For a printable list of the programs and services available at the South and Central Vancouver Island Chapter, please click on the link below.
SCVIC Programs and Services
PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES
The goals of physiotherapy for people with MS are to improve individual aerobic endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and mobility. Exercise does not affect the prognosis or progression of MS although individuals can obtain the same health benefits from exercise as anyone. The benefits are physiological, psychological and functional.
Symptoms that can be positively affected with moderate exercise include:
· Fatigue
· Weakness
· Balance
· Coordination
· Muscle stiffness
· Pain
· And more!
The MS Society SCVIC strives to make exercise available and accessible to our members.
Our physiotherapists are available for one-on-one treatment sessions, by appointment, Tuesday through Friday, 9am-3pm. These sessions are charged at $40.00 per hour and acupuncture treatment is $40.00.
Our drop in gym program is open, accessible and free to all members. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10am-3pm. The gym program is closed from 12:30-1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 12-1pm on Thursdays.
Please join us for a variety of activities and exercise programs.
EXERCISE PROGRAMS
Aquatics
Day of the Week: Mondays
Instructor: Daniella
Time and Place: Please register for more information, call 250-384-2532
Chair Exercise Class
Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Instructor: Blanche
Time: 12:15 - 1:15 pm
Where: At the MS Centre
What is the Chair Exercise Class?
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It is a class that consists of exercises and stretches that are all done while in a sitting position.
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It’s great for people in wheelchairs and scooters!
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It includes stretches, exercises, self-massage, and guided relaxation.
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The benefits include increased flexibility and strength, enhanced balance & coordination, increased mental alertness, and more relaxed muscles.
Some assistance will be available if needed.
For more information and to sign up, contact Physio at 250-384-2532.
Feldenkrais® Classes at the MS Society!
"The Feldenkrais Method is an educational system centered on movement, aiming to expand and refine the use of the self through awareness. ... It is intended for those wishing to reduce pain or limitations in movement, and many who want to improve their general well-being and personal development."
Day of the Week: Thursdays
Instructor: Alice, Sophia OR Diane
Time: 12-1pm
Where: At the MS Center
Please contact Physio at 250-384-2532 for more information, or to sign up!
Aung Medical Qi Gong
Day of the Week: Fridays
Instructor: Linda
Time: 1-2pm
Where: At the MS Centre
Learn the fundamental building blocks of medical Qi Gong; breathing, concentration and posture/movement exercises; and become aware of the circulation of Qi (vital energy) throughout your whole being- body, mind and spirit. This practice focuses a lot on the breath and is GREAT for people in wheelchairs and scooters. Everyone Welcome.
For more information and to sign up, contact Physio at 250-384-2532.
SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
One-on-One Computer Training
We have some very skilled volunteers who are interested and available for one-on-one computer training, at any level of instruction.
If you would like training on the use of computers on a one-on-one basis, or if you know of someone who would be interested, please contact Katie at the office for more information or to set up a day and time for training.
Art Class
Every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, creative members gather to work on current works of art. Instruction on painting, learning to draw, and using other mediums of art is available.
If you are interested in joining our art group for any amount of time on Wednesdays, please call Katie at the office to sign up.
In addition, many of the client's creations are for sale - you can find pieces on display in the MS Centre Lounge and in the art room.
Bridge
Looking for something to do on Wednesdays? Come and play bridge, not too serious, every Wednesday between 1:00pm and 3:00 pm.
Social Committee
We are looking to expand our social committee to include some new members. If you're a social individual and you like to have fun and plan social events, let Katie know!
The Social Committee meets on the second Thursday of every month from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, after the Cappuccino Morning, in the MS Centre Lounge.
SERVICES
Library
Check out our extensive collection of books in our Margaret De Santis MS Libary! One of our volunteer librarians is available to help you find the books and publications that you are looking for.
The Library is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Medical Equipment Loan Service
The Equipment Provision Program (EPP) at the South and Central Vancouver Island Chapter helps those who are living with MS and in financial need acquire equipment required to maximize their quality of life.
Equipment Provisions include:
Mobility Aids (eg. manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, canes, walkers, scooters)
Personal Care (eg. patient lifts, bathroom safety items)
EPP can assist by providing equipment or limited financial assistance with purchased equipment (based on financial need)
To qualify for assistance you must:
- Have a diagnosis of MS
- Be a resident of BC
- Have a medical recommendation supporting the equipment need
- Have limited or no other program eligibility
Used equipment donations appreciated
If you have clean, safe and reliable medical equipment that you no longer require, please consider donating it to the Equipment Provision Program so that it can be given to someone with MS who needs it now. You must discuss your donation with Bonny Pashak, Manager, Client Services, before donation is approved.
Contact
Bonny Pashak, Manager, Client Services
250-388-6496
bonny.pashak@mssociety.ca
For more information about the BC Division EPP program, visit http://mssociety.ca/bc/epp.htm
Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program
People with multiple sclerosis often face a variety of legal/advocacy challenges involving human rights, applying for disability benefits, employment equity, insurance income security, estate planning and family law issues.
The VLAP program provides our members access to volunteers with legal and advocacy experience for legal advice and representation. It also offers resource information and advocate support including assistance with CPP disability applications.
For more information, please visit the BC Division website: Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program
MS E-News
Would you like to be a part of our MS Email Service? You can get information on MS, as well as all the current information on events and programs at the MS Centre.
If you would like to join, please call the office and leave your email address with Katie or email her at katie.ganassin@mssociety.ca
WE WANT YOUR INPUT!
How could we meet your needs with the programs, services, and social events that we offer for you? If you have any ideas, we would love to hear them! The next time you're at the Centre, drop by and visit Katie, or give her a call at the office, and share your ideas and comments.