In This Issue: Sam's Monthly Car Care Tip | How To Plan a Party | Holiday Tips for Seniors

 

 

Sam’s Monthly Maintenance Tip

 

by Sam Opoku of Sam’s Total Car Care Centre

 

Heater

Ironically, the heater in your car is part of the cooling system. If your cooling system is running efficiently, it should take about 3 minutes to reach ambient temperature while your car is idling.

 

Engine parts can be very costly to replace, not to mention the inconvenience of breaking down unexpectedly in the cold weather. A regularly scheduled coolant flush will reduce the risk of corrosion, improve the efficiency of your engine and prevent damage to internal engine components, like the water pump.

 

It is very important that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle. Check the owner’s manual for the scheduled coolant flush (given in km or age of your vehicle) and remember to fully defrost your windshield to safely see where you are going before you drive off.

 

 

How to Plan a Party

 

by Alison King, Time to Get Organized

 

I have met so many people who have not entertained in years because they cannot get out from under the clutter. They are too busy and too overwhelmed and ashamed to have people over. My suggestion is to plan a party (set the goal) and then take the steps necessary to reach that goal! Now I know some of you are thinking, “How am I going to plan a party when my house is such a mess?” Well I am here to tell you that all it takes is a lot of planning (and a little work of course).

 

1. Set a date
Choose a date that allows you plenty of preparation time. A month is ample to get the house ready for guests.

 

2. Make a list of who you would like to invite
Don’t try and have too many people if it’s your first time entertaining. It may be better to have two smaller functions than to try and have everybody at once. It’s up to you. It’s more likely you will have a chance to chat with everyone if you have a small group. You can do an intimate sit down meal with a smaller group. Larger groups tend to be more work and you may find yourself running around more. Buffets are great when you have a big crowd.

 

3. Plan a menu
It’s important to plan the menu before you call people so that if they offer to bring something, you can jot it down beside their name. This will help you with your meal planning. You don’t have to make everything yourself. You can make the main course and have others bring appetizers, salads and dessert. Or better still, you can have a potluck and everyone brings a dish (but be sure to ask exactly what type of dish they are bringing so you don’t end up with four chicken casseroles and no salads!

 

4. Call your guests
Call people a month ahead or more if you’re planning a Christmas party. Any other time of the year, you may be able to call people two or three weeks in advance. Call people or send out invitations. Okay if you just groaned when I suggested invitations, then call instead. Keep a list of invitees by the phone so you can check off the people you reached and put a star beside the ones you left a message with on their answering machines and put n/a (no answer) beside the people you were unable to reach. This will keep you on track so when people call back you can check off if they are coming or not. Then you can try again another day, to call back the people that you were unable to reach.

 

5. Make a to-do list
Now, make a list of the things you need to do leading up to the party. Your list may look something like this:
1. De-clutter (for a half hour a day for a month)
2. Vacuum and dust (a few days before the party)
3. Clean bathrooms (the day of)
4. Wash kitchen floor (the day of)
5. Make a list of things to buy for the party (can be done anytime)
6. Shop (day or two before)
7. Cook (day or two before depending on what your are making
8. Set the table (day of)
9. Put out wine glasses, cork screw etc. (few hours before)
10. Get coffee maker ready for brewing (right before sitting down to dinner)

 

Entertaining regularly is a great way of keeping your home organized. It forces you to stay on top of the clutter. Focus on the main living spaces. If you need to put coats on your bed, then you need to clean your bedroom. If you are using your hall closet, then you need to make sure it’s neat and you have plenty of empty hangers.

 

Remember, your house doesn’t have to be perfect! People are coming to see you. As long as it’s neat and clean and there is room for their shoes, coats and purses, that’s what matters. It’s my secret for keeping my house organized.

 

 

Holiday Tips for Seniors

 

by Kerry Jarvi, Pathway Care Services

 

During the busy holiday season, do not forget those that may need a little extra consideration- the seniors in your family and those in your neighbourhood.

 

December is usually the month that we all find ourselves busy with shopping, parties, and reacquainting ourselves with family and friends. Here are a few tips to ensure that the seniors you know are comfortable and safe over the holidays.

 

TASTY HOLIDAY MENUS
The change in menus at the holiday is a welcome treat and a way to celebrate the season. For many seniors the change in menus can come with some serious consequences. Ensure that your loved ones are eating a well-balanced, properly portioned meal. It is okay if your loved one eats smaller portions than they are used to. It is a nice treat for most seniors to be sent home with a care package of small individual meals that can be frozen and reheated in January.

 

WE ALL WANT TO BE INCLUDED
Many seniors find large groups to be overwhelming. It is often a time that the family is altogether and wants to discuss changes in their loved one’s life. It is important to include seniors in the conversation – talk to them and not over or around them. This is especially important when discussing how the senior is doing on a day to day basis with such things as meal planning and preparation, home safety, and medical concerns such as medication.

 

Many seniors suffer from memory problems and it is difficult to know when to include them in family functions and when it is too much for them. It is a good idea to include them for even short visits, about two hours. If they are in a long term care facility, attempt to adhere to the schedule of the facility, this will limit the changes in routine for the senior. As difficult as it can be, it is also important to try to let go of who the senior was before they had memory problems and focus on who they are.

 

SAFETY/CARE OF HOUSE
It is often difficult for seniors to care for their home, especially in our white Ontario winters. A snow removal service can be very helpful for most seniors. With guests coming and going frequently throughout the season, hiring a snow removal service is worth the investment. Prompt snow removal also keeps a house looking lived in and well-kept, and that can reduce the risk of break-ins.

 

Remember to dress for the season. It is important to dress for the weather using layers of clothing, and to remember to protect skin with sunscreen and lip balm. Proper winter boots are a worthy investment for all seniors. A good winter boot is one that is light weight, well insulated, and waterproof with a thick non-slip tread sole.

 

OUT OF TOWN VISITORS
If you are far away from a loved one over the holidays there are many things you can do to ensure they receive something special. Many restaurants will deliver your favourite senior a special meal. Flowers are timeless and many winter arrangements are easy to care for. You can also contact a local church or agency to see if friendly visitors can pay a visit over the holiday season.