Wendy Johnstone

Ways for Comox Valley seniors to stay connected with family

For many seniors, the "most wonderful time of the year" can be a very lonely one...

Seniors’ housing options ‘complicated stuff’

From all the clients I work with, it is by far the most complex issue we deal with...

What kinds of support do you need to stay in your home?

Did you know, according to Statistics Canada, that only five per cent of seniors over 65 years old live in residential care facilities?

SANDWICH GENERATION: Handy tips before your next trip

Make friends with reality and research your destination.

Heat can cause issues for seniors

Summer is back, in all its glory. For some it also means an onslaught of heat-related issues, especially for seniors.

Know the signs of stroke, and what to do

When working with stroke survivors, it's not uncommon for me to hear, "I didn't even know I was having a stroke" until it was too late

Stroke recovery is possible — Ben is proof

He believes stroke survivors will face successes and frustrations. He encourages people to keep moving forward and focus on their strengths

Family caregivers ‘unsung heroes’ in B.C.

Canadian statistics on caregiving paint a very clear picture — "It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when you will become a caregiver."

Osteoporosis — ‘the silent thief’

You are more likely to break a bone from osteoporosis than you are to have a heart attack, stroke or be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Avoid deconditioning in older age

Studies show exercising three times a week provides the greatest improvement with the least amount of injury.

How do caregivers determine if a situation is high risk?

Why won't my Mother accept help? My father won't stop driving and he has had numerous accidents this year. What should I do?

Aging loved ones on their own ‘roller coaster of emotions’

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when providing care to an aging loved one, or when making difficult decisions, using the acronym LOVE.

Protecting loved ones from risk can be a difficult task

How to determine the extent of risk as it relates to aging loved ones...

You could qualify for tax credits for caregivers

Gerontologist Wendy Johnstone points caregivers in the right direction for possible tax credits

Caregiving from a distance can be difficult but can work

Caregiving can work across distances. The key is to plan ahead and be organized. Here are some tips...

Does the senior in your life need more assistance?

Here's a list of some key indicators to focus on when determining if seniors are in need of additional care or assistance

Tips to communicate with your elderly loved ones

Holiday visits are typically centred around good food and conversation. Keep the following communication tips in mind...

Letting go of being in charge at Christmas

"I have never thought about that before. Every year I host; it's just what I do. I didn't necessarily think about doing it differently."

Ways to prevent falls for Comox Valley residents

Community resources and programs for falls prevention in the Comox Valley

Financial help for home modifications

A BC Housing program helps low-income B.C. seniors and people with disabilities make home modifications