asweage
APRIL/MAY 2017 A monthly guide to events, resources and services for Mission Seniors
Keeping the community beautiful Communities in Bloom Mission is about more than just flowers KEVIN MILLS PHOTO
Bert Pulles, Bill Elliot and Denyse Tavener are all heavily involved with Communities in Bloom Mission. The trio have spent countless hours volunteering their time to help with the beautification of the community. While flowers are a key aspect of the group, their programs cover many more issues.
For more see page B2
Seniors… it’s time to save in style! r rvin ea y g Mi ssion for over 25
s
3RD PARTY BILLING *EYEGLASSES ONLY
Blue Cross • Sunlife • Manulife • Standardlife & more
Dr. Lyndon Balisky, Optometrist • Laser consultation • Contact lens fitting
Book Your Eye Health Examination Today 604-820-1112
F F O 0 5 $
s and e s s a l g n o i t Prescrip lasses gapply. n u s n Some restrictions o i t p i r presc See in store for details. ply. restrictions ap . only. Some on so s re pi ex With this ad er soon. Offer expires r details. Off fo e or st in See
2 - 33231 First Avenue, Downtown Mission • 604-820-1112
swingoptical.com
8129108
Se
L A I C E P S R O SENI
Page B2 Friday, April 28, 2017
Mission City Record
asweage·
Communities in Bloom program growing The rest of BC wants to copy the Mission group’s school programs
Kevin Mills
MISSION RECORD
Many people have heard the name Communities in Bloom, but unless you have been part of the organization, you likely don’t realize all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Bert Pulles, Denyse Tavener and Bill Elliot have all volunteered countless hours in support of Communities in Bloom Mission and all love to garden, but the organization is about so much more.
“I think, initially, the idea was it’s for Mission. We all have an interest in flowers and gardening, but I think the bigger interest is the beautification of the community,” explained Elliot Tavener agrees saying a friend convinced her to attend a meeting and she has been involved ever since. “It’s not just the flowers that bloom, the people bloom,” said Pulles who added the volunteers get a great amount of pride from helping the community. Pulles, Tavener and Elliot are all involved
SENIORS
SAVINGS DAY at Mission Canadian Tire
Locally owned and operated by J&K Oliver Enterprises Inc
First Tuesday of every month
RECEIVE 10% OFF
Your entire purchase. 60+ SERVICE 10% OFF INSTALLED PARTS Must be 60yrs or older.
10% OFF
IN’S WELCOME, LABOUR WALK NO APPT NECESSARY
Mission Junction Shopping Centre, 325415 London Ave • 604-826-5840 Auto Service Centre • 604-826-5851 STORE HOURS: Mon - Fri 8am-9pm Sat 8am-6pm Sun 9am-6pm SERVICE DEPT HOURS: Mon - Sat 7:30am-6pm Sun 9am-6pm
8129050
DEPARTMENT
in one of the group’s most successful endeavours, the school program. According to Elliot, the school program started small but has steadily grown and has involved almost every school in the district. Schools are asked to participate in projects that relate to one or more of the following areas: 1. Community Service / Civic Pride; 2. Environmental Responsibility’ 3. School / Community Beautification; 4. School Food Garden. “In terms of the school program, picking up paper, painting garbage cans, worrying about the streams, growing vegetable gardens, helping people around the town, we have expanded our mandate because we are dealing with students and every school’s program is going to be a little different but it’s all about service,” explained Elliot. This year, Communities in Bloom Mission is adding a new feature to the program, a grow your own vegetables in a pot contest. Organizers will supply schools with two large containers, a variety of seeds and even the soil if needed. The students are asked to grow vegetables, tend the planters and try out some new ideas. Members will stop by and check on the progress from time to time. The local school program has become so popular and successful that the rest of the province wants to copy the Mission format.
