How to use a mobility scooter

Do you need a mobility scooter to help you get around? If so, here are a few tips for using one.

• Review the functions. Learn the location of the different buttons and try them out to understand how they work.

• Practise driving. In an open and uncluttered space, learn how to brake, pick up speed and steer around corners.

• Remain seated. When you drive your mobility scooter, practise remaining positioned in the middle of the seat. This will prevent you from leaning too far to one side, which could cause you to tip over.

• Engage freewheel mode. Mobility scooters usually have a freewheel mode that disengages the brakes and allows your mobility aid to be pushed. However, it’s important to remember to put the scooter back in drive mode when it’s not in use.

• Drive in suitable areas. Only drive your scooter on sidewalks, in bike lanes and on the right side of the road. You should avoid driving on streets without a shoulder.

When purchasing a motorized mobility aid, it must have the mandatory equipment required by your region including brakes, lights, reflector strips and more. For personalized advice, talk to the sales associate at your nearest mobility aid store.

4 Reasons Why Puzzles Are Great For Seniors

Puzzles are a popular pastime for people of all ages, but for seniors, this activity has numerous health benefits. Here are four reasons to take up this hobby in your golden years.

1. MEMORY

Solving puzzles requires good mapping, dexterity and observation skills. Consequently, this hobby is excellent for improving and preserving memory by stimulating the brain.

2. FOCUS

Putting a puzzle together requires you to pay attention to the task at hand. This type of heightened concentration can improve your focus and help boost your short-term memory and other cognitive abilities.

3. DEXTERITY

Connecting puzzle pieces requires manual dexterity. Maintaining your fine motor skills and co-ordination as you age is important for performing a variety of daily activities that can help you remain independent.

4. RELAXATION

When solving a puzzle, you must focus. This allows you to escape your daily routine and can help you to relieve stress.

Just like the muscles in your body, you need to exercise your brain regularly to keep it fit. To stock up on puzzles, visit the stores in your area.

Elderly people with a visual impairment often require help with everyday tasks. If someone you love has become visually impaired in their old age, here are a few things you can do to help them maintain their independence.

1. OFFER YOUR ASSISTANCE

A visual impairment can make it more challenging for your loved one to perform their daily activities. To help them, consider offering to complete the tasks they find most difficult.

2. ENCOURAGE COMMUNICATION

Let your loved one know you’re there for them and they can talk to you about their feelings. Listen to their needs so you can help them make any necessary changes.

3. ASSESS THEIR HOME

You may want to suggest installing grab bars in your loved one’s home to prevent them from falling when getting out of the bed or shower. You should also go through their living space to ensure there aren’t pieces of furniture, rugs or accessories that could be a safety hazard.

If you make changes to your loved one’s living space, make sure you discuss it with them. However, it’s best to avoid drastic changes, as people with severe visual impairments rely on their memory to find their way around.

If your loved one needs additional help, consider reaching out to a home-care provider in your area.

Chestermere Community Support Services is hosting an Outreach event at the Library on November 23 from 11am – 2pm. This is the City’s opportunity to provide information on the services offered. It includes information on referrals to resources, career and employment support and referrals, guidance on how to access some government programs as well as their subsidy for recreational services for residents. Stop by and check out what they have to offer.

Need something to do with the grandkids or family. That Winter Thing is taking place on December 2nd at the Rec Centre. There will be lots for you to enjoy. Entertainment, marshmallow roast, tractor rides, Christmas market, crafts, and of course, Santa. A favourite of all, the Kids’ Holiday Store will also be open for business! For more information and tickets, go to https://rvcagsociety.getcommunal. com/parent_programs. The Kids’ Holiday Store is accepting dona tions. Drop off bins are at the Library, Rec Centre and Summit Start. Cash donations are also welcome.

The City will also be hosting the Gifts of Kindness Gala on December 2nd. The theme is Casino Royal and all proceeds from the evening, hosted by the Mayor, will be donated to Gifts of Kindness. Tickets can be purchased at https://chestermeretoday.com/product/ gok-gala/.

Finally, a reminder about the Chestermere Conversation Café. This group is intended to support caregivers and family members of those working with Dementia or memory loss. Regardless of where you or your family member is in the dementia journey, it is a casual conversation setting offering peer support. Family members and dementia patients are welcome to join in. Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of every month (November 27th) from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). Remember you can contact Don at 403-473-1564 or check out the link for more information: https://dementianetworkcalgary.ca/ event/new-chestermere-conversation-cafe-in-person/ for the Older Adult Information Line from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday (excluding Statutory Holidays) for Older Adults in our community. Whether it’s helping to do an online registration or finding information about homecare - call the Older Adult Information Line. As with any new program, there will be some growing pains, so please be patient as the kinks are worked out. If you have an event, news, or a resource for the Older Adult community, please let us know. You can also share it with reception@ lakeshoremanor.ca to ensure it gets added to the Information Line.

News & Views on Health

For those interested, the flu shots offered through Alberta Influenza Immunization Program launched last month alongside the new Covid vaccine. Call your pharmacy to arrange an appointment.

CRPCN advised that the province is experiencing some significant drug shortages – especially with Ozempic. RSV shots are now available, but the cost is close to $300. The good news is that the province is releasing $57 million to Primary Care Network for several initiatives. It includes investment in more Nurse Practitioners as well as funding to support for virtual call appointments with doctors.

Join the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere

OACC – Upcoming Meeting Date – Wednesday, November 15th at 1:30PM – 3:30PM Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). While walk-ins are welcome to our meetings, RSVPs are appreciated. Please email Joanne jumpmaster2@shaw.ca or Betty illingw8@telus.net or Shannon shannon.fetterly@lakeshoremanor.ca

Looking for information on resources, news, or events? Not comfortable using email or filling out forms online? Now you can call 587-349-7444 for help. On behalf of OACC, Lakeshore Manor will be providing the information

The OACC also welcomes community businesses, organizations, and service providers to join our meetings as a guest speaker. If you are interested, please reach out to Joanne, Betty, or Shannon.