Thanks to the generosity of the Creston-Kootenay Foundation, the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors is now able to assist our seniors with important errands such as prescription pick-up, and stops at the post office and banks. We received a grant from the CKF to run this project and the seniors are delighted. Congratulations to the Creston Kootenay Foundation and the Friends of the Greenhouse for hosting the very successful grand soirée!
Contacting shut-in seniors and supporting a seniors resource centre is currently not part of our mandate but it is a service that is badly needed in our community. We want to develop and train a core group of volunteers who will manage outreach services for isolated seniors. The government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors has agreed to support TAPS to recruit and train volunteers to make these things happen. The use of younger seniors as volunteers to assist older seniors is an opportunity to use the skills, training and expertise that recent retirees have. These services will increase the safety of seniors. It will also reduce the number of seniors who require medical supports because loneliness and depression are factors that contribute to poor health. Seniors will be able to remain independent longer.
The benefits for our seniors are many, but what are the benefits for volunteers? If you have knowledge of the Creston community you will be able to share it with others. If you are new you will have access to a wealth of information. The skills you have from your employment will not be lost because you will be using them. You will have an opportunity to meet people and to give back to your community. Sharing of your time and energy will be rewarded with smiles and appreciation, and possibly a few hugs.
We require skills such as organizational abilities, recording, evaluation and communications expertise, resource gathering and patience. If you have any of these qualities and you would like to join in this project, please call or come by TAPS. We are located at 402 22nd Ave. S. and our phone number is 250-428-5585.
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.