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
Scent Free Care Home – No perfumes or fragrant flowers
/in Family and FriendsAt 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:
(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:
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:
What types of products contain scents?
Scents are included in a very large range of products including:
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:
Save the Date – Celebrating Families in Care – Families invited for Dinner!
/in Family and FriendsDo you have a loved one living in Menno Home or Hospital?
Families of loved ones are invited to join us for an Appreciation Dinner in October.
Complimentary tickets will be available in September.
Save these dates in your calendar – You’re Invited!
Loved one living at Menno Home? – Save Friday, October 28th – 5pm – 8pm
Loved one living at Menno Hospital? – Save Saturday, October 29th – 5pm – 8pm
Don’t Miss These September Events!
/in Family and FriendsAre 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.
Our next Garden Project – A putting green and checker board!
/in Family and FriendsIn the past year, we have received donations that enable us to begin construction on the putting green and checker board garden behind Primrose Gardens! The putting green will be surrounded with benches and an arbor with wisteria for shade. There will also be a checker board / chess board with large checkers and chess figures to challenge each other with a game! The chess figures were donated to Menno Place and have been waiting for an opportunity to get out and play!
In 2016, we hope to complete the putting green garden on the grassy area between Primrose Gardens and Menno Hospital. This will be a recreational area for all residents and families from Menno Place to enjoy. It will be particularly enjoyable when your families come to visit and you have to entertain the young ones!
This project will begin in fall 2016.. If you are interested in contributing a tax-deductible donation towards this garden project, please call Pearl Nucich – 604.859.7631 x.232 or email her: pearl.nucich@mennoplace.ca
Last year, we opened the beautiful Living Waters Garden with 10 fountains and a gazebo, thanks to the generous donations of the Menno Place residents and their families. Along with this, 10 benches have been donated in honour of a loved one. We are so grateful for these donations that give Menno Place the beautiful extras and enjoyable nooks to rest and visit.
What will the Putting Garden look like?
Here is a picture of a putting green at Elim Village in Surrey, BC. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will have a similar look and feel.
Butterfly Quilt Unveiled
/in Family and FriendsThank you for your participation in the Butterfly Release 2016!
/in Family and FriendsPreparing for the Future of Seniors Homes – Architect Champions “Attractive Public Spaces” for Seniors, Families
/in NewsResidential Care Survey – for Residents and Families – Coming in the Fall of 2016
/in Family and FriendsOn May 9, 2016, BC’s Senior Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie announced the launch of a province-wide Residential Care Survey of 27,000 residents living in 303 publicly-subsidized care homes in British Columbia.
The survey will take place in the fall of 2016 and will explore a range of questions on privacy, food, safety and security, comfort, respect and responsiveness of staff, personal relationships, medications and activities.
Residents will be interviewed in-person along with their most frequent visitor, who is usually a family member. The family member will be sent a mail-out survey. It will not be available online.
This survey will be conducted by volunteers contracted by the office of the Seniors Advocate. They will give approx. 30 hours of their time to survey residents of care homes across British Columbia. Are you interested in joining the volunteer team? Click here for more information: SurveyBCSeniors.org
We are looking forward to the opportunity to hear from our residents and family members through this survey.
Thank you in advance for your participation in the survey. Your thoughts and feedback are key to the quality of life and compassionate care experienced by residents at Menno Place.
Do you have a Compliment, Concern or Improvement Idea at this time?
Please fill out our Connection Form to let us know. If you are unable to fill this form out online, please come to the office to see us.
If you have any questions about how the Residential Care Survey will take place at Menno Home and Menno Hospital, please contact Sharon Simpson – sharon.simpson@mennoplace.ca, 604.859.7631 x.249
BC Care Providers Annual Conference 2015
/in NewsThe 38th Annual BCCPA Conference (BC Care Providers Association) was attended by two members of the Mennonite Benevolent Society Board, along with the entire Executive Team. We are grateful to a member of the MBS Board who offered their place in Whistler to reduce cost, permitting the entire Executive Team to participate.
The theme of the conference was “Sustainability through innovation”. There were more than 24 thought-provoking workshops, 60 speakers and over 70 vendors in the Exhibitor Marketplace.
Speakers included:
Topics included:
The conference is a reminder that innovation is necessary in these changing times. As the demand for senior care increases, there is a need to provide care in new ways, to use technology to increase effectiveness and to collaborate in order to create synergy.
Dr. Darryl Plecas announced $50,000 in funding to the Health and Arts Society and Concerts in Care. Menno Place regularly enjoys the musical talents of the Concerts in Care program.
Concert in Care – June 7th at 10:30AM – You’re Invited!
/in Family and FriendsYou are invited to join with residents for this beautiful professional concert! No admission cost.
Tuesday, June 7 at 10:30am in the Menno Hospital Chapel
ONYX TRIO
The Onyx Trio was formed in 2014 out of a deep desire to explore and share the repertoire of the last one hundred years. Ever since Claude Debussy composed his remarkable Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp in 1915, many great composers have tried their hand at this unique and colourful combination of instruments. The Onyx Trio is dedicated to the performance of these works as well as working alongside composers of the 21stcentury in the commissioning and creation of new music for flute, viola, and harp.
The Onyx Trio is comprised of Joy Yeh, harp; Mark Takeshi McGregor, flute; and Marcus Takizawa, viola. All three musicians are fixtures of the BC music scene and can be frequently heard performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Turning Point Ensemble, Aventa Ensemble, and Vancouver New Music Ensemble.