Friday, October 23, 2015
ONE CARE Home and Community Support Services
One Care and Seniors Working Together in Unique Partnership
Seniors in Stratford are getting exercise, information and entertainment -- along with nutritious meals -- thanks to a unique partnership between The Local Community Food Centre and One Care Home and Community Services.
About 65 seniors were enjoying lunch on Wednesday in the program that began three years ago when The Local opened its doors.
After hearing stories of some seniors living on tea and toast or a bag of popcorn for dinner, executive director Steve Stacey realized that The Local had a role to play for that demographic.
“A lot of our programs here are about people living on a very low income and that's their barrier to accessing good food,” Stacey said. “With the seniors it wasn't so much income, it's the challenges that come with that time of life.
“The idea that some of these folks are going to go to the store, buy a whole bunch of vegetables and cook from scratch and eat it alone – it's not really going to work for them. We realized there's also a big risk for social isolation, and the power of food could help us break through that.”
After about a year of focusing on the meal for seniors, The Local got together with One Care and came to the conclusion that they could do better work if they partnered together.
One Care, a non-profit agency that for 40 years has been helping people live independently in their own homes in Stratford and Huron-Perth, not only assists with the meal but also helps run other activities before and after lunch that keeps the seniors active and socializing a good part of the day.
There's an exercise class that begins at 10:30 a.m. and a blood pressure clinic, presentations following the meal that focus on healthy living or simply entertain, and activities such as gardening following that. It's all free, although there is a basket at the door for those who want to make a donation.
It's a unique partnership that suits the Stratford area well, said Shelley McPhee Haist, manager of communications and fundraising for One Care. It receives funding from the federal government's New Horizons for Seniors program and is one of many programs that One Care is spotlighting during October, which is Community Support month.
“Community Support is a program that people don't know a lot about, but it's such an important program and so valuable because it keeps people healthy, keeps them well and helps people to live in their own homes,” said McPhee Haist. “Ultimately that really helps the health care system, and we're really proud and pleased that the Ministry of Health is investing and understanding the significance of home care and community support with our aging population.”
Last year the staff and volunteers of One Care supported more than 4,700 individuals, delivered 38,000 Meals on Wheels, provided 76,000 rides through their transportation program, and served 15,000 meals at dining programs.
“Our transportation is a big service that helps people get out to medical appointments, grocery shopping or coming to dining programs as well,” said McPhee Haist, adding that children with elderly parents and spouses are most appreciative of One Care's programs.
“It's really hard to be a caregiver when you're under stress or health conditions yourself,” she said.
One Care receives funding through the Southwestern Ontario Local Health Integration Network, and from the United Way for its Meals on Wheels and transportation programs.
Stacey said the partnership with One Care has been an excellent one, and he's always looking for opportunities to partner with other organizations in the community.
“We'll take care of the food and if you can do other things that can help promote health and engage people, then let's partner,” he said.
Media Contact:
Steve Rice
steve.rice@sunmedia.ca
|