by Susan Smith, Executive Director, Kemptville & District Home Support
Here we are: it’s the May long weekend and wouldn’t we all like to be out tiptoeing though the tulips together! As we have all been experiencing, and hearing in news, the way we live has changed. Having to adapt so quickly can be stressful at times. Being resilient can help get us through these changes. Having gratitude for the good things in our lives, no matter how small they are, helps build resilience. And the remembering can give us pleasure and put a smile on our face. This may, in fact, increase our optimism, which is definitely good for us!
Another of the factors in building resilience is to have strong social supports, which can be particularly difficult in these times of physical distancing. This has been a huge change at the Seniors’ Centre, once filled with a constant stream of people and activities, now there are only four of us behind locked doors. How do we continue to connect with people, and how will the programs and services change?
We do have some positive news. With thanks to the Ministry of Seniors Affairs and Accessibility, we have piloted Seniors’ Centre Without Walls. This is a telephone-based program that Jennifer is leading. Sessions include topics such as Trivia, ‘Way with Words’, and ‘Name that Tune’. The information can also be found on our website. We can also facilitate group video conferencing via Zoom on your device. And we continue to have our group of amazing volunteers who are making regular calls to people. All of these programs help build strong social supports. Please get in touch with us for more information, we would love to chat with you.
Meals on Wheels continues to be important in providing nutritious meals for many seniors in our community. Currently, we are able to provide a limited number of these meals for a reduced cost, thanks to New Hori- zons for Seniors, a Federal Government program. And a huge thank you goes out to our local United Way Leeds & Grenville for facilitating this!
We are very pleased to announce that our Footcare Clinic will be starting up this Thursday and Friday. There will, of course, be changes to keep everyone safe. The Health Unit has been consulted and they are satisfied with our processes. Calls are being made to reschedule people whose appointments had been cancelled, and to let them know about the changes. Give us a call at 613-258-3203 if you would like to ensure you are on this list.
The Income Tax program, for those with low incomes, has resumed. With the deadline only a few weeks away, we encourage those that haven’t filed yet to gather up your information and ensure that you remain eligible for your government benefits.
I would like to take a moment to thank our Board of Directors, who continue to provide their expertise and support in keeping Seniors’ Community Services both relevant and responsive to the community needs. Their leadership has ensured that we can continue to deliver such great services. Thank you! There will be two openings coming up on the Board, with vacancies in the position of Treasurer and Director. Please pass the word around.
To find out about the services and our volunteer opportunities, or to donate, please give us a call at 613- 258-3203.
As we continue to adapt to these changing times, may we embrace the words of Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Until next time,
Susan
215 Sanders St. Suite 101
613-258-3203
susan.smith@kdhsi.com.