Communities in Bloom BC has asked Mission to help organize programs for other cities to try. Elliot said both the District of Mission and the School District has been supportive of their efforts. He said the school program is a way to reach out to the younger generation so they’ll have pride in their community. One thing that Communities in Bloom Mission needs is more volunteers. Elliot said people who want to help their community should investigate what they are all about. “It’s more than flowers. Flowers, gardening and beautification is what started things, but Mission has so much potential. This is just one part of the whole picture,” he added. He said it doesn’t take a lot to spruce up the community and the downtown area. “Flowers can do a lot, but it need paint and other things.” He said the group is just a part of the solution. Other organizations like AdoptA-Block and others also want to increase pride in the community. Volunteers are the key. “I think everybody can make a difference, if they all do a little,” said Tavener. Anyone interested in joining Communities in Bloom Mission can call Elliot (604-8269833), Tavener (604-820-0293) or Pulles (604826-9352) for more information.
MISSION HOSPICE SOCIETY Leave a legacy.
A gift that really makes a difference to families dealing with the loss of a loved one. Find out how you can make a Mission Hospice bequest.
32180 HILLCREST AVENUE, MISSION • 604-826-2235
8129074
8129083
www.missionhospice.bc.ca
Communities in Bloom Mission volunteers Bert Pulles, Bill Elliot and Denyse Tavener continue to help beautify the community. / Kevin Mills Photo
Seniors,
Mindy McPherson
FREE MARKET EVALUATIONS Realtor in Sold Transactions (for 30 years) in the entire Fraser Valley out of 3,200 Realtors!
103-33070 FIFTH AVE., MISSION
604-826-1000
•
FAX 604.820.3000
THIS NOTICE IS NOT INTENDED TO CAUSE OR INDUCE BREACH OF ANY EXISTING AGENCY RELATIONSHIP.
mindymcpherson.com
Mission City Record
Healthy Hints
Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries • 4 cups sugar • 1 (1.75 ounce) package dry pectin • 3/4 cup water DIRECTIONS: • Mix crushed strawberries with sugar, and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the pectin into the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 1 minute. Stir the boiling water into the strawberries. Allow to stand for 3 minutes before pouring into jars or other storage containers. • Place tops on the containers, and leave for 24 hours. Place into freezer, and store frozen until ready to use.
Friday, April 28, 2017 Page B3
Fruit Facts
Kiwis are small fruits that pack a lot of flavor and plenty of health benefits. Their green flesh is sweet and tangy. It’s also full of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium. They also have a lot of antioxidants and are a good source of fibre.
Full Service
JEWELRY REPAIR • Clasps replaced • Tips rebuilt • Heads replaced • Shanks replaced • Stones tightened
Seniors Receive
20% Off Repairs
• Pearls restrung • And more
Expires May 31, 2017
Locally Owned & Operated for over 30 Years We Custom Design
THE “JUNCTION” IN MISSION www.twitter.com/LankaJewels
32555 London Avenue, Mission
604-826-5766
www.lankajewels.ca
www.facebook.com/lankajewels
Symons Tire
Premium Tires and Top-Rated Service Family Owned & Operated Since 1973
Michelin Premier A/S Introducing a new technology labeled as EverGrip to maintain wet braking grip as a tire wears. This is a grand touring all-season tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans & minivans.
10 OFF
SAFE WHEN NEW ON ALL
SAFE WHEN WORN
% AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SERVICES
CUSTOMERS OVER 60 SAVE MONEY WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR
VEHICLE SERVICED
Not to be combined with any other offer • Expires: May 31, 2017. Excludes Tires.
• BRAKE SERVICE • TUNE-UPS • LUBE & OIL • CLUTCHES • ALTERNATORS • MUFFLERS & EXHAUST • TIRES: ROTATION & BALANCING • WHEEL ALIGNMENT • SHOCKS & STRUTS • DIAGNOSTICS Your Extended Warranty Plan is Welcome Here.
Locally owned and operated since 1973
33245 GLASGOW AVENUE • 604.826.9119 (LOCATED NEXT TO COMMUTER RAIL)
www.symonstire.com
8129110
Recipe sponsored by
Page B4 Friday, April 28, 2017
Mission City Record
EVENTS FOR SENIORS asweage· May 2017
May 2 Osteofit and Low Impact Fitness classes continue every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Ten-class pass is $35 ( non-members $45). May 2 Chair Yoga
May 3 Nordic Pole Walkers meet every Wednesday at Heritage Park parking lot. New walkers welcome. No charge.
classes with Norine Longmire resume every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 11:30 to 12:30. Six-visit pass is $35 (nonmembers $45).
