dollars worth of scrapbooking supplies at the local arts and crafts store, but there are also complete kits you can get for under $30. Pull out those family pictures and create something wonderful.

Sculpting

Whether you use sculpting tools or just your hands, why not create something with clay?

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12 GOOD HABITS TO DEVELOP IN 2015 | Sharon Village Care Homes

We’ve all heard tips on how to break bad habits, but we don’t often hear about forming good ones.

Here are 12 habits you may want to develop in the New Year.

JANUARY

A brand new year stretches before you. It’s a time of new beginnings—no matter how many New Year’s you’ve rung in.

Developing healthy habits is on many people’s list of resolutions. It’s never too late to add this to your list. This month, as you’re able, seek to be more active. (Be sure to check with a professional who knows your specific limitations.)

FEBRUARY

Mention February and many people think of Valentine’s Day. Of course every month is a good month to express our love for family and friends, but why not do so in a special way this month? And if you have the opportunity to befriend someone who’s lonely, it will do you both a lot of good.

MARCH

Physical activity goes hand in hand with healthy eating. Eating well can help you think more clearly, feel more energized, and have a more positive attitude. Pay attention to the effects of the foods you eat, and seek to make good choices.

APRIL

Springtime . . . the crocuses and tulips are blooming, chasing away the monochromatic colour scheme of winter. Plants make a great addition to any room. If you don’t have a plant on your windowsill, this is a great time to get one. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, try a cactus or other type of succulent. They require very little attention and yet add life to your surroundings.

MAY

Plants are great . . . and so are pets. While it may not be possible to keep a dog or cat, you may want to consider getting a fish or two. They add a splash of colour (pun intended). It’s fun and relatively easy to care for them. And many people find it relaxing to watch them swim around their bowl.

JUNE

Each year thousands of new books hit the shelves. June—any month really—is a great time to visit the local library or bookstore and select a book that interests you. If you’re not able to get out, you can order books online. Large print and audiobooks are helpful options for those who have difficulty with their eyesight.

JULY

Not everyone is able to get away on holidays, but this is a great time of year to do vacationy-type things. Day trips can be a lot of fun. Or maybe you want to plan a little get-together with a vacation theme. Brainstorm with a few of your friends and see what ideas you come up with. Who knows? You may even want to make this a regular event?

AUGUST

The days are often sunny and warm. Wouldn’t it be great if people used these words to describe you as well? Make it a habit to be caring and upbeat, and it’s bound to happen. See if you can do something nice for someone every day this month. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Even a smile or kind word can go a long way to brighten someone’s day.

SEPTEMBER

Dubbed in recent years “the most wonderful time of the year” because children are heading back to school, September reminds us of the excitement of learning new things.

Why not take a course or learn a new hobby? It’s never too late to learn something new.

OCTOBER

Thanksgiving rolls around this month. It’s the perfect time to compile a gratitude journal to share with family and friends . . . or simply to keep for yourself. Even if it was a challenging year, try to think of all the things you have to be thankful for and make note of them.

NOVEMBER

Time to revisit your eating and exercise habits. Have you been more active? Have you sought to eat well? Even if you have, maybe it’s time to try something new—just to make sure you don’t get bored. Have fun and enjoy!

DECEMBER

And whoosh, another year comes to a close. (Boy, that was fast!)

It’s that time again, time to look back over the year and see what new habits you’ve formed and decide which you are going to work on in the year ahead.

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A DIFFERENT KIND OF RESOLUTION LIST | Sharon Village Care Homes

The dawn of a brand new year seems like the perfect time to make a list of resolutions. However, the typical list may no longer be relevant. Some things still apply, but others do not.

Why not consider a different kind of list?

In 2015, I will …

Connect with Family More Often

For one reason or another, you may not have many opportunities to spend time with family. Thankfully, in this day and age, there are many options to getting together in person. Set a regular phone date—and stick to it. If you have access to a computer, schedule regular Skype chats. The wonderful thing about Skype is that you can see those grandbabies and great grandbabies grow up even if they live thousands of miles away. And since the majority of what ends up in our mailboxes these days goes straight into the recycle bin, it’s almost guaranteed that an old-fashioned letter will bring a smile to the recipient. (Just a hint: Be honest about how much staying in touch means to you.)

Preserve My Memories

There are a number of ways to do so. Keep a journal of your thoughts and memories. Don’t worry if your entries aren’t chronological. Almost anything can trigger a memory. It’s best to capture it as soon as possible. Looking through old photos is a wonderful way to reminisce. You may want to put together a photo album of favourite moments. You may even want to incorporate the two and put together a scrapbook of captioned photos.

Learn Something New

Visit the local library and check out books on the Recently Added shelves. Grab one (or more) that catches your eye. Sign up for an online course. (There are several available at no or minimal charge.) Order a series of CDs or DVDs that explore a topic you’re interested in. (You may want to check out Great Canadian Courses.)

