"Together We Care" January 2025 Newsletter | |
DIY Magic: Caregivers’ Holiday Creations December 2024 | |
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A Creative and Caring Start to 2025!
Happy New Year! As we embrace the fresh beginnings of 2025, we’re thrilled to present an exciting lineup of vibrant activities and invaluable resources in this January newsletter. Unleash your creativity with our fun-filled arts & crafts workshops, including DIY Woodsies Magnets, Luxurious Lotion Making, Cozy Heart-shaped Eye Pillows, and Artistic Plate Decorating. For those seeking a more serene and reflective experience, our ever-popular Chinese Calligraphy class and the Relaxing Introduction to Watercolor Painting await you.
We’ve also curated essential and thought-provoking topics for caregivers, such as “Is My Loved One Safe at Home”, “Balancing Outside Help with Family Cultural Values in Caregiving,” and practical, stress-reducing tips to enhance your well-being. Don’t miss our insightful guide on “What to Eat When You Have Chewing Problems” and the delightful ParticipAction 150 Play List, perfect for discovering enjoyable and energizing activities to kickstart your year.
Here’s to a joyful, creative, and resourceful 2025—let’s make it your best year yet!
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When you’re visiting your loved one, you need to become part real estate home inspector, part environmental engineer and part safety enforcer. You’ll want to start observing and/or ask questions to help you assess the viability of your loved one remaining at home and independent. If the answers reflect a need for more support, at least you’ll know what kind of support you want to seek.
Once your assessment is complete, a to do list will be clear. Some things will have urgency, and others can be remedied over time. When you look at the list and determine what kind of experts are needed, how much the repairs and updates will cost, how long it will take to bring the home to safe status, and what the home will be like while the updates/changes are being made — will it be safe?; will there be dust and noise?; how inconvenienced will the resident(s) be? You’ll know if it is easier to move or to update the home to achieve your goal of a comfortable and secure home for your loved one.
Click here to learn for more details
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January/February 2025 Activities | |
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DIY Woodsies Magnet (English/Cantonese) on
Feb 03 at 2:00pm.
Looking for a delightfully creative and hands-on activity? Join us for a playful escape at our DIY Woodsies Magnet Workshop!
Transform simple wooden shapes into vibrant, one-of-a-kind magnets bursting with personality and charm. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes into the world of DIY, this workshop is a fantastic way to express your artistic flair while having loads of fun.
Our instructors will guide you every step of the way, from painting and decorating to assembling your custom creations. Let your imagination run wild as you craft magnets that will brighten up any space and bring a smile to your face!
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DIY Lotion Making(English) on Feb 05 at 1:30pm
Indulge in a sensory delight with our DIY Lotion Making Workshop! Unveil the secrets of crafting luxurious, nourishing lotions customized to your skin's unique needs. Our expert instructors will guide you through a hands-on journey, blending premium ingredients and essential oils, creating skincare magic right at your fingertips. Join us for a pampering experience that will leave your skin feeling velvety smooth and your senses enraptured. Embrace the art of self-care and unlock the beauty of natural, homemade lotions that will leave you glowing from the inside out. Reserve your spot now and treat yourself to a truly revitalizing workshop like no other!
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Dreaming of better sleep and brighter mornings? Join us for our Heart-Shaped Eye Pillow Workshop and create your very own soothing, handmade relaxation essential! Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or add a touch of luxury to your self-care routine, this workshop is the perfect way to blend creativity with relaxation.
Our expert instructors will guide you step by step as you design and craft a beautiful, heart-shaped eye pillow filled with calming materials. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a custom-made eye pillow that’s perfect for melting away stress and promoting peaceful, rejuvenating sleep.
Don't miss out on this cozy crafting experience!
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Handmade Plate Decorating Workshop (English/Mandarin) on Feb 28 at 2:00pm
Discover the joy of creativity at our Plate Decorating Workshop! From striking floral designs to intricate geometric patterns, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques to craft a plate that reflects your unique style.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to relax, experiment, and unleash your imagination. Create a stunning plate to showcase in your home or gift to someone special—an artwork that’s both functional and beautiful. Join us for an inspiring session of art, fun, and self-expression!
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I share caregiving duties for my elderly father with my mother and older brother. My father was recently discharged from the hospital after a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to walk independently. My brother does most of the care. I don’t live at home, but I try to support him as much as I can. My father refuses outside care, believing my brother can handle most tasks. My mother, also elderly and frail, is reluctant to ask for support. I’m worried that she might try to help my father and injure herself. My parents hold the cultural belief that adult children should care for their parents without outside help, and my brother is already overwhelmed. Is there anything I can do or say to change my father’s mind about having home care or a physiotherapist come in? – Concerned Daughter
This is a challenging situation with multiple layers, including cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the well-being of both your elderly parents and the caregiving siblings. It isn’t uncommon for older parents to resist help in the home.
The above is a case studies from one of the caregivers and let's hear some of the suggestions from Caregiver Support Specialist. Click her for the information.
–By Gemma Torres, Caregiver Support Specialist, FCBC ( Source from Family Caregivers of British Columbia)
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Would you like to share your stories or tips? You cannot imagine how much you could inspire or help another in the community! You are welcome to call us at 604-279-7099, or email caregivernavigator@rcrg.org.
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Materials of Recent Workshops | |
Find more caregiving materials and resources shared on our website.
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Chewing problems can interfere with healthy eating. A change in your ability to chew means you will need to choose foods that are softer to eat. You will also need to change the way you make certain dishes. With some knowledge and planning, you can still eat a nutritious diet. Here is a guide to selecting and preparing soft, moist foods that are easier to chew.
Click here to read the guide.
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This monthly e-newsletter is issued for our caregivers as an update of the Hub's services and community resources, as well as to share caregiving experience and insights, all for the purpose of supporting caregivers in their journey of healthy living and caregiving.
Read Past Newsletters:
2024
January. February March. April. May. June. July. August. September. October. November. December
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Ed Gavsie, President & CEO | Jat Puri, Chair
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Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives | 604-279-7020 | info@rcrg.org | | | | |