Walking Class for Beginners. Tuesday form 10am-11am. Ten-class pass is $35 ( non-members $45).
May 2 Lifetime
May 10 Mother’s Day
Learning Centre’s used
Fashion Show: The
book sale is on from 9 am to 2 pm.
Little Black Dress will be presented by Karin EdbergLee. At one time “the little black dress” was considered essential to a complete wardrobe by many women and fashion observers. Time: 10 am to 12 noon. Fee: $7 (non-members $10). A light lunch will be served for this fundraising event.
May 2 Diabetes SelfManagement Program, a six-session series will be presented on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 am to 1:30 pm. This workshop will help persons suffering from type 2 diabetes better manage their symptoms and their daily lives. Open to adults as well as their family and/or caregivers. No charge. Registration required. Contact University of Victoria Centre on Aging at 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmanagement@ uvic.ca to register or for information. May 2 Fall Prevention Clinic will be presented by Fraser Health Professionals from 9 am to 5 pm. No
May 9 Nordic Pole
May 17 Golden Age of Radio. Join Ed Wilson for a trip down memory lane to the old-time radio era. From the early 1920’s radio was the dominant home entertainment medium until it was superseded in the 1950’s by television. Time 10 am to 12 noon. Fee: $7 (nonmembers $10). May 25 Tech Time: Learn to use your tablet,
computer or cell phone. Bring your device and students will show you how to get the most from it. Pre-register at 604-820-0220. Time: 12:30 to 2 pm. Fee: by donation, suggested $7 - $10. Preregister at 604-820-0220. Program subject to change. May 26 Bus Tour: Little Italy. Visit the artistic and culturally diverse neighbourhood of “Little Italy” on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of our local Italian culture on this 2.5 hour walking and food tour. Bus leaves 32444 -7th Ave., Mission at 12 noon and returns at 5:30 pm. Fee: $75 (non-members $85) includes a generous variety of food. Pre-register at 604-8200220. May30 Philosophers’
MONTHLY MEETINGS Mission Drop-in Centre General Meeting - First
33100 – 10th Avenue Mission • 604-814-2188 Email:msca2011@shaw.ca
DAILY ACTIVITIES Lounge is open Monday to Friday,10:00am-2:00pm Lunch is available for members 11:00am to l:00pm. SUNDAY Tai- Chi Advanced & Beginners 9:00-10:30 MONDAY Bodhi Meditation 10:30-11:30 Drop In Bingo 12:30-3:30 Bridge 1:00-3:00 TUESDAY Health & Wellness 10:00-12:00 Line Dancing 9:00-10:00 Cards / Knitting 10:00-12:00 WEDNESDAY Seniors Fitness 9:15-10:00 Crib 10:15-12:15 Drop in Bingo 12:30-3:30
Monday of each month at 11:30 am Mission Seniors Activity Centre Assoc General Meeting - First Thursday of each month at 10:30 am Birthday Party 2nd Friday 1:30 pm 4th Friday 1:30 pm
What’s on at the Legion: Tuesdays 6:30 pm Crib Wednesdays 7:00 pm Bingo and Meat Draws Fridays 5:00 pm Meat Draws Saturdays 3:00 pm Meat Draws Sundays 3:00 pm
Bingo and Meat Draws
THURSDAYS Line Dancing 8:45-9:45 Chair Yoga 10:00-11:00 Jam Sessions 1:00-3:00
Cafe will be held at Chartwell Cedarbrooke, 32331 FRIDAY -7th Ave., Mission from 7 Seniors Fitness to 9 pm. Fee: $5, includes Crib (Drop-In) refreshments.
9:15-10:00 11:00-1:00
33179 2nd Avenue Mission • 604.826.3634 MEALS ON WHEELS We are pleased to offer delicious frozen meals and hearty soups to order from a weekly menu. Meals on Wheels also provides hot meals delivered. Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. For more information please call Raman at 604-826-3634
Are you a Seniors Community Group in Mission?
Submit your events listing to adcontrol@missioncityrecord.com
8129054
32444 7th Avenue Mission • 604-820-0220
charge. Participants will sit one-on-one with various health professionals for 20-minute sessions. Total time spent at the clinic will be approximately 90 minutes. To register or for more information call 606-587-7866 or email fallsprevention@fraserhealth. ca.
Mission City Record
Friday, April 28, 2017 Page B5
crossword CLUES ACROSS
36. Moved slowly
1. Computer security
37. God of Assyria
philosophy (abbr.) 4. “Antman” actor Paul 8. Region 10. Heart veins __ cavae 11. Stem
38. Highland 39. Photographers’ requests 40. Makes tractors 41. Witnesses 42. Not beginnings
12. Public house
43. Prosecutors
13. Outdated monetary units
CLUES DOWN
15. Experiences again 16. Took possession of (Brit.) 17. Absolved 18. “His Airness” 21. Unhappy 22. The entirety 23. Meds without prescription 24. James Bond is one 25. Signal 26. Midwife 27. “The Who” guitarist 34. “Independence Day” actor 35. East Asian territory
1. Prejudice 2. Known for its sultans 3. Boston hoopster 4. An evangelistic meeting 5. Inconsistent 6. Challenged 7. Hideaways 9. Members of Mennonite sect 10. Cogently 12. Univ. of Maryland mascot 14. The Caspian is one 15. Greek letter 17. Law degree
19. Respected 20. Resin-like substance 23. A basis for 24. Popular horror movie franchise 25. Basements 26. Boxing promoter King 27. Plucked 28. Small amount 29. Shape-memory alloy 30. Metal plates 31. Resonated 32. Sickness 33. Coercion 34. Franz van __, German diplomat 36. Type of ranch
8129100
asweage·
For All Your Real Estate Needs
sandi@sandistugis.ca
604.864.1300
27. Pulled
10. Validly
Townshend
16. Seise
26. Don
9. Amish
43. Das
27. Pete
15. Relives
25. Cellars
7. Dens
42. Ends
26. Dai
13. Intis
36. Dude
24. Saw
6. Dared
41. Sees
25. Cue
12. Tavern
34. Papen
23. Outline
5. Uneven
40. Deere
24. Spy
11. Culm
33. Duress
20. Lac
4. Revival
39. Pose
23. OTC
10. Venae
32. Nausea
19. Esteemed
3. Celtic
38. Upland
22. All
8. Area
31. Echoed
17. SJD
2. Brunei
37. Ashur
21. Sad
4. Rudd
30. Hasps
15. Rho
1. Racism
36. Dallied
Jordan
1. RBC
29. SMA
14. Sea
DOWN
35. Macau
18. Michael
ACROSS
28. Tad
12. Terrapin
SOLUTIONS
34. Pullman
17. Shrived
SOLUTIONS
Enjoy the freedom of
Dental Implants This couple has something to smile about. They used to wear dentures, which caused discomfort, an inability to eat many foods and a lack of confidence when it came to smiling and talking. Now they enjoy the freedom of NobelSmile dental implants, which are as close to natural teeth as you can get. People who lose a tooth want to replace it with something permanent, says Dr. Lui, instead of something they have to remove. “Once you give someone new, permanent teeth, you can see their personality shine through again.”