Take Up a New Hobby

In the same vein, perhaps it’s time to take up a new hobby. Remember it’s about having fun and expanding your mind—not about doing it perfectly right from the start. Do you love that painting right outside your room? Why not try painting one of your own? Admire that infinity scarf your daughter was wearing? Maybe it’s time to pick up a ball of yarn and some knitting needles. (These days, they have extremely large crochet hooks and knitting needles with patterns for quick projects. This may be right for you if you struggle with dexterity and/or like to see something come together quickly.) Are you a music lover? There are music teachers who are willing to come to you and there are courses online as well. Always been good with words? Maybe it’s time to take up writing: poems, short stories, a full-length novel, your memoir.

Laugh More

There is a proverb that reads, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Illness, loneliness, depression … they can all make it seem like you have no reason to be merry. There is no denying that it’s difficult sometimes, but the payoff for laughing more might surprise you. Read humorous books. Watch sitcoms and funny movies. Hang around people who make you laugh. Go ahead; be silly. You may just bring a smile to someone’s face—maybe even a full-fledged laugh. And making others happy often splashes back and does the same for us.

Stretch the Parameters of My Comfort Zone

If you’re an introvert and spent most of your life surrounded by familiar people and places, making new friends and trying new things may seem just too difficult. There is no denying that breaking out of your comfort zone—or simply expanding the parameters—will be challenging. But it is so worth it!

Get Active

Exercise has so many benefits. Improved lung capacity. The ability to sleep more restfully. The ability to think more clearly. Because of the release of endorphins, exercise even improves your outlook. Though you may not be able to do what you once did, try to do a little more each week. (Be sure to get guidance from a professional who knows your limitations.)

Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

Sometimes the challenges of getting older are like a heavy weight. Nothing lifts that weight like deliberately looking for things to be thankful for. It’s a great idea to keep a Thankfulness Journal. When you’re down, you can open it and remind yourself just how much you have to be grateful for.

Pay It Forward

And there’s nothing quite like doing something nice for someone else. Resolve to look for the opportunity to do so each and every day.

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THEN AND NOW | Sharon Village Care Homes

Here are a few suggestions to rekindle happy memories of the holiday season—and make new ones.

The Tree

Coat, hat, mitts … check, check, and check. Trudging through snow up to your thighs saw in hand … check. Finding the perfect tree … check. Dragging it home only to find it is much too big to fit into the living room … and check. (Trees always look much smaller in the woods.)

Even if this is a familiar scenario, it is likely a distant memory. But chances are, if you can remember doing this, there are happy memories associated with the entire process. The lights. The baubles. The tinsel. And sitting back to admire your handiwork with a homemade cookie in one hand and a mug of hot cocoa in the other.

While you may not have room for a tree—even a small one—you likely have a dresser where you could place a miniature artificial tree. And if you prefer “the real thing,” you may have a corner where you can tuck a small, potted evergreen, which can be planted outside in the spring.

You can decorate the tree with tiny baubles and bows available at most department and dollar stores. You can even find candy canes just the right size to add the finishing touch.

This tiny replica can serve as a reminder of those happy memories from long ago.

The Decorations

Bows. Ribbon. Garland. Mistletoe. Artificial snow in a can.

A visit to the neighbourhood dollar store can spark any number of ideas to decorate even the smallest space.

How about … window clings, a pint-sized Christmas village, snowman mugs.

A few well-place additions can brighten up your room in no time.

The Lights

From the lights on the tree to the bulbs outlining each window … from the outdoor floodlights casting a warm glow to the flicking candles … this season shines like no other.

Some miniature trees are pre-lit. All you have to do is plug them in. You may not be able to outline your window with multi-coloured lights, but you may be able to hang a lit star or snowman to bring a smile to passersby—as well as yourself.

And thanks to creative ingenuity, there are now battery-powered candles that are so realistic-looking it’s hard to believe there is no open flame.

As the sun sets earlier and earlier, these lights provide a nice alternative to harsh fluorescents … and can stir up warm and happy memories.

The Music

While not everyone gathered around “the old piany” and sang carols, seasonal songs are piped into stores and restaurants and evoke an emotional response from people of all ages. Music is a powerful tool and awakens memory centres in the brain like nothing else can.

Whether listening to favourites from your past or discovering new favourites, why not make music part of the season?

The Movies

Peruse the DVD aisles in any store at this time of year, and you’ll find rows and rows of holiday classics. It seems everyone has their favourites.

Maybe it’s time to pop in a copy of “A Christmas Carol,” “White Christmas,” or “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Perhaps just thinking about the movies you watched with your children brings a smile to your face. Go ahead and watch “A

Charlie Brown Christmas,” the original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or the Burl Ives’ classic, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Enjoy!

The Cards

Not too long ago, the holidays meant mailboxes stuffed with greeting cards. Displays of cards made wonderful additions to the decorations.

With the advent of e-cards that are sent on the computer—and the ever-increasing price of individual and boxed cards—fewer and fewer physical cards are sent each year.

One of the most wonderful things about the season is bringing a smile to someone’s face. Just think how big those smiles will be if your loved ones go to their mailboxes and find a card with a personalized, handwritten note inside.

May you bring many smiles this holiday season … and may you have countless reasons to smile yourself.

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BOREDOM BUSTERS – Part 2 | Sharon Village Care Homes

When we’re no longer able to go where we used to go and do what we used to do, it’s easy to slip into a funk and let boredom get the best of us. However, as you may have read in “Boredom Busters – Part 1,” there are several things we can do to keep boredom at bay. Below are a dozen more things you may can choose from to do just that.

Watch TV

It’s easy to mindlessly watch the television and just let the hours slip past. However, TV can also have many benefits: keeping up with world events, revisiting happy memories as you watch reruns and old movies, laughing at situation comedies—both old and new, and exercising your memory as you follow new shows with ongoing storylines.

Read a Book

Even better than watching the story unfold before you is reading about it. Reading requires more interaction with the information than does watching television. Let the author paint the picture with words. You can make note of facts and quotations that you want to remember and look back at them later. There are books written about any topic you can imagine.

Listen to an Audiobook

Local libraries often have extensive audiobook sections. If you have difficulty reading a book for any reason—or even if you’re more of an audio learner than a visual learner—audiobooks provide a great alternative.

Write a Story

You don’t simply have to watch, read, or listen to the stories created by others. You can come up with your own. You can use a journal, a computer, or a voice recorder to share fiction, memoir, or other nonfiction. Even if you are the only one who ever reads or listens to your stories, it can be a great way to overcome boredom. Who knows? Others may also be interested in what you’ve written.

Write a Poem

You don’t have to be a storyteller or a novelist to write a story and you don’t have to be a gifted poet to write poems. Poems are a wonderful way of sharing big ideas with only a few words. One of the best ways to be inspired is to read the poetry written by others.

Write a Letter

Social networking, emailing, texting … they’re all great ways to keep in touch with others, but there are many people who would love to receive a letter—even a brief note—in their mailbox.

Record a Favourite Memory (audio or written)

What happy memories stand out to you? By recording them, you will have them to read or listen to when you’re feeling down. Plus, your memories may stir happy memories for others as well.

Take Up a New Hobby

There’s nothing like a hobby to overcome boredom. If you’re unable to pursue the hobbies you used to enjoy—or if you simply want to try something new—ask around. When you hear about something that sounds interesting, give it a try.

Exercise

It’s important to keep moving as much as possible. Attend an exercise class. Go for a walk. (Remember to get medical clearance before changing your level of physical activity.)

Make a Friend

No matter how old you are, you can still make new friends. Strike up a conversation. Who knows? You might discover you have shared interests or simply enjoy one another’s company. Cliché as it sounds, the best way to make a friend is to be a friend.

Paint a Picture

You may be an artist from way back or you may feel like you don’t have an ounce of creativity. It doesn’t matter. You can purchase paint-by-numbers, attempt realistic paintings, or use your favourite colours and simply put brush to canvas and produce an abstract that reflects your feelings. Have fun!

Take a Photo

From cell phones to small, handheld digital cameras; from expensive equipment to the new instant cameras … there are many ways to take pictures. Photographers find it’s a whole new world when they’re viewing life through the lens. You may too.

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BOREDOM BUSTERS – Part 1 | Sharon Village Care Homes

Below are a dozen ideas … in no particular order. Simply choose the one(s) you find most appealing and bust that boredom.

Listen to Music

Whether on CD, an mp3 player, an iPod, or the radio, you can listen to your favourite music. Not only can music lift your spirits, but studies show that music often awakens memories long buried. This is especially helpful if you’re concerned about increasing forgetfulness.

Listen to Radio Programs

With the right device, you can listen to your local station, satellite radio, or online stations. The possibilities—from music to news broadcasts to talk shows—are virtually endless. A great boredom buster!

Lend a Hand

Although you may not be able to do what you once did, offering a kind work or a helping hand can go a long way to making you feel better—as well as brightening someone else’s day.

Redecorate Your Room

It doesn’t take much effort to completely change the feel of a room. You can switch up the pictures, buy and new throw cushion, add a small shelving unit and regularly change what you display. And if you enjoy decorating for the holidays or different seasons, think of adding a few key pieces. These touches can add that special something to even the smallest living spaces.

Surf the Internet

Of course there are some precautions you should take before exploring the Internet, but it is a wonderful place to learn new things, keep in touch with family and friends, and explore and develop new interests. It computers and the Internet intimidate you, ask someone who is comfortable online to give you some pointers.

Go on a Virtual Vacation

An actual vacation is far more fun, but there are options when that is not a possibility. Check out Google Earth online and choose a place you’d like to visit. Many locations have street view options and you can tour countless exotic spots without leaving your residence.

Participate in Online Social Networking

What’s all this talk about Facebook and Twitter? If you have access to the Internet, you may want to open an account to stay in touch with family and friends. If you don’t know how to go about it, just ask one of your grandchildren—or someone else’s. They would likely get a kick out of guiding you through the process. Emailing and learning to use Skype are two additional options you might like.

Plan an Event

Before moving into the residence, you may have loved to plan events and throw parties. Of course it isn’t exactly the same now—far from it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t let your imagination run wild and put together an event for you and the other residents.

Start a Club

Do you enjoy scrapbooking or stamp collecting, knitting or reading? Why not gather a few likeminded people together for meetings once every week or two? It will give you—and them—something to look forward to.

Attend a Social Event

Many seniors’ residences plan regular social events. This may not be your “thing,” but why not attend. Who knows? You might have a really great time and make a new friend or two.

Throw a Party

Why not reserve one of the community rooms, decorate it with matching paper tablecloths, napkins, plates, and cups? Invite some of the other residents for a theme party or a “just because” get-together. Serve punch and cookies, play some music, and have fun.

Help a Charity

With the holiday season fast approaching, there are many charities asking for contributions. One way you can help out is to choose a reputable charity and ask for contributions from staff members and fellow residents … if this is allowed. For example, Samaritan’s Purse sends shoeboxes filled with daily necessities, toys, etc. to underprivileged children. Relief organizations like International Needs and World Vision have catalogues of items you can buy for various impoverished communities around the globe.

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21 TIPS FOR BEATING CHRONIC FATIQUE | Sharon Village Care Homes

The following are general suggestions and may not apply to you specifically.

1. Eat several small meals throughout the day.

Large meals require a lot of energy to digest and often make you sleepy. Eating several small meals and snacks gives you ongoing energy. Plus, your body doesn’t have to work so hard to break down the food.

2. Stay active—physically and mentally.

Sometimes, you may drift off because you’re inactive and/or bored. Go for a walk. Invite a few people to play cards or a board game. Put together a puzzle. Read a book.

3. Exercise.

Ask a physiotherapist or personal trainer to put together a simple exercise routine for you and do the exercises every couple of days.

4. Make a habit of chatting with family, friends, and fellow residents.

It’s usually harder to nod off when you’re talking to someone. And sleeping during the day can make it hard to do so restfully at night.

5. Do what you can to minimize stress.

Pay particular attention to those things that cause you stress—and avoid them as much as possible. Do what you can to develop a genuinely positive attitude. This goes a long way to fighting stress.

6. Check with your doctor if you think your medication is affecting your sleep.

If you suspect that something you’re taking is making it difficult to rest through the night, arrange to talk to your doctor and see what he or she can do for you.

7. Determine whether an afternoon nap revitalizes you or makes you more sleepy.

An early afternoon nap may be just what you need to prevent you from falling asleep too early. On the other hand, it may have the opposite effect. If you feel groggy for an extended period after your nap and find it interferes with your sleep at night, it would be good to do things differently. Instead, you could do your exercises or visit with a friend.

8. Don’t consume too much liquid in the evening.

Having to get up in the night to use the washroom leads to a broken sleep, and not everyone can fall back to sleep quickly after they’ve been up even for a few minutes.

9. Avoid foods and beverages that give you energy—or agitate you—especially at the end of the day.

It’s definitely best to avoid refined sugar and caffeine in the evening—most anytime actually.

10. If possible, have a warm bath or shower in the evening.

This isn’t always practical, but a warm bath can be just the thing to relax and get sleepy.

11. Choose the right pillow.

If your pillow is too hard or too soft, too fluffy or too flat, it can affect your sleep. Some people rest well with no pillow. And others need two.

12. See to it that you’re not too hot—or too cold—when you’re in bed.

Some people like a nip in the air and enjoy having their window open all year round. Others need to be warm and toasty. Perhaps having several layers of blankets is the best option for you. That way you can pull them up or toss them off accordingly.

13. Listen to relaxing music or purchase a white noise machine.

Music can be very soothing, especially instrumental music that doesn’t bring lyrics to mind. If that doesn’t work for you, you may want to purchase a white noise machine that will mask other sounds while you sleep.

14. Keep reading material on your night table.

Reading at night makes many people drowsy. There are backlit electronic readers (Kobo and Kindle, for example) that are lightweight and may be the perfect solution. It isn’t always practical to keep the light on and try to hold a physical book while you’re trying to fall asleep.

15. You may also want to keep a pen and notepad by your bed.

If you think of something you don’t want to forget, simply jot it down and the note will be waiting for you in the morning.

16. Make the room as dark as possible.

Many people sleep most soundly if their room is totally dark. You may want to purchase room-darkening blinds and ask that your door be shut when you are in bed for the night.

17. Don’t wait until you’re overtired to head to bed.

Being too tired can have the same effect as not being tired at all. Try to get to bed before you reach this stage.

