Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1413311
OCTOBER 4–11, 2021 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 15 Happier aging with Nurse Next Door Face the Challenges of Caregiving with the Right Tools Start living better or better caring for yourself and a loved one with a free virtual workshop. Health Issues Used to Control Our Lives ... Now We Do. Call to sign-up 204-632-3922 Connect Thrive Did you know?... Join a group today!... Your Social Participation Directly Impacts Your Health info@manitobaseniorcentres.com 204-792-5838 Benefits of Social Participation: u Fun & enjoyment u Improve mental & physical health u Decrease risk of falling u Improve memory & sleep u Reduce rate of cognitive decline u Reduce loneliness & its negative effects Connect with your local Senior Centre, Senior Resource FInder (Winnipeg), or Senior Support Coordinator (Rural) BY JENNIFER MCFEE N urse Next Door specializes in happier aging, starting with one simple question: what did you used to love doing that you no longer do? The non-profit organization DASCH, which provides housing and programming for adults with intellectual disabilities, acquired Nurse Next Door as a social enterprise in 2020. General manager Daria Zmiyiwsky explains that Nurse Next Door offers three levels of care: companions, health- care aides and nurses. "We believe seniors should be able to stay in their homes as long as they want. We do everything from grocery shopping to end-of-life care," she says, noting that services are actually available for people of all ages. She adds that Nurse Next Door offers a wide variety of services. "We offer companionship like baking muffins, making cakes and housecleaning. Health-care aides can help with bathing, changing, grooming and medication reminders, and we also offer nursing wellness checks." The "happier aging" philosophy creates connections with clients, who have the chance to share stories and interests from their lives. "Although the client might not physically be able to do everything they used to love to do, Nurse Next Door will find creative ways to bring it to them," Zmiyiwsky says. "We let families be families by caring for their loved ones, and we aim to incorporate happier aging into their care plan." For 82-year-old Mary, Nurse Next Door helped her rediscover enjoyment in her hobbies and overcome loneliness during the pandemic. "My disposition has completely changed and my whole outlook is much more positive," says Mary, a retired teacher who has three children and six grandchildren. "Having this little bit of weekly care has allowed me to stay safely in my home and has given me a new type of independence. Really, it's changed my life's path." At the same time, Mary acknowledges that Nurse Next Door can bring peace of mind to families, too. "There is help. You don't need to be afraid. Your family's worry can be lessened, and your happiness may be closer than you think," she says. "Call Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. They helped change my life and, I promise you, you can start looking forward to happier days." For more information about Nurse Next Door, or to book a free consultation, visit https://www.nursenextdoor.com/locations/ winnipeg-mb/ or call general manager Daria Zmiyiwsky at 431-373-8663. SPONSORED Operated locally by DASCH, Nurse Next Door specializes in helping older adults age in a happier, healthier way. - photo supplied by DASCH/Nurse Next Door