Call today for your FREE consultation to a better smile! Comprehensive oral cancer screening (velscope & head & neck exam) with COMPLETE NEW PATIENT EXAM* LIMITATIONS MAY APPLY
✁
VALUE $80
Serving Mission and the Fraser Valley Dr. Chung Lui • Dr. Gurpreet Surdhar Dr. Ji Won Choi • Dr. Soroush Liaghat
Offer good with coupon. Limit one per patient. Expires: May 31/17 Coupon Code: MISSIONRECORD
FREE
Electric Toothbrush
With COMPLETE NEW PATIENT EXAM* LIMITATIONS MAY APPLY
VALUE $40
Offer good with coupon. Limit one per patient. Expires: May 31/17 Coupon Code: MISSIONRECORD
bridgeviewdental.ca
604.826.6100 • #2 - 32243 Hurd St. Mission • Now Open Mon./Tues./Wed./Fri. - 10 am-5.30 pm/ Thurs. 11 am-6.30 pm Sat. 9 am - 4.30 pm
8129045
FREE
✁
• We offer full implant and cosmetic dentistry for the whole family • Complimentary consultations for dental implants or Invisalign • All rooms are equipped with patient massage chairs & TVs • Conscious sedation for the apprehensive patient • General dentistry as well as cleaning • We accept most insurance plans
Page B6
Mission City Record
Friday, April 28, 2017
asweage·
Tips to improve family dining with seniors by Alex Chui
Many people could agree that food is important in our daily lives. Maybe you started your day with a coffee like I did? Packed a lunch? Had a lunch meeting? “Foodies” would argue that food is their life, but food is more than just a schedule for our lives. Food comforts us in stressful times, connects us, and helps us recall childhood memories. To say the least, food does more than just keep our bodies going. Thanksgiving and Christmas for example, bring multiple generations to the dinner table. Family traditions are performed during these holidays, and the home-cooked family favorites are enjoyed. However, dining with an elderly person is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it may become challenging. In this column, we will talk about practical ways of supporting an individual’s eyesight and hearing specifically while dining. By the end, I hope to have given you some
tools to make a difference at the dinner table. The goal of the following suggestions is to raise awareness to increase the quality of life of our loved ones. Eyesight decline. Setting up your dining room may seem quite easy. But there are many things to consider for aging eyes. Firstly, color vision declines with age. This is why place-settings with contrasting colors are helpful. Mashed potatoes on white plates, with white tablecloths, do not allow borders to be easily distinguished. Using a dark tablecloth to contrast your white plates gives aging eyes a sharp border to prevent unwanted messes. Another vital component of aging eyes is the need for ample lighting. Unfortunately, light that may feel too bright to normal eyes is actually the right amount for aging eyes. The light helps illuminate the plate, and leads to a more enjoyable dining experience. As an additional side note, dining room rugs should
be removed to prevent trips – aging eyes may not be able to see the edges (normal eyes also misjudge the rug too!). Hearing decline. With hearing loss, many seniors become distant from the conversation at the dinner table. They become isolated, and may even be talked over like they are not there. Awareness is therefore the most important step in combating somebody’s hearing loss. Simply being aware allows the speaker to assist more effectively. They can pronounce words more clearly, increase the volume, move to the good ear, and/or speak slower. In addition, eliminating background noise from the TV, radio, or fan can make a difference. Families often forget they can make an impact on individuals with hearing loss at the dinner table. Families can do their part by continuing to include the individual in the conversation. Asking for their opinion can help the individual feel like they are contributing to dinner conversations. Family eye contact,
and valuing their comments (even by nodding), can help foster positive emotions and energy. Jokes and banter are easy ways to get a good laugh as well! Positive feelings can go a long way with hearing loss. As you may have noticed, awareness is vital in the decline of eyesight and hearing. It allows us, as loved ones, to find proactive solutions while aging. It is the little things that help can make a big impact. Little things help quality of life, selfworth, and independence. I cannot stress enough the attention to detail in seniors care, and feel free to comment below with stories or questions. Stay tune for future posts on home-based bonding activities for personal choice, and tips for declining taste buds! Article contributed by Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. Carol Lange is the local owner and can be reached at 604-468-2273 or carol@nursenextdoormr.com.
Mission's full service law firm since 1978.
Mission Community Foundation believes in a simple concept.
Gordon D. Taylor, Q.C. • Wills & Estate Planning and Litigation • Corporate & Business Law • General Civil Litigation
John G. Tait, Q.C. • Divorce & Family Law • Wills & Estate Planning and Litigation
Gordon W. Ruley
• Real Estate Transactions • Commercial Development • Corporate & Business Law • Wills & Estate Planning
People working together can make a difference in OUR community.
Donate online through PayPal (tax receipts issued for a $10.00 donation)
Troy A. Dickson
• Divorce & Family Law • General Civil Litigation • Wills & Estates
Jason A. Hughes
• Wills & Estate Planning • General Civil Litigation • Real Estate Transactions • Corporate & Business Law
Donna K. Maser
• Divorce and Family Law • Child Protection • Family Law Mediation • Family Law Arbitration • Aboriginal Law
33066 First Avenue, Mission p: 604-826-1266 f: 604-826-4288 e: info@taylortait.com
8129095
To find out more about how you can leave a legacy and help others in our community, visit us at: www.missioncommunityfoundation.org @missioncommunityfoundation MCFoundation Phone: 604.826.5322
Chris J. Stenerson
• Personal Injury/ICBC Claims • Estate Litigation • General Civil Litigation
www.taylortait.com
8129113
Providing Bursaries, Scholarships and Grants to local students and organizations.
Mission City Record
Friday, April 28, 2017
asweage·
Page B7
Photos courtesy of the Mission Community Archive
Share your stories about Mission Mission is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2017 and to commemorate this special time, Lanka Jewels and the Mission Record want to hear why you love this community. Whether you are a newcomer to the area or a fifth generation Missionite, we want to hear your story. Readers are being asked to submit their Memories of Mission – local stories and photographs to show what life in Mission was like, both in the past and the present. By submitting these tales, Mission’s history, from a personal perspective, can be preserved and handed down from one generation to another. Later this year, the Record will highlight some of these stories in print to share them with the entire community. If you have a tale to tell, a photo to share or a memory to pass down, then send your recollections to: adcontrol@missioncityrecord.com or mail them to the Mission Record, 33047 First Ave., Mission V2V 1G2. Stories can also be dropped off at the office. All photos will be copied and returned to their owners. Help us create a legacy that can be preserved for future generations.
Memories of
Mission Celebrate Mission’s 125 years Tell us your story, why do you love Mission?
We are looking for local stories and photographs to illustrate life in Mission over the past 125 years. Let us create a legacy we can keep for future generations.
Send in your recollections to: adcontrol@missioncityrecord.com or by mail to the: The Mission Record 33047 First Avenue, Mission BC V2V 1G2 All photos will be copied and returned.
L
SPONSORED BY
A
N
K
A
Proud to be serving Mission for over 37 years. We Custom Design
THE “JUNCTION” IN MISSION www.twitter.com/LankaJewels
604-826-5766
www.lankajewels.ca
www.facebook.com/lankajewels
8129064
Making sure memories don’t fade away
Page B8 Friday, April 28, 2017
Mission City Record
asweage·
Dealing with dementia: A caregiver’s story Mission resident Cal Groening recently dealt with the responsibility of caring for a sick loved one. Below he shares his experience: returned after 25 years in remission. She battled with all her strength to beat the recurrence. At this time, the cancer had started to spread. So, she started with chemo and some radiation treatments. I think the people working at the Abbotsford Cancer Clinic are the most dedicated caregivers I have ever encountered in a hospital. There were a number of doctors involved during her treatments, and she was heavily medicated during these procedures. Tammy spent many hours researching and organizing her prescriptions. I could not have managed without her help. Our lives
8112971
8132052
I was not prepared for the demanding roll of a full-time caregiver when Edie’s cancer
changed forever during this time what with chemo, radiation, and many hospital visits. I really don’t know how people without family or outside support could handle this situation. Being on call 24/7 for two and a half years is draining both physically and mentally. There were times when I was ready to phone 911 for myself. But, Edie had a strong will to live and fight her cancer. I encouraged her at every opportunity. She experienced much pain; and controlling the pain at home, at times, was impossible. When this happened, I would call 911 for another hospital stay. In the early stages of her treatment, I would drive her to the hospital. We would spend countless numbers of hours in the waiting room to see a doctor. Her personal doctor in Mission told us to just call 911 every time to get the help we needed much quicker. The Fraser Valley Health system is basically good, but fails in some areas, especially for people who do not have outside support. They do not have the staff to efficiently handle our expanding aging population. Our hospitals are overcrowded and under staffed. I will cite an example of one of the failed visits to the Abbotsford Hospital that happened six