18. Give yourself time to wind down.

If you’ve had an especially busy day—mentally and/or physically—give yourself time to decompress before trying to get to sleep. Watch a little television. Listen to some music. Read a chapter or two in your favourite book.

19. As much as possible, follow the same nighttime ritual every evening.

Routine can be very helpful. It trains your body and your mind to know it’s time for sleep.

20. Keep to a fairly strict sleep schedule.

Whenever possible, go to bed at the same time every night and rise at the same time every morning.

21. Count your blessings.

And instead of counting sheep, why not count blessings as you nod off? Talk about a great way to develop a positive attitude, de-stress, and rest peacefully.

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17 Ways to Deal with Losing a Loved One | Sharon Village Care Homes

It’s probably the hardest thing you will ever have to deal with, losing a loved one.

No one should tell you to get over it—no matter how long ago it was, but there are things you can do to move forward, to deal with your loss.

17 Ways to Deal with Losing a Loved One:

1. Allow yourself to grief. You don’t have to pretend everything is alright when it isn’t. While it has been said that there are stages to grief, it has also been said that sometimes those stages get jumbled; a stage that you think has passed will resurface with no warning. Such is the nature of the process.

2. Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings. It often helps to work through things on paper. You don’t have to write it for anyone but yourself. It’s perfectly acceptable to be 100 percent honest with yourself and write openly. Don’t pretend. Be real.

3. Go through old photographs and allow yourself the time to revisit the memories surrounding each picture. You may laugh or cry—or both. That’s fine. And if something you want to be sure to remember resurfaces, make note of it and keep the paper and photo together.

4. You may want to scrapbook these thoughts and pictures—or have someone do it for you. Even better, work on the project together with another individual who was also close to your loved one, a friend or family member.

5. Make an audio recording of your memories for yourself or for your family. Just like writing, it sometimes help to verbalize thoughts and feelings.

6. And don’t forget to share your heart with a compassionate friend, family member, pastor—even a professional counselor. That individual can help you work things through.

7. Listen to your loved one’s favourite music. Be aware that this can bring an onslaught of emotions, but it can make the individual seem closer and can stir happy memories.

8. You may want to write a letter to your loved one. Pour out your heart to him or her. Again, it may make him or her seem closer.

9. If you’ve kept cards and notes he or she wrote to you, you may want to reread them. Don’t rush. Savour each one. Think of the occasion and again, make note of memories that surface that you don’t want to forget.

10. Did your loved one have a favourite book? It might be a good time to read it and see why he or she liked it so much. A favourite movie? Watch it. A favourite food? Enjoy.

11. There are organizations that bring dogs and cats into care centres. Interacting with a pet can be very therapeutic. If you’re an animal lover—and even if you’re not—you may want to ask if this service would be available to you. You might be surprised at the comfort and joy you experience when you interact with an animal.

12. And speaking of therapy, art therapy is also a great way to work through your emotions. You may not be particularly artistic, but you can express your emotions in abstract art. Dark colours and harsh, angular, geometric shapes often reflect “negative” emotions, while bright colours and flowing lines often reflect joy and happiness. It’s perfectly acceptable if your work is a combination of the two.

13. Don’t feel guilty if these things are just too hard. Maybe you need to otherwise occupy your mind for a while. (One woman had to put away all the photos of her father-in-law after he passed away. The two were very close and it took quite a while before she could put them back out, but she did—eventually.)

14. This might be the perfect time to start a new hobby, something you’ve always wanted to do.

15. And how about making some new friends? It’s never too late to do that.

16. Though your laughter may sound strange in your own ears. You may even feel guilty about laughing, but you don’t have to. Watch a comedy, read a book of jokes, whatever makes you laugh.

17. And remember . . . there are people who care about you and what you’re going through—and those who are going through the same thing. You are not alone.

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The Tapestry of Life | Sharon Village Care Homes

Each thread in a tapestry is important. Some stand out right away. It may even seem that the other threads are unnecessary. But take just one away and the whole tapestry changes.

It’s the same with life. Each of us has an important part to play. Just because your part, your thread, doesn’t seem to stand out like it once did doesn’t mean it isn’t of great worth.

Have you ever considered the following?

1. Some threads are bold and dynamic. Perhaps you’re an extrovert and even now brighten up a room whenever you enter. You may wear the label “Life of the Party”.

2. Perhaps you’re warm and caring. If you were a colour, you would be a rich, warm brown or green. You exude calm and peace. And who doesn’t need more of that in their life?

3. You may be shy and reserved. You may feel like you have no colour, eggshell white or beige perhaps. Don’t underestimate your importance to the tapestry. Too many loud colours can be overwhelming. Too many similar earth tones won’t provide the needed contrast. You come alongside people and temper the effects of the other threads. You are vital.

4. Each thread appears on the surface of the tapestry of life at times only to run along on the underside for a while. Enjoy these times. Be refreshed. Prepare yourself for your next appearance. Think your time is over? As long as you draw breath you are part of someone’s tapestry. Think of your children, grandchildren, friends, even the staff of the care centre. Seek to be a beautiful influence no matter what your colour.

