You are invited to come to the

OLDER ADULTS WELLNESS FESTIVAL

Friday, November 4th from 9am – 2:30pm
(Drop-in)

Bakerview Church – 2285 Clearbrook Road

Dozens of Displays and Information

Heritage Museum Display

Free admission and parking

Free Clearbrook Corridor Shuttle

Refreshments

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Morning Speakers

9am – Fay Puddicombe (Retirement)

10am – David Yan (Finances)

11am – Dan Levitt (Aging)

Lunch and Movie

Noon – Box Lunch $5

1pm – Free Movie Matinee “Still Alice”

Thanks to Generous Supporters:

Rexall, City of Abbotsford, Dignity Memorial

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7pm – Return to Bakerview Church for

Dr. Paul Chamberlain presenting on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) – hosted by Tabor Village

At Menno Place, we seek to be a scent-free home for our residents. Please refrain from wearing any perfume or lotions when you visit your loved one.

What is meant by scent-free?

When we talk about scents, we usually mean the smells or odours from cosmetics (perfume, make-up, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) or from other products such as air fresheners, cleaners, etc.

Unfortunately, there is no exact definition for scent-free, fragrance-free or unscented. Products labelled as unscented may actually contain ingredients that are used to mask or hide the smell of other ingredients. However, certain product composition statements are required, including:

Odour or fragrance

If a product formulation has been amended to add or change a fragrance, terms such as “fresh scent,” “floral scent” or “lemon scent” that describe the resulting odour may be added by notification. The terms “fragrance-free” or “unscented” may be added by notification if the product is odourless or nearly odourless, and contains no odour-masking ingredients such as a perfume. The term “de-scented” may be added if the product contains an odour-masking ingredient.

(Source: Regulatory Directive DIR2013-02, Notification/Non-notification. Health Canada)

While it is important to be aware of the lack of consistency when these terms are used by various manufacturers, the terms can still be a rough guideline when choosing products.

Can scents cause health problems?

When scented products have been blamed for adversely affecting a person’s health, some or all of the following symptoms are reported:

• headaches
• dizziness, lightheadedness
• nausea
• fatigue
• weakness
• insomnia
• malaise
• confusion
• loss of appetite
• depression
• anxiety
• numbness
• upper respiratory symptoms
• shortness of breath
• difficulty with concentration
• skin irritation

Allergic and asthmatic patients, as well as those with other conditions, report that certain odours, even in the smallest amounts, can trigger an attack.

The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many ‘normal’ activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places).

These reactions can be known as a condition called environmental sensitivities. According to the Women’s College Hospital:

“Environmental sensitivities (ES) describes a chronic condition whereby a person has symptoms when exposed to certain chemicals or other environmental agents at low levels tolerated by most people. The symptoms may range in severity from mild to debilitating.

ES has also been called multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical intolerance, environmental hypersensitivity, environmental illness, toxicant-induced loss of tolerance, and idiopathic environmental intolerance.”

What types of products contain scents?

Scents are included in a very large range of products including:

• shampoo and conditioners
• hairsprays
• deodorants
• colognes and aftershaves
• fragrances and perfumes
• lotions and creams
• potpourri
• industrial and household chemicals
• soaps
• cosmetics
• air fresheners and deodorizers
• oils
• candles
• diapers
• some types of garbage bags
• laundry detergent, fabric softener and in-wash scent booster pearls

It is important to remember some products which claim to be ‘scent free’ may have only masked the scent by use of an additional chemical. Be sure to research the product carefully if using scented products around those who are sensitive.

What other types of scents can enter our resident’s homes?

Be aware of plants / flowers that are fragrant and don’t bring them into our residents homes.
Some examples of fragrant flowers that are highly scented are:

• Hyacinths
• Freesias
• Lavender
• Lilacs
• Some varieties of Lilies
• Sweat Peas
• Roses

 

Are you thinking of joining a loved one for a special event next month? Here are some great events coming up!

September 6 – Concert in Care
Hospital Chapel at 10:30am

Borealis String Quartet

One of the most dynamic and exciting world-class ensembles of its generation, the Borealis String Quartet has received international critical acclaim as an ensemble praised for its fiery performances, passionate style, and refined, musical interpretation.

This is a concert that is brought to us by the Health Arts Society, the largest lively arts presenter in Canada to people in care, bringing the talents of some of the nation’s finest performers to seniors homes.

September 10 – Grandparent’s Day Fair
Courtyard from 11am – 2pm

The fair comes to Menno Place! Cotton Candy, Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Hot Dogs and Popcorn! An event for all generations – bring your family! No cost, this is our treat to you and your family!

September 15 (Apartments) – Silver Terry Fox Walk

Join the walk! Terry Fox was an amazing young man whose determination to find a cure for cancer has raised over $650 million! We are joining in the amazing effort to support the cause by walking around our campus and to Mill Lake Park.