What’s New

One of the IVV activities that has been particularly successful is our seasonal (cr)afternoons. It involves crafts for kids but it definitely attracts all ages – kids, parents, grandparents and great grandparents – everyon loves the (cr)afternoons.

Last Saturday was our Easter (Cr)afternoon with crafts to make and take, bunnies for colouring and an Easter egg hunt in the Fireside Lounge. Happy Easter to all!

The NORC community arranged for Alicia Remark, an occupational therapist, to speak about preventing falls, and some steps we can take if we do fall. Fifty residents came for the presentation and it was evident that we were all giving her our full attention. So many of us feel that we are at risk of falling, and we realize the serious consequences, particularly for older people. The five practical steps for getting up from a fall are shown in this video.

We also learned about the Toronto Grace Hospital Remote Care program, in particular the GPS locating pendant for those at risk of falling.

On Tuesday the Toronto Community Paramedics came to our Lunch & Learn to talk about wellness clinics in NORC (Naturally Occuring Retirement Community) buildings like ours. We heard about the many advantages for residents. These clinics run at regular intervals and are open for everyone living in the building. Paramedics can monitor things like blood pressure, sugar and oxygen. They can vaccinate house-bound residents, give advice about managing medications and recommend practical in-home assistive devices. They can help connect residents with available medical supports to avoid the emergency situation that might lead to a 911 call.

The size of the audience for this week’s Lunch & Learn indicates great enthusiasm for wellness clinics and the positive influence they can bring to our building.

Make a date to join the February 6th Lunch & Learn when the Toronto Community Paramedics will be on site to explain what they do and how they may be able to support wellness at Islington 2000. 

As usual, bring your own lunch to the party room at noon – the presentation will begin at 1 pm.

The January Lunch & Learn was presented by Kam Chari from our condominium complex. He spoke on the topic of estate planning for older people. There was an appreciative audience who brought forward many questions which allowed Kam to dig deeper into the concepts. The Bistro social afterwards was lively.

Our next Lunch & Learn will be on January 9th. The presenter will be Kam Chari who spoke to us last year about his book “The Seven Stages of Planning”. He will talk about estate planning concepts for older adults, including wills and powers-of-attorney.

Lunch will be “bring your own” at noon with the presentation beginning at 1 pm. Following the talk there will be treats in the Bistro. All welcome!

The December Lunch & Learn was transformed into Lunch & Sing. Residents brought their own lunches, and mingled for the first hour, then the caroling began accompanied by video and jingle bells. Afterwards we had treats in the Bistro next door. Ho Ho Ho!

Islington Vertical Village tries to organize one Lunch & Learn each month. Watch for signs promoting these events. If you are thinking of a topic we should explore, contact us.