5. When some people think of tapestries, they think of the large works of art that hung on the walls of medieval castles. These amazing pieces portrayed important events in the life of the kingdom. They told a story. Each thread was added carefully and skillfully with the completed work in mind. When that completed work was hung, everyone saw the same picture and likely knew its history and meaning. It’s wonderful to realize you are part of something important, something that will speak to the current generation and generations to come.

6. Other tapestries are what you may think of as modern or postmodern art. The threads are rougher, more textured. They are woven together into what looks like abstract art to some, a jumbled mess to others. But when you step back and see the overall effect, it is easier to see the beauty. There is order and reason—even if it isn’t evident at first. Life can be like that. Sometimes it takes looking at things from a different perspective to see beauty in the tapestry.

7. It is a good idea to not only look at your place in the tapestry of life but to see your own life as a tapestry as well. There are bright threads that represent the joyous times; dark threads that represent the hard times and, even so, add depth and definition; and more subdued colours that represent the day-to-day.

8. Can you envision the tapestry of your life? Just for you—or maybe to share with others—try to describe that tapestry in words or, if you’re artistically-inclined, in a drawing or painting. Let your mind travel over the years. What was an ordinary day like growing up? As an adult? Most days are ordinary, made up of quiet colours that act as the backdrop for the other threads. They may overwhelm your memories. You may have to look carefully to see the bright threads—and you may be tempted to turn away from the dark ones, but together they make up the work of art that is your life. Contemplate that work of art; deliberately look for the beauty even when it’s hard to see—and seek to add beauty to the tapestry of other’s lives each day.

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How to Make Friends | Sharon Village Care Homes

When life changes dramatically, there are many things you may have to relearn. One of them is how to make new friends.

Before we consider how, let’s consider why.

If you have recently moved to a care centre, you may not know anyone else who lives there.

Your family and friends may live far away and be unable to visit regularly. (They may also be busy or unable to travel for various reasons.)

People are social creatures; we need one another. Interaction with others keeps your mind stimulated. Exercise for your mind is as important as exercise for your body—maybe even more so.

Conversation can turn to humorous things your grandchildren or great grandchildren have done. Laughter really is good medicine.

Those you befriend will also benefit from your newfound relationships. Though it can be discouraging when you can no longer do what you once did, you can still brighten someone else’s day and that’s a very good thing.

Let’s face it, you can’t have too many friends.

According to the Mayo Clinic, friendships . . .

• Increase your sense of belonging and purpose

• Boost your happiness and reduce your stress

• Improve your self-confidence and self-worth

• Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one

• Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise

This and further information is available on the Internet at http://ift.tt/1j2O23m

How do you make friends?

Participate in planned activities and strike up a conversation with someone new. Even if these activities aren’t your first choice, give them a try if you’re able. You just might discover a new interest—and a new friend or two—in the process.

If you’re an extrovert overflowing with ideas, why not work with the staff to plan an activity that isn’t already on the schedule.

Eat meals in the dining room rather than your own room. If you have assigned seating, strike up a conversation and get to know the people at your table. If you can choose where to sit, try to make connections with a number of other residents.

Don’t simply migrate to the same table for each meal.

If you enjoy reading, why not start a book club with a few of the other residents?

Invite one or two friends back to your room to play cards, knit, or watch TV.

Do you like to paint? Draw? Take pictures? Ask around and see if one or more of the other residents would like to join you.

Find someone who spends a good deal of time alone and strike up a conversation. Maybe they’re shy and just waiting for someone to make friends with them.

It is of course fine to spend time on your own—introverts especially need to do so in order to recharge. Though it may seem awkward and uncomfortable at first, express appreciation to those who approach you. As you chat, you may realize you have lots in common and a new friendship is formed.

While interacting with your friends in person is important, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch with people and make new friends online. Facebook, for example, can be overwhelming, but it is a great way to connect with others. Ask a friend or family member to help you set up an account and show you the basics. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask for further instructions. You don’t want to set up an account that you never use.

The same is true of Skype, it’s an amazing way to stay in touch with family and friends—especially those at a distance. The video option is a great way to watch the grandbabies grow up when you can’t be with them.

Whether in person or online, the simplest way to make friends is to be friendly.

While it’s sad that anyone would have to issue a warning in an article about making friends, the truth is some people will try to take advantage of you. If someone does something or asks something of you that makes you uncomfortable, discuss it with a third party you know you can trust. Don’t let this warning deter you from making new friends; simply proceed with caution.

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Life Through the Lens | Sharon Village Care Homes

Countless individuals have discovered the joy of viewing life through the lens of a camera.

Digital technology makes it the perfect time to get started.

Digital cameras come in a wide variety of styles bearing an equally wide variety of price tags. If you’re not familiar with digital cameras, you can choose the one that’s right for you with a little guidance from someone “in the know.” You may even want to borrow one from a friend or family member before deciding which one to purchase for yourself.

