The Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors operated through the holiday season with fewer numbers but just as enthusiastic folks. Co-ordinators Bridget Currie and Rosalie Wilson have started up the programs for 2013 with the popular errands project already helping seniors get important tasks done. The errands project has helped over 20 seniors get to medical and dental appointments, the pharmacies, the post office, the bus depot, banks and the hairdresser. The ability to meet one’s own needs is vital to independence, self-esteem and good health. TAPS seniors have commented that this is one of our most valuable programs.
We think that this project has been successful because of its simplicity. If a senior requires a little help with an errand it is scheduled for Monday or Friday. Errands that can be handled independently are booked for Wednesdays. This project has been funded by a grant from the Creston-Kootenay Foundation.
Each year we operate with a theme in mind. Last year it was keeping seniors productive, and we contributed to our community by helping out the Gleaners, Meals on Wheels, Telus ambassadors, and other seniors at home and at Swan Valley Lodge and Crest View Village.
This year our objective will be to stay connected to our community and to help others to do so too. Staying connected with friends, family and community is critical to remaining healthy, active and focused. It gets us out of the house, helps us maintain a sense of purpose and, because we are seniors, allows the community to benefit from our wisdom and experience.
We already benefit from partnerships with the Creston valley food action coalition, the College of the Rockies Community Greenhouse, Gleaners, Telus ambassadors from Cranbrook, Harvest Share program, Creston Lions Club, both Rotary clubs, Creston and District Community Complex and College of the Rockies education programs. We will be looking for more opportunities for our seniors to stay connected in their community. If you have an activity that you think seniors can contribute to, please let us know. We have skills and experience to share.
Tammy Hardwick from the Creston Museum is starting up the reminiscing program with us again. This activity is a favorite of the seniors and is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, listening and learning. We are hoping to start an activity with Wildfower School and have applied for funds to bring high school students to our site to learn skills needed in a commercial kitchen.
Mark your calendars for our annual Tarts and Tunes sing-along party. It will be Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. at Rotocrest Hall. Hope to see you there!
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.