COSCO’S HEALTH PROMOTION WORKSHOPS
The Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of B.C. has developed eleven health and safety promotion workshops that are available free of charge to any seniors’ group. Each session lasts for approximately 90 minutes and a trained senior facilitator delivers the program. The workshops contain practical and useable information and are free of technical jargon. Participants are encouraged to make concrete plans to create a safe physical environment and to adopt strategies for healthy living.
Falls Prevention: After a brief review of the alarming impact falls have on the well-being of seniors and health care services, the workshop identifies many of the hazards that contribute to the likelihood of seniors falling in their homes and communities. Safeguards are recommended and exercises to improve balance and strength are demonstrated.
Healthy Eating for Seniors: Canada’s recently revised Food Guide provides the basis for this workshop. The Guide is reviewed in detail and participants are shown how to use food label information when they choose what they will purchase. An excellent Ministry of Health publication is distributed to provide ongoing guidance.
Preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect: After an explanation of the many forms that abuse and neglect of seniors can take, participants learn how to identify suspicious signs and symptoms. The potential causes of abuse are reviewed and intervention techniques and sources of assistance are described.
Safety in the Home: Participants are given very detailed checklists of potential dangers for both the outside of the home and for every room indoors. Fire hazards, medication use and childproofing the home are all reviewed. Safety devices are shown and tips for effective renovations are provided.
Medication Awareness for Seniors: This workshop examines the potential misuse of medications and provides information about how seniors can interact with doctors and pharmacists to ensure that their medications are wisely used. Participants are encouraged to develop a partnership relationship with their medical advisers. A short quiz is used to inform people about possible side effects and drug interactions.
Understanding Osteoarthritis: This debilitating disease is the most common form of arthritis. The workshop describes the symptoms and recommends ways in which people can cope with the effects of the deterioration of cartilage in their joints. Self-management strategies are explained and various therapies are reviewed. An instructive DVD accompanies the workshop to demonstrate how exercise can help.
Osteoporosis: The Silent Thief: This bone disease is often the underlying cause of falls which can be devastating in their impact on the quality of life for seniors. The workshop examines the cause of the disease and the risk factors contributing to an individual’s susceptibility. Some of the most recent treatment options are discussed.
Doing It Your Way - Legal Documents You Need: This workshop reviews three important legal documents everybody should prepare - Wills, Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements. Each of these documents has very specific uses and each requires the appointment of someone to see that the provisions are faithfully carried out. Participants will be encouraged to understand the importance of these documents in terms of estate planning and security should disability strike.
Caregiving: Many seniors undertake the care of family members or friends and sometimes the workload and stress involved can do harm to the caregiver. This workshop examines the causes of caregiver burn-out and suggests how it may be avoided. Sources of assistance are reviewed.
Emergency Preparedness for Seniors: When disaster strikes older adults need to be ready to take the necessary measures to survive for lengthy periods of time, sometimes without assistance. The preparation of emergency kits, safety procedures in dangerous situations and advice about when and how to seek help are explored in this workshop.
Understanding Gambling Addiction: This workshop is presented in cooperation with Family Services of Greater Vancouver. It presents the causes and consequences of excessive betting and examines the warning signs which signal that harmless gambling is turning into addiction. Sources of assistance are listed.
For more information or to book a workshop for your group please contact Sheila Pither at 604-684-9720,
email: pither470@shaw.ca.