The PCSBV Bulletin January 2022
Imagining - The Year Ahead
Happy New Year to all our supporters!
“Imagine” is the broad theme of this year’s PCSBV strategic plan forward into 2022. We are interested in taking a deeper, more empathetic view of the work we do and imagining a different approach to death and dying. Imagine a broader understanding of death and dying, how we talk about it and how it affects our world. Also, imagine the personal experience of being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and how it impacts our day-to-day lives and the people in it. As we begin anew for the 2022 year, you are invited to join us in a year of imagining – a year of possibilities, a year of healing, a year of renewal. In Roshi Joan Halifax’s book, “Being with Dying,” the author alludes to a Buddhist meditation in which we are invited to contemplate our own death. The practice leads us through the moment of death to a bird’s eye view of our body changing over the course of time. We watch as it progresses through the natural journey of decomposition, eventually entirely returning to the earth from which it came – dust to dust. While admittedly not for the faint of heart, dying and death are at the core of our 2022 Annual Theme, "Imagine". In the months to come, we will explore aspects of Imagine in our Speaker Series, newsletter articles, and public education offerings.
Imagine...dying
Imagine how acceptance of our impending demise might influence and direct our living. Imagine what dying has to teach us about the way we engage life. Imagine the power of sorrow to transform us. Imagine a Bow Valley community that understands the palliative approach to care and the necessity of grieving. Those of us at PCSBV, volunteers, and staff do the work of supporting the hearts, minds, and souls of those entrusted to our care. To do so, we must traverse a path that brushes up against our own mortality. To sit with the dying and the sorrow, we must first discover a kinship with our own grief.
Our theme "Imagine" will allow us to explore life, death, and the process in between.
Ways to Find Renewal in the New Year
Create a List of Things to Look Forward to
Decide on One-Word for the Year Pick one word to guide you throughout the year. By choosing one word, you get clarity and focus. If it helps you to decide on that one word, think about and write down all that you want to get out of the upcoming year. If you see certain patterns and themes emerging, you might get a clue to help you decide what your one word could be. Here are a few one-word suggestions: Discipline | Simplify | Heal | Peace | Fun Include such things as seeing a family member after a long time apart, getting a novel that is coming out this year by your favorite author, going to a new restaurant that is opening, watching the new season of your favorite Netflix series. Creating a list of things that you are looking forward to will make you hopeful for the new year.
Did you know making new year’s resolutions dates back 4000 years to the Babylonians? Back then, people resolved to repay debts or return borrowed things by the end of the year. These days, as the new year begins, many of us feel it is a time to make changes in our life, start on a new path, do new things, and say goodbye to old habits, problems, and difficulties. Often, we start making new plans and new resolutions. According to a survey, 30% of Canadians make new year’s resolutions and among the top resolutions are the goals of getting healthy or getting more exercise. Do you make new year’s resolutions? How often have you stuck to them? If you have failed to stick to your resolution, you are not alone. Statistics from 2020 show that 80% of people give up on their resolution before the year is over. Additionally, given the limitations and uncertainty of the pandemic, that would have made it more difficult to achieve the goals we had planned for new year’s resolutions - thus adding more disappointment to an already challenging time. So, what if there was an alternative to making goal- based resolution this year? Instead, how about exploring a different approach to the change of the year? Keep it more achievable by simply resolving to live more fully and making your life better in some way. Here are a few suggestions. Create a Bucket List This is a list of things you would like to do, see, have, etc. You can work towards achieving them over the year. Each time you cross off an item, add a new one and keep it going. Over time, you will see how much you are accomplishing in the months and even years to come.
Reboot an Area of Your Life
Is there an area of your life that needs a refresh, and would you like to give it a boost in the new year? You may have gotten out of a routine, and you want to restart that. Could it be time to register for a course to upgrade your skills in something whether it is for a job or a hobby? Use the new year to get a fresh start and do something that reignites an area of your life.
Live in the Present Moment
Maintaining a state of presence in our day can lead us to more peace. As is what Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher says: "If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present." - Lao Tzu Resolve to live in the present. Living in the present moment means no longer worrying about what happened in the past and not fearing what will happen in the future. It means enjoying what is happening now and living for today.
Post-Holiday Caregiver Care Holidays are a bustling time for many, and for caregivers, it can be both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. On one hand, caregivers may have extra helping hands around as family visits happen and there are more people in the environment to assist. At the same time, family members may have had more questions, provided unsolicited well-meaning advice, or the rhythm of daily routines was thrown off. In the weeks following the holiday season, caregivers need to find ways to focus some attention on themselves to refresh.
Ways to Find Renewal in the New Year continued ...
Here are some ways to begin to change your focus to be more present: Live a more minimalist life – Removing unneeded possessions that hold old memories allows you to stop living in the past. Capture the moments - Absorb as much of today as possible – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the emotions, the triumph, and the sorrow. These are in our daily lives but we often forget to take them in and appreciate them. Forgive the past - If you are holding onto resentment choose to forgive and move on. Find a way to let go and be present - living in the ‘now.’
Some helpful actions for heading into the post-holiday season could include things like:
Fun Fact:
Reset routines : Get back to normal routines for meals, sleeping, exercise, caregiving, and socializing. Refresh your routine too by adding in something new you may have been trying to fit in. Now may be the time to sneak it in each week or each day. Make a calendar for “Looking Ahead” : Plan a few things each month or every couple of months that you can look forward to – a new activity, a vacation, a new book. Layout a few things on your calendar you can get excited about. Get out and connect: Taking some breathing time after a busy season is good but take time to connect with old friends or family members, and make a plan to go for a walk, or meet up for a coffee, or exchange books, puzzles or recipes when you meet up. Seek help: If the post-holiday blues are lingering and you are struggling with feelings of hopelessness or despair, get help. It is out there. Make an appointment with your health care team for a checkup, seek out a therapist or counselor. Whatever you do, know that you aren’t alone and help is available. Call us at the PCSBV and we can direct you to some help.
