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Making the decision to move from living on one’s own into a congregate supportive living setting such as OSCR can be an emotional time. Once you notice your aging loved one may benefit from living somewhere with supports, the time has come to start the conversation. It’s important that seniors make the decision on their own and are not coerced to move against their will. Below are some tips for starting the conversation with your loved ones: Bring Up the Conversation Early Broaching the subject early on gives your loved one time to consider the move, weigh the pros and cons, and find a residence where they feel comfortable and supported. Some senior living facilities can have lengthy waitlists- the sooner you tour and apply, the better. Be Respectful and Listen Carefully to their Wishes A move is a big life change, and seniors can feel like they are losing their independence and familiar home that is full of happy memories. Avoid being confrontational or pushy, this will only negatively affect the conversation. Include Other Family Members in the Conversation If you believe it would be beneficial, ask your loved one’s family doctor, a trusted friend, or respected person in their life to join the conversation. Multiple perspectives can be beneficial and provide different viewpoints. Offer Options for your Loved One to Consider Gather information, book a tour, and reach out to friends and neighbours who have helped their loved one in a similar situation for referrals and suggestions. The more you know about your options, the easier it will be for your loved one to make an informed decision. Private OSCR tours can be scheduled at your convenience. Listen to your Loved Ones’ Questions and Concerns Be respectful and calm during the conversation. You can bring up your concerns and offer positive points for proceeding with a move to supportive living. If your loved one has lost their interest in cooking, let them know that delicious and nutritious meals will be prepared for them at OSCR. If home maintenance and housekeeping has been overwhelming your loved one lately, you can assure them that homemaking and laundry service is taken care of here. If your loved one is feeling lonely or lacking social interaction, describe the Healthy Living programs and activities that are available to them at OSCR. There are so many pros to discuss, and they can be tailored to your loved one’s current living situation. By keeping the conversation simple yet informative, and treating them with respect and dignity, you can have a productive supportive living conversation with your loved one. 

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The birds are chirping, flowers are beginning to bloom, and the days are getting longer. Spring is the perfect time to try something new and take advantage of the changing weather. Here are some springtime activities to make the most of the season: Spend Some Time Outdoors and Enjoy Nature After a long, cold winter, it’s time to make the most of the pleasant spring weather. If you are able, go for a walk around the neighbourhood. OSCR is situated in a quiet area of Oakville, only minutes from the lake. Take a stroll on the paved lakeside pathway and enjoy the beauty of Bronte harbour. Be sure to check the Healthy Living Programs calendar to see when the group walks are scheduled. If you prefer to stay on the property, spend some time enjoying the fresh air and birdwatch from the comfort of a gazebo, or at one of the patio tables in the backyard. This is a great place to chat with fellow residents and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Get a Potted Plant to Put by Your Window An easy way to bring spring into your suite is by placing a small flowering plant on a table near your window. OSCR suites get abundant natural sunlight, so potted plants and flowers will thrive. For a low maintenance plant, try a potted succulent. Put your green thumb to the test and add a plant to your suite today. If you love the look of beautiful spring blooms but not the maintenance of a living plant, you can purchase silk or plastic flowers and plants from the dollar store. They make very realistic looking ones these days and you’ll have lovely blooms year-round. Spring Clean Your Suite The changing season is a great time to clear out items that no longer serve a purpose or aren’t useful to you. Go through your clothes closet and pass on any items that no longer suit your style. Check your medicine cabinet for expired over-the-counter medications. Look through your bookshelf and pull out any books you’ve already read and would like to pass on to a fellow resident, or donate to the OSCR library when the begin accepting donations. By eliminating unwanted clutter, you make your suite safer by reducing tripping hazards, and free up space to make your suite more comfortable and cleaner. Spring has sprung- be sure to make the most of this season of renewal and new beginnings! 

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Enjoy our Latest Edition!

As the cold, dark days of winter go by, the season can begin to feel gloomy. When spring seems like it’s never going to arrive, there are things you can do to avoid the winter doldrums. Read on for six ways to help keep the winter blues away. 1. Let the Sun Shine In On days that are too cold to venture outdoors, open your curtains wide to let the natural light in. Just letting the sun into your suite can help boost your mood. When the weather cooperates, try getting outside for a short time. Let the sun shine on your face to benefit from a natural dose of vitamin D, which can boost your mood. 2. Stay Active Regular exercise can lift your spirits and put a spring in your step. Go for a short walk in the neighbourhood if the weather permits, or walk around indoors. The Healthy Living Programs department offers drop-in classes regularly. Check out the class times on the weekly HLP calendar. 3. Socialize Regularly While you may feel like hibernating in your suite during the winter season, it is important to stay social. Participate in HLP social activities. Call or visit your family & friends. Make plans to have coffee with a neighbour in a lounge or arrange to play cards with friends. Socializing is a great way to add fun and connection to your life. 4. Stick to a Schedule During the cold winter months, you might not feel motivated to keep up with your normal day to day routine. It’s important to stay on schedule and resist the urge stay tucked under a cozy blanket. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel by sticking with your schedule can help keep the winter blahs away. 5. Make Plans Having something to look forward to in the near future can be very beneficial to a positive outlook. Simple things such as dinner at a restaurant with your family, a day trip with your friends, or a few hours of browsing the mall can give you something exciting to put on your calendar. 6. Have Fun with Hobbies Spend time each day doing something that you enjoy- whether it be reading a book, knitting, or listening to your favourite music. Dedicating time to your hobbies can give your mood a big boost during the chilly winter months.

Walking Safely in a Winter Wonderland

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