months before Edie died. While waiting in the hallway for a bed, staff decided to move her to the Mission Hospital. This move took place at approximately 11 p.m. Unfortunately I was not informed that this move was taking place. I had returned home around 9 p.m. to get a few hours of sleep. Early the next morning, my daughter Tammy and Doug traveled from White Rock to be with her. On arriving at the Abbotsford Hospital, they were told that Edie had been transferred to the Mission Hospital. Arriving there, they discovered that she was missing and immediately phoned me. I rushed down to the hospital and was told that two RCMP cars were out looking for her. One of them found her at a 7-11 store about half a mile from the hospital! The hospital was aware that she had Alzheimer’s, but their security system malfunctioned. Edie was able to dress herself and leave the hospital without being noticed! This was extremely stressful for both me and my family. At this stage, with her dementia, she did not know what all the fuss was about, and said she had just gone for a short walk. Dementia is an erosion of brain function affecting everything from memory to behaviour. Having to deal with depression and anxiety is another effect of dementia and Alzheimer’s. As a caregiver, I had to reach out and accept what was happening without asking for change to meet my expectations. The key for a caregiver dealing is being flexible with their ever-changing world. You have to stimulate, encourage, and support their remaining cognitive and physical abilities, activities for body, mind and spirit that make a person whole. As a caregiver, is it with great pain and frustration that I saw Edie disappear into a world she did not have access to. Is it important not to argue with a person with dementia or try to convince them that their perceptions are not real. Their perceptions are part of their own reality, and you have to try to accept it and meet them where they are. Being a bit of a controller most of my life, I found this a hard lesson to learn. But, I did learn! A Edie’s demeanor changed in stages, I had to change to cope with her memory changes. Her short-term memory loss seemed to escalate much quicker, and I found I had to just answer questions even when they
CAL GROENING
were repeated over an over. Engage your loved one in conversation based on a few words and with facial expressions and body gestures that make them feel good. During the last year of Edie’s life, I believe all the medications she as taking for cancer contributed to her dementia. Edie spend quite some time in the Mission and Abbotsford Hospitals during the last year of her illness. I would bring in dinners from home to improve the hospital menu. I would sometimes eat the hospital meals if I was really hungry. Edie did not like wearing the hospital gowns, so I would bring in pajamas from home. One night as I was helping her put on her pjs she reached back like she was in pain. When I inquired as to what was happening, she said she had a pain in the ass, and I was causing it. She still had her sense of humor even at this late stage. I had arranged a meeting with Fraser Valley Health at our home to set up some home visits. Two reps from Fraser Valley Health, Tammy, Edie and I were present for the meeting. The intent of the visits was to give me a short break from my 24/7 duties. We were all standing around the centre island discussing days and times for these visits. She insisted she did not need a baby sitter, and “I could be dead before these visits are over, and you all would be out of work.” As it turned out, the visits were of very little help for Edie and me. I became very frustrated with the Health Unit and decided to hire private help. Tammy ran an ad on Craig’s list, and we received 18 replies. We arranged to interview three women at first. After interviewing the first lady, Tammy and I decided to hire her. Her name is Karen McFadden from Mission. She had previous experience dealing with people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She was bright and witty. She was like one of the family, and Edie loved her right from the first day. They got along like long-lost sisters. Karen turned out to be one in a million, helping Edie through the last six months of her life. I think Karen had an easier time dealing with all the changes in Edie’s dementia than I did, mainly because of her past experience. Karen would take Edie out for many short drives, and every outing was new again. Thank you, Karen. I also would like to thank the ladies in the complex who spent time with Edie during these trying times, especially Pat Poston our next door neighbor. Edie had many visits next door to escape for a while. Pat understood that Edie needed a break from spending so much time with me. They had much in common, both being former teachers. My family and I are forever grateful.