The photos you take appear on a screen. No more film. And no more developing all your pictures to see which ones you want to keep.

The more expensive cameras have a wide variety of attachments you can purchase if you find you enjoy photography—all kinds of lens and flashes, for example.

Tips for Choosing the Right Camera

1. Make sure the screen is big enough for you to see the images clearly.

2. Make sure you are able to change the batteries and SD card without assistance if at all possible. (The SD card is where the pictures are stored and some are very small.)

3. Make sure you can easily see the settings in order to select the best one.

4. Of course, cost is a factor. Don’t pay for several features you will never use. On the other hand, don’t settle for a model you’ll tire of easily. Your confidence and ability will grow, and you don’t want to outgrow your camera too quickly.

Tips for Picture Taking

1. Ignore the naysayers. No, it isn’t too late to take up photography. No, there isn’t a shortage of things to take pictures of—no matter where you live. No, it doesn’t matter if your shots are blurry. (After all you’re just learning. Plus, there are times the pros intentionally focus on one element of the picture and blur all but the primary subject.)

2. Go snap happy. You just never know when you’re going to capture an exceptional shot. Some award winning photos have been happy accidents.

3. Snap pictures of people and events you want to remember. Don’t worry if the photos aren’t perfect. Some moments should be immortalized even so. After all, they’ll never come again.

4. Look for beauty all around: in people’s faces, in the bouquet of flowers on the nurses’ desk, in the billowing clouds outside the window.

5. Just like paintings, photographs can be realistic or abstract. If certain shapes and/or colours catch your eye, snap a picture.

6. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the image you capture will be even more intriguing than you thought it was going to be.

7. Children make wonderful subjects for photos. Just remember to always ask the parents’ or caregiver’s permission to take pictures of children.

8. Of course, respect others’ right to privacy. If they don’t want you to take their picture, don’t.

9. Technically, you need signed model release forms and property release forms . . . especially if you publish your pictures, even on a family member’s Facebook page or blog—or your own.

Finding Resources

Borrow books on the subject of picture taking (especially digital photography) from the local library. You may also want to purchase a book or two that catch your attention. There are many available from brick and mortar stores as well as online.

Visit a local art gallery that features photographs. You just may get some great ideas for your own work.

Type “photographers” into your computer’s search engine. Visit a wide variety of sites and see how many amazing things can be captured with the camera lens.

What to Do with Your Photographs

Develop those you particularly like. (You may also want to save them to CD to either develop at a later time or replace photos that get damaged or lost over time.)

Keep your prints in a photo box to look through every now and then.

Buy a simple photo album to display your work. (It’s best not to use those with adhesive. The pages will eventually discolour and the adhesive makes it virtually impossible to remove the photos at a later time.)

Scrapbook your work—or ask someone else to do so for you.

Purchase a digital frame and upload your photos so they can cycle through. This makes a wonderful, space-saving way to preserve your favourite shots. Plus, digital frames with pictures you’ve taken yourself make wonderful gifts.

No matter what you do with your photos, enjoy exploring life through the lens.

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Starting a Book Club | Sharon Village Care Homes

So, you’ve been a lifelong reader . . . or maybe not. That’s okay!

Let’s look at six reasons to keep or start reading, six ways to form a book club, six ways to run your meetings, and six suggested questions to guide the discussion.

Reasons to Read:

1. Reading helps keeps your mind sharp.

2. Reading fills the hours and starves off boredom and loneliness.

3. Reading reminds you of things you may have forgotten and teaches you new things.

4. Reading provides fodder for conversation.

5. Reading something you normally wouldn’t read expands your horizons.

6. Reading the classics reminds you that some things do last. Read books published in the 21st Century, they will remind you that life goes on.

How to Form a Book Club:

1. Chat with your friends about their interest in forming a book club.

2. Get four to six people to commit (If you cannot generate interest among at least three other people, consider asking those outside your immediate circle of friends.)

3. Plan an initial get-together. Discuss what you each would like to get out of the book club, come up with a list of guidelines, appoint a group leader (someone who can keep the conversation going and involve all the members). And, of course, you will want to choose a book to read. Have several books on a wide variety of topics available. Restrict the length to 250-300 pages so as not to scare off new readers. Always go with the majority’s choice.

4. Get a hold of enough copies of the books for everyone. Once each participant has a copy set a time for your next meeting. You may wish to discuss the first half of the book at the next meeting. You don’t want to let so much time go by that participants lose interest. You may even want to meet once a week and discuss a single book for the month, limiting discussion to the first quarter then the first half.

5. Remind book club members a week before the next meeting and maybe again the day before.

6. As the founder of your new book club, make sure you read the book and make notes along the way so you can keep the discussion moving.

How to Run Your Meetings:

1. Touch base with everyone the day of the meeting to verify who will be able to attend.

2. Open the meeting by welcoming everyone and get right into the discussion. You can always chat at the end of the meeting.

3. The leader should ask one question at a time (suggestions below) and give each person the opportunity to respond if he or she would like. Remember that everyone’s opinion is valid. Conflicting views are fine, but keep the discussion respectful.

4. If the conversation starts to head in an unexpected direction, it is the leader’s responsibility to get it back on track—unless the new direction turns out to be more interesting. The leader should keep everyone involved and encourage them to participate.

5. It is the leader’s responsibility to keep an eye on the time and allow each member to make a final comment or two.

6. You will then want to make plans for the next meeting. If applicable, you will want to choose a new book. Make sure those who didn’t choose the current book have a say in picking the next one. (You could let one of them choose or their vote could count as two this time round.)

Suggested Questions to Guide the Discussion

1. What did you think of the opening paragraph of the book? How did it draw you in and make you want to read more?

2. What do you like about the author’s style? Is there anything you don’t care for?

3. Can you relate to any of the characters? Which one(s) and in what way? (fiction)

4. How did the author make the story/factual information memorable?

5. How do you feel about the book so far? What do you especially like? Is there anything you particularly don’t like?

6. Would you like to read other books by the same author? Why or why not?

Even if you have vision problems, many books are available in large print and/or in audio format. Don’t let failing eyesight rob you of the many benefits of reading and discussing what you’ve read.

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Eat Your Veggies | Sharon Village Care Homes

First, let me mention that 1. I am not a dietician or a nutritionist 2. I am well aware that readers may have dietary restrictions for many different reasons. The following are simply guidelines for healthy eating. Please check with your doctor or another trained professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Although you may no longer prepare your own meals, the information below can provide you with guidelines as to why you should eat an abundance of food within certain categories and restrict your intake of others.

Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables, especially the darkly coloured ones, provide a wide range of nutrients.

Vitamin A keeps your skin and mucous membranes supple and smooth as well as being good for your eyesight. (Your mom wasn’t wrong when she told you carrots helped you see in the dark.)

Vitamin E is found in green, leafy vegetable and is important for healthy nerves and muscles.

Calcium is important for healthy bones, and while it is available in milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., it is also available in dark leafy greens like kale and broccoli. Calcium is also in sesame seeds and almonds.

Magnesium is also important for healthy bones and can also be found in those dark, leafy vegetables.

And these are only a few of the aforementioned vitamins and minerals.

Grains

There has been a lot of talk lately about the benefits of removing gluten from your diet. You may or may not find this helpful, but before you do, check out the information available online and talk to a trained professional. It’s important to do our homework—even when formal education is long behind us.

Whole grains provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improve the body’s ability to process needed nutrients.

Meat and Meat Alternatives

The protein found in meat and dairy is considered “high-quality protein or complete protein.” While protein can also be found in plant-based foods, it is often incomplete. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans must be especially careful to make sure they are getting all the protein they need.

The human body needs the right balance of proteins to move, think, hear, and see. If it’s a bodily function that’s part of healthy living, it’s likely connected with an adequate amount of protein.

Dairy

As mentioned above, dairy products are a source of complete protein. Most people know dairy products are a good source of calcium, but they may not know that the body needs Vitamin D to absorb the calcium. In Canada it is added to milk.

While some people are lactose intolerant and experience pain or discomfort after drinking milk or eating ice cream, the addition of “friendly bacteria” to things like yogurt and buttermilk makes them more digestible.

Water

The debate is still on about how much water we should actually consume in a day, but one thing is for certain, many people do not drink enough of it.

Water, of course, flushes waste from our body, but it does so much more than that.

Our bodies use water to . . .

- Digest food

- Produce energy

- Build tissue

- Send messages between cells (so we can see, think, etc.)

- Regulate temperature

- Keep moving body parts lubricated

As you likely know, coffee and other caffeinated drinks don’t count because they actually leach water from our systems. It has been suggested by some that for every cup of coffee or tea a person drinks, they should add eight ounces to their water intake over and above the daily minimum.

Desserts

Satisfying your sweet tooth too frequently can lead to many problems; so, as the saying goes, “Everything in moderation.”

I’m not suggesting you give up your favourite treat, but with a little research, you can find some wonderful, healthier alternatives.

Plus, fresh fruit is wonderfully sweet and supplies an abundance of health benefits while giving you your “sugar fix.”

Trouble Eating?

Even though I don’t have difficulty eating a variety of foods, sometimes I enjoy making my own smoothies.

Here’s what I do:

Add yogurt, unsweetened fruit juice (frozen or fresh fruit), and a half scoop of whey protein powder to a blender.

Voila! I have a healthy breakfast or snack that tastes so decadent it’s hard to believe it’s overflowing with health benefits—as well as flavour.

For more information on healthy eating, I recommend the book from which I gleaned much of the information in this article, Nutrition for Canadians for Dummies: A Reference for the Rest of Us!

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