Our final Finding Home dialogue at Hillside Seniors Health Centre in Victoria was all about How To Deal With Transitions. We started by discussing life transitions in general and what helped them through previous transitions. People shared current transitions such as deciding to sell a house; moving into assisted living; diet changes in order to cope with being diagnosed with diabetes; and the loss of a spouse and becoming a widow.

All agreed transitions are often difficult. However, they were also quick to point out the benefits transitions can offer such as: time for reflection, opportunity to grow and learn; make new connections; and create a new future.

Other tips discussed about how to cope with transitions or ride the wave of change that transitions inevitably bring include: being aware of resistance and learn how to transform it; creative visualization; and extreme self care. If you would like to learn more about the two fabulous Finding Home posters that were created that give a summary of these tips and many more, contact Liz Carter at Hillside Seniors Health Centre to learn how you can be part of thier new Seniors Conversation Cafes in Victoria: Elizabeth.McCarter@viha.ca.

What does it mean to “make connections?” Who or what are we wanting to connect to? And how can we do it? These are questions Hillside Seniors Health Centre Finding Home dialogue participants explored and here are some of their insights…

Loneliness is a natural part of life. Everyone at one time or another has experienced moments or times of loneliness. We can draw on our past experiences to figure out how to best cope with our current experience of being lonely. Making connections starts with connecting to ourselves, exploring our values and what matters most. We can also connect to others, our surroundings and activities that give us meaning or make us feel valued.

The dialogue participants explained, “making connections means making the first move and having a positive attitude.” This they admit is simpler said then done and the key is in our attitude.

Sometimes, they explain, negative self talk can hold you back. Their tips for transforming negative self talk include: being aware that you are playing an “old tape”, take a deep breath, talk to yourself with kindness, exercise, get out to nature, gain perspective and focus on the now.

They emphasize that attitude really is everything. In choosing your attitude you can either sink or swim. For example, if someone doesn’t call you, one dialogue participant explained, you can choose to feel rejected or to feel grateful for the extra peace and quiet.

These seniors have something they would like you to think about:

“Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?”

Hillside Seniors Health Centre Finding Home Dialogue Participants

Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation, Vancouver Island Health Authority and Saanich Parks and Recreation partnered to host Finding Home seniors dialogues at Hillside Seniors Health Centre. Today was our first dialogue and I thought I’d share some of the highlights. 14 seniors from diverse backgrounds gathered for the dialogue. They represent 8 provinces and 5 countries. Their work experience includes the military, international development, kindergarten teacher, yoga teacher, illustrator, nursing, business coaching and violence against women prevention and intervention.

Imagine this gathering of elders sharing what home means to them and why it matters. For many, home meant things like having good neighbours, living in a peaceful environment, a place where you feel connected to neighbours and the community. Upon reflection they came up with a common definition of home:

“Home is where the heart is. It is both external, a place I call home, and internal, a sense of comfort within myself.”

And an ingredient that they see as essentiel to creating a sense of home is love. One senior explained:

“Love creates a sense of home. Everyone needs to love and be loved.”

The dialogue participants identified their top Finding Home priorities as: How To Make Connections and How to Deal with Transitions. Stay tuned as we explore these topics over the next couple of weeks.

Hillside Seniors Health Centre Finding Home Dialogues