Social connection and better sleep : BERNIE ’ S STORY
Bernie was referred to our Stepped Care for Older Adults ( SCOA ) program in early 2023 by St Vincent ’ s Hospital .
Bernie has lived in Abbotsford for more than 45 years . Since the passing of his wife , Eva , in 2015 , Bernie has experienced grief , anxiety and sleep problems , accompanied by low moods .
Bernie took part in the program ’ s Café and Stroll , Active Body Healthy Mind and Sleep Therapy groups .
He enjoyed them all , but says it was in the Active Body Healthy Mind group that things “ started to get interesting ” through camaraderie and a lessening of his burdens through shared experiences .
“ This was a mixed group of people with complex issues . We all hope to find peace and satisfaction and the probing of our wide range of issues illustrated to many of us that as we take life for granted , we do have these shared problems .”
Bernie had his greatest success with the Sleep Therapy Group .
“ I didn ’ t realise how many bad habits I had in regard to restful sleep , which took valuable time from my sleep cycle . Now most of the time I am able to sleep without waking a number of times during the night . I ’ d recommend it to anyone .”
He liked the way each course was structured , and enjoyed meeting other people from different cultures
“ Don ’ t give up ! If you recognise that you have a problem , don ’ t bottle it up . Go and see a health professional , there is plenty of help out there . You can do it !”
– Bernie
62 Health