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Japanese cherry blossoms are a timeless metaphor for human existence and a symbol of life, death and renewal.
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For those of us that know caregivers who gave their extra effort over the holidays, perhaps sharing some care by providing the person with a small gift for their self-care - a book you enjoy, a gift card for a special coffee, or a simple thank you card with a message of thanks.
Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley Highlights
Shout Out! Thank you to our volunteer
participants for creating a beautiful holiday tree for this year ' s Festival of Trees !
Meg Nicks Virginia Hasse Lorie Jocius
GRIEF SUPPORT INDOOR WALKING GROUP
SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS
Every Wednesday 1 : 30 - 2 : 30 pm Canmore Recreation Centre 1900 - 8 Ave , Canmore , AB
Caregivers Alberta : Alberta ' s dedicated organization for caregivers
This is a no - cost , drop - in grief conversation group . Open to all 18 + who are grieving .
Check them out for supportive articles , groups , workshops and courses .
We will meet at reception desk in the recreation centre . We will walk and chat for about 30 minutes and then stop for a guided conversation on the themes of loss and grief . ( Waiver form required . Available at the reception desk )
Starting January 14 : Compass for the Caregiver 4 week online course . Check out the Events Calendar .
Led by Bill Harder . Email bill . harder @ pcsbv . ca
Caregiver Support Community
Caregiver Support Community groups are virtual and offered three times a week : Monday morning , Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon . RSVP to support groups : Online Groups
SPEAKERS SERIES
We are always expanding our speaker series and information sessions provided to anyone in need of support . Let us know if you want us to join you for an information session . Reach us : info @ psbv . ca | P : ( 403 ) 707 - 7111
RECIPE FOR HEALTH
Cooking for Palliative Care As caregivers , do you enjoy being able to create simple recipes for your loved ones ? We have added a new feature to our newsletter called Recipe for Health to empower caregivers in the palliative care community to engage in the healthcare process and participate in preparing nutritious snacks and meals for loved ones . LEMON AND CRANBERRY BREAKFAST COOKIE
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
Cooking Method:
Chef’s Tip: • If you have a sweet tooth , increase honey to suit your taste
• Peanut butter can be used instead of almond butter
Upcoming Events and Special Dates
SAVE THE DATES
Upcoming Events 2022
VOLUNTEER TRAINING SCHEDULE
NavCare Training – Spring 2022
January to February 2022
Advanced Care Planning Day – April 16
National Hospice Palliative Care Week – May 1 to 8
Jan 11: Emotional/Psychological Supports - 6:30-9:00 PM Zoom Jan 22: Listening: Effective Communications - 8:30-Noon Zoom Jan 22: Virtual/Phone Support & Local Resource Navigation - 1:00-3:00 PM Zoom Jan 22: Volunteer Covenant and OHS - 3:15- 4:00 PM Zoom Jan 23: Case Studies - 8:30-Noon Zoom Jan 23: Self-Care through Art - 1:00-4:00 PM Zoom Jan 25: Family & Family Dynamics - 6:30-9:00 PM Zoom Feb 8: Exploring Spirituality - 6:30-9:00 PM Zoom Feb 15: Physical Issues and Infectious Prevention & Control Protocols - 6:00-9:00 PM Zoom
Hike for Hospice - May
Annual General Meeting - June
Golf for Hospice - August 25
National Bereavement Day – November 15
ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH January is Alzheimer ' s Awareness month . Alzheimer ’ s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults . What is dementia ? Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning and behavioral abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person ’ s daily life and activities . At it ' s most severe stage , a person is dependent on others for help with basic activities of daily living .
If you are a caregiver of a loved one with demetia , see what is happening and learn more about supports at Alzheimer ' s Society of Alberta
For more information >>>> e-mail info@pcsbv.ca
Want to help? VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Support Palliative Care in the Bow Valley! We’re so grateful for the community that has funded, volunteered, celebrated, and advocated for Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley. In the uncertain times presented by the pandemic, we find comfort and encouragement knowing that you care about our cause. General Donations are used for programs currently with the greatest need of your financial support. Tributes honour a family member, friend, or loved one. Building donations support creating a residential hospice home accessible to the Bow Valley community. Monthly donations will ensure constant support throughout the years. Together with supporters like you we can achieve our goals for better palliative care services and programs to the community in Bow Valley. Please consider making a donation today! Click on the link >> Donate today! Online at www.pcsbv.ca and click on the “Donate” button. Send a cheque to: Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley, PO Box 40113, Canmore, AB T1W 3H9 Donations of $25 or more will receive a charitable receipt. Here are the ways you can make a donation: Contact us at (403) 707-7111 Board Chair, Julie Hamilton at chair@pcsbv.ca Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley, PO Box 40113, Canmore, AB T1W 3H9
Current Opening:
Do you enjoy organizing and leading charity events to raise awareness & funds? We are currently looking for an Event Lead for Hike for Hospice.
Resources
Books Recommendations Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death Author: Roshi Joan Halifax Available at: Banff Public Library Canmore Public Library
Video Recommendations
Bill's Story: Let's Talk Series Facing death and dying - This is a short film that talks about the important role that friends and neighbours have in supporting someone who is seriously ill and their family.
Survey Source: YouGov.com DiscoverHappyHabits.com January Issue Sources:
New Year’s Resolutions Alternatives Moving On: Becoming Minimalist AARP: Family Caregiving
@ Social Media
Facebook: @PalliativeCareBowValley Twitter: @PCSBowValley
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