News Release
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April 20, 2015 – Knock knock! Who’s there? About 100 of the most caring people around, and they’re helping to transform our health care system by bringing care into peoples’ homes.
When one of their 550 Parry Sound clients needs a friendly visitor, a ride to an appointment in a NE LHIN funded vehicle, help with grocery shopping, meals on wheels … you name it, a member of this volunteer brigade is at the door to help.
That’s why, this month, the North East LHIN has recognized the Volunteers with West Parry Sound District Community Support Services (CSS) Program as its Healthy Change Champions.
The volunteers’ contribution of about 10,000 hours a year, aligns with the NE LHIN’s efforts to bring care closer to where people live. A strong home and community based system of care helps seniors to live independently longer while strengthening the health care system by easing pressures on hospitals and long waits in emergency rooms.
“Northerners want to receive care at home at much as possible and these incredible group of volunteers in Parry Sound are to be applauded,” said Louise Paquette, CEO of the NE LHIN. “Our Northern health care system is sprinkled with these unsung volunteer heros and our LHIN is very pleased to recognize them with our Healthy Change Champion award.”
The North East LHIN created the Healthy Change Champion award in 2012 to recognize the outstanding work being done across the region to transform the health care system to be more patient centred.
“Our volunteers are exceptional,” says Linda Taylor, Director of Community Support Services for West Parry Sound Community Support Services. She’s worked with the program for 26 years and says it continues to expand its services to benefit clients. “Our volunteers strongly believe in our vision,” says Taylor. “It’s Reaching out and responding. Our mission is YOU.”
The majority of volunteers range in age from 65 to 75, with the oldest ones well into their 80s.
Seniors can apply to receive help from the volunteers, and help can also be provided to other with chronic disabilities over age 18.
Northerners’ opinions on ways to strengthen this care were included and reflected in Bringing Care Home,a report from the expert group on home and community care. It includes 16 recommendations to improve patient- and family-centred care and follows the Ministry’s Action Plan 2.0 which emphasizes the province’s commitment to put patients first by improving access to health care closer to home.
Although the majority of these volunteers are seniors, they do not just show up for their shift, but rather are part of the planning process. Through WPS District Community Support Services leadership, they are empowered to make positive changes in the lives of other seniors. These volunteers constantly try to find new ways to help older adults in their catchment area which stretches north to the French River, south to the Musquash River, east to Magnetawan, and west to the Georgian Bay Archipelago. Also included in the area are seven First Nations.
Besides bringing food and making home visits to check up on their seniors, they have also started calling on key people in the community -- librarians, post office, and corner store workers -- to find out how their seniors are coping, if they are getting out to get their mail, and if they are shopping for food.
Community Support Services offered through the West Parry Sound District volunteers include:
· Meals on Wheels - With frozen, beneficial meals, and fresh fruit and veggie baskets
· Friendly Visiting - For seniors, friendly visiting maintains their connection to the community, facilitates your access to social services, and provides educational and social opportunities.
· Transportation
· Dinners Club Lunch and Learn - Monthly lunches with up to 70 seniors participating
· Seniors’ Safe Keeping - The program educates people in the community to identify the signs and symptoms that a senior may be at risk and encourages them to report these concerns so that the senior can receive the help they need.
FACTS:
· To learn more about the West Parry Sound District CSS volunteer program, contact Linda Taylor[email protected]
