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2 – This is the Life, January 2015
Grannies hit the right note with community By Kristyl Clark
It was back in 1999, when Bernice Rolls headed across the border to join the thousands of activists protesting against the World Trade Organization for the infamous Battle in Seattle. The newly retired Maple Ridge resident had always been an advocate for helping others and leading change – having been "muzzled" throughout the years as a dutiful civil servant, she was ready to have her voice finally heard. "I've always been concerned about what we humans and our governments do to each other and the world," she said matter-of-factly. "With my job, there was a lot that I couldn't say or do before." Amidst the chaos of the protest, a group of senior singing women from back home caught Rolls' ear and her full attention – the Raging Grannies of Vancouver. Through satirical songs and skits, the group of politically conscious nonpartisan older women raise awareness of issues relating to peace, the environment, agriculture and social justice. The Raging Grannies movement began in Victoria back in 1986. Today, there are more than 60 'gaggles' throughout North America, including a group in Maple Ridge. "I saw them in action and thought that would be fun to be a part of," said Rolls, who would find out that singing ability
and grandchildren are not essential to becoming a member and that being gutsy is considered a plus – both factors that sealed the deal for her decision to join the Maple Ridge gaggle a decade later when it first formed in 2012. "We have fun at weekly meetings discussing issues to be tackled, writing satirical words to familiar songs practising and making plans for action," she said, also noting the diverse age range of members. "There are women in their mid 50s, all the way to women in their late 80s." And while the songs/skits are fun and humourous – a recent tune was sung by the ladies at Waterfront Station protesting the lack of public washroom facilities on Vancouver transit to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus, these ladies mean serious business. "In 2013, we protested for a crosswalk on 224th Street where the seniors centre is located – soon after, they got a crosswalk – we're not sure it's because of us or not, but it's there now," said Rolls, who was happy to share the group's lyrics to that particular song, which was sung to the tune of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer." "A senior got run over by a driver while going out for lunch on Tuesday noon. You might think there's no need to worry, but it may be your old mother very soon. Can't we do better for our seniors who live on the west side of the street, and need to
cross for lunch and entertainment as well as see the friends they choose to meet." Singing may be a requirement of joining, but one doesn't have to sing in tune to hit the right note in the community, adds Rolls. "What we lack in talent, we make up for in moxy." The Raging Grannies of Maple Ridge perform gigs both by invitation or whenever the urge strikes, such as at Ridge Meadows Hospital protesting pay parking in November 2013, or when they encouraged shoppers to get out and vote in the last civic election at both the Haney Place and Valley Fair malls. They've also made several appearances at MP and MLA offices as well as community sites, such as the Memorial Peace Park band stand, Hamey Farmers Market and Earth Day – always wearing their signature hats and costumes. Forget posters and chants, these grannies have a sneaky technique to get their point out, according to their website. "Comedy is a great way to catch people’s attention, and once their interest is sparked, a message can then be slipped in unobtrusively, yet effectively. The audience swallows the pill and gets exposed to a different point of view quite painless." When it comes to feedback from the public, it's always positive and encouragcontinued on page 5
This is the Life, January 2015 – 3
Wellness clinic, hugs and more By Gavin Fisher
Since 2002, retired registered nurse Peggy Lambert has headed the health and wellness clinic at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre. “This is my baby,” Lambert laughed. The feisty Lambert works with a team of a dozen retired nurses who volunteer to provide health services to those who are over 55 in the community. Over 12 years since starting the clinic, she remains as determined as ever that it remains accessible and welcoming to local seniors. There is a $2 drop-in fee – to cover the clinic’s basis expenses – but it’s waived for those who can’t afford it. “We volunteer … and we’re there to help seniors,” Lambert said, “We don’t turn anybody away. We look after them just the same.” That help comes in the form of a number of services offered at the clinic every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Seniors can have their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked, and they can also speak to the retired nurses who volunteer and ask any questions they may have about their health or medication The nurses also track the seniors’ vital signs each time they visit. Lambert said this information is recorded on a blue card that the seniors can then bring with them to appointments with their doctor. A variety of specialists also visit the clinic on a rotating basis. On the first Tuesday of every month, an optician visits the clinic, and on the second Tuesday staff from Crystal Hearing come to clean and repair hearing aids free of charge. On the third Tuesday of the month, a pharmacist meets with seniors one-on-one to provide information about medication, nutrition and diabetes. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. comes to help seniors and their family members on the last Tuesday of 4 – This is the Life, January 2015
the month. Cholesterol screenings are given at the clinic every two to three months. Lambert said the number of seniors accessing the clinic have decreased over the years – largely due to some passing away, or moving out of the area. Around 30 people currently access the clinic each week. Karen Wakita, a registered nurse who still works casually at Ridge Meadows Hospital, said she would like to see more seniors become aware of the service. Wakita is running the clinic jointly with Lambert, and under Lambert’s mentorship is learning more about the responsibility of running the clinic. With her experience as an emergency nurse and having had a father with Alzheimer’s disease, Wakita said she is determined to help seniors learn more about the health services and options they have. “I’m trying to promote senior awareness so that when they come into the hospital they have some background information and are prepared … because seniors are just lost when they come there. It’s really sad to see. It’s only the well-informed senior that says, ‘I have a friend who’s going to pick me up and take me home.’” Wakita and Lambert also said the clinic is looking for a new massage therapist who is willing to volunteer once a week for a few hours at the clinic. “The seniors used to loved that, and it was good for them,” Lambert said. Along with the health support it provides, Lambert said the clinic is also a place for seniors to find warm company. “We’re like one big happy family … some of the seniors are very lonely, all they need is someone to talk to and they need a big hug.” “We give out lots of hugs,” Lambert laughed.
Grannies continued continued from page 3
ing, says Rolls. "Oh they love us. I think we get away with some things just because we're old and funny." While the topics are on a serious note, there is certainly no shortage of laughs amongst the women. "It's lots of fun – you have to imagine that anyone who would do this sort of thing would be quite fun," said Rolls. For Pat Gibbs, who joined the gaggle around three years ago, becoming a Raging Granny was always something she wanted to do. "I had known about them from when they first started back in 1987 and had followed them ever since," she said. "They provide a fantastic service to all our communities and our planet." What Gibbs didn't realize, was just how easy it would be to become a member. "I saw them in action here in Maple Ridge ... I can't recall where exactly we were or what they were protesting, but I recall their protest ending with a conga line as a way of demonstrating solidarity about the group and having a little bit of fun," said Gibbs. Afterwards, she began chatting with the group's founder, Oosha Ramsoondar, and asked what it would take to become a member. "I thought I'd have to do something extraordinary to join, but no – she just said 'welcome.' "
At the time, Gibbs was close to retirement, but still not quite at the finish line. However, the women were happy to have her take part whenever she could spare the time. Now fully retired and a full-fledged active member, Gibbs says she feels more connected to her community than ever. "I've lived in Maple Ridge for many years and have spent a lot of time commuting back and forth to work ... other than the grocery store, you don't get to make a lot of connections in the community." "Through this group, I've been able to deepen these connections – it's a good feeling to find people of like-mind in your community and know that it's more than just a place to sleep." The Raging Grannies are always looking for new voices to join their ranks – the ability to sing on key is not a requirement of joining, said Gibbs, who freely admits she can't carry a note. "I enjoy singing, but am totally tone deaf," she laughed. "That's one of the things we try to stress – you don't have to know anything about music, sing in tune or in key, don't have to be able to read music ... even if you can only 'shout-sing', we're happy to have you. The main thing is you care about the causes and that you have some passion and are willing to let your voice be heard. Whether it's off key or not, we don't care. And quite frankly, it doesn't seem the audience cares either." Anyone interested in joining or finding out more information about the Maple Ridge Raging Grannies are asked to call Bernice at 604-462-7803 or visit the Vancouver Raging Grannies website at www.vcn.bc.ca/ragigran/
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This is the Life, January 2015 – 5
Meal program sees huge jump. Word getting out about service.
Meals on wheels
By Kevin Gillies
The Ridge Meadows Meals On Wheels program has seen a dramatic rise in demand the past several months, helping feed seniors and other individuals living on their own but needing help. Joanne Leginus, director of administration and senior services with Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services, says the Meals On Wheels program demand has jumped 50 per cent in the latter half of 2014. “Basically between summer time and, I guess our last meeting was December, meals per month have gone from about 800 a month to almost 1,200 a month,” she said in early January. 6 – This is the Life, January 2015
“I think maybe it’s partially increased awareness,” she added. “We’ve done a lot of postings out in the community, targeting family members and friends, making sure they’re aware of the program.” Leginus said the increase is good news because it means word about the program is getting out to those who need help with food and social contact. “As an agency we always want to make sure that the community is aware of the services we provide and is able to access them.” So for Leginus, the sudden jump in demand is good news. “For a while there the numbers were coming down so we weren’t quite sure,” Leginus explained. “But they’re definitely jumping up quite rapidly. It’s really positive to know that people are aware of the program and able to access it.” For many seniors, accessing groceries or cooked meals can be challenging at the best of times — and those challenges could translate into serious health problems. Meals On Wheels helps provide the opportunity for individuals to live independently, with self-reliance in their own homes, by delivering well-balanced meals and providing regular human contact. Meals on Wheels offers the delivery of hot, nutritious meals to seniors — many living alone and at risk of isolation — and to others in need who are unable to prepare meals on their own. Volunteers delivering the meals to seniors and providing social connection and safety checks for seniors; which is proven to be critical for seniors’ health and wellness. Seniors or individuals, who, due to health or disability are unable to prepare meals, also must be a resident of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows that have the ability to pay the current cost of $6.50 per meal. Leginus says Meals On Wheels works with the Ridge Meadows Seniors Centre and the meals are prepared there, by their staff, adding meals can be altered to specific needs as for a diabetic, or someone with a food allergy. The program is also subsidized by community partners such as Fraser Health and service clubs and-or community individuals who make donations to the program. Deliveries are made Monday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There are no deliveries on weekends or holidays but extra meals can be provided for such times. Self-referrals are accepted, as well as referrals from concerned family and friends, doctors, health and social agencies. “We’ll get calls from the hospital, setting up meals and continued on page 7
continued from page 6
preparation for discharge,” Leginus says. “A lot of people that phone us are family members; family members who don’t even live in our community who phone about their mom or dad that live here.” And the program is more than just food service, she says. “Meals On wheels is about providing food to seniors and others — we don’t have an age limit — who are unable to prepare meals on their own, but it’s so much more than that,” Leginus explains. “It is someone checking in on them every day,” she continues. “The seniors so look forward to a visit. They are waiting. It’s a highlight. It’s someone checking in on them to make sure they are safe. If there are any issues or any concerns, we are responding accordingly.” For more information on the Meals On Wheels program, contact the Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge Community Services at 604-467-6911.
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This is the Life, January 2015 – 7
Meals on wheels
Volunteering By Gavin Fisher
There is no shortage of volunteer opportunities for seniors in the region – and those who do volunteer say the benefits are plentiful. “It gets me out of the house…it keeps me active, it keeps my brain active, and you meet all different kinds of people,” said Lillian Haider, who volunteers as a receptionist at the Ridge Meadow Seniors Society’s activity center in Maple Ridge. Haider, 66, felt she needed to get involved in the community and meet more people after being widowed in 2007. She took a yoga class at the activity centre and then began to volunteer there. “I like the atmosphere,” she said. “It’s a very energetic, upbeat place, and the people are just wonderful.” 8 – This is the Life, January 2015
Maria Perretta, the volunteer and activity coordinator for the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society, said there are many rewards for seniors who volunteer. “They’re able to build new friendships, and there are opportunities to share their current skills and passions,” she said. Perretta said the society is currently looking for volunteers for their coffee shop, lunchtime cashiers for the centre’s cafeteria, and people to sit on the society’s board of directors. Most of the volunteer positions at the society are between two to four hours. Those interested in volunteering can collect an application form from the Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre on 224 Street, or can apply directly online through the society’s website (rmssseniors.org). The society also runs an ‘Intergenerational Garden’ as a joint project with the Seniors Network, City of Maple Ridge and School District 42. The seniors who volunteer tend the garden and also work with visiting school groups. The next volunteer meeting for the garden will be held in March at the Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre. Another great resource for finding volunteer opportunities is Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services. Their website lists all the non-profit agencies in the region looking for volunteers. Joanne Leginus, director of administration and services, said there are volunteer opportunities within MPPMCS as well. Many of the volunteers in MPPMCS’ seniors services – meals on wheels, the grocery shopping and delivery program, and the ‘Better at Home’ outreach and home support program – are seniors themselves. Leginus said those who are interested in volunteering with one of the organization’s programs can contact Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services, and will be given a volunteer registration package. “They will fill out what they’re interested in, and what their flexibility is, and we accommodate according to what their schedule and needs [are],” said Leginus, who added that volunteers may commit to as little or as much time as they’d like. Volunteer opportunities are also available with the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society and the Seniors Network. For those who would like to volunteer with children, the ‘Grand Buddies Program’ at Eric Langton Elementary School pairs volunteers 55 and older with elementary students to do activities together once a week. Ridge Meadows Senior Society volunteer Lillian Haider – who also volunteers at the Golden Ears Winter Club and the ACT Arts Centre & Theatre – said her advice for other seniors considering volunteering is to “pick an interest and volunteer.” “If it’s not for you, try somewhere else. There are always places that have a niche for somebody. It keeps you in the community, you form lasting friendships, and it just makes you feel good.”
Seniors staying sexual well into their golden years, and that carries risk of STDs By Gavin Fisher
With advances in medication and people living longer, healthier lives, many are enjoying sexual relationships well into their golden years. There is no age limit for sex – but there is also no age limit for transmitting and being affected by sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Michelle Murti, the regional lead for immunizations and communicable diseases for Fraser Health, said maintaining a healthy sex life should be promoted as part of healthy aging, but older adults and seniors also need to practise safe sex. “Anyone starting a new sexual relationship, no matter what their age, should be aware of the risks of sexually transmitted infections and take the appropriate precautions,” Dr. Murti said. Those precautions include using protection – condoms and other birth-control control methods – and getting tested for STDs. Studies published in medical journals in recent years have stated that STDs among seniors are on the rise in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. In British Columbia, it’s not as clear if the number of seniors infected with an STD is increasing. Dr. Murti said the number of people over 60 in this province with chlamydia and gonorrhea – the two most common STDs – is still the lowest of any age group. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can go undetected for a long time – which is why people often don’t realize they need to be tested, continuing to transmit the infection to others. “For about 50 per cent of the cases people don’t know that they have it,” Dr. Murti said. Symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea include discharge from the penis or vagina, and a burning sensation when urinating. Dr. Murti said the health authority doesn’t have many statistics for those infected with HPV (human papillomavirus) and genital herpes, so it is unknown whether these infections are on the rise among the older population in B.C. (Genital warts are a sign of HPV infection, and some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in females). She pointed out that it is important to be aware that HPV and genital herpes are spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, so while condoms decrease the risk of transmission, they’re not 100 per cent effective. “It’s still possible to transmit both warts and herpes even with continued on page 11
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www.greystoneresidence.ca This is the Life, January 2015– 9
Pets as a panacea to aging
Owners must balance the rewards with responsibilities By Rochelle Baker
Pets are touted as a prescription for many ills that plague the elderly, whether it’s blood pressure, heart disease or depression. Beyond any physical benefits, seniors can derive great satisfaction from the companionship and love a pet provides. However, like any potential pet owner, seniors have to ensure they can meet the demands of ownership and offer a safe and secure setting for their beloved animal. Providing a dog or cat is well cared for, they can certainly help the elderly ward off loneliness, says Faydra Nichols, acting branch manager of Maple Ridge SPCA. “A lot of seniors lead solitary lives and pets can supply a sense of companionship,” says Nichols. “I also think it gives seniors a sense of purpose to take dog out for walk or care for a cat. " “Some older people don’t have kids in town or any family left. Pets give them that ability to nurture and love something, and a plant just doesn’t cut it.” Owning a dog also encourages seniors to get regular exercise and the opportunity to connect socially. “Walking a dog means seniors aren’t cooped up in the house,” says Nichols. “They can meet other people as well and chit chat about the dog.” Lots of older people come to the SPCA to rescue animals, and overall, they are doting pet owners. “Seniors generally have more time, and are even apt to spoil their animal,” notes Nichols. The key to a solid relationship, as with potential owners of any age, is to pick the right pet for your circumstances and physical capabilities. “It has to be the right match,” says Nichols. “You don’t want a 150-pound rottweiler paired up with a 100-pound lady.” In an unexpected situation, a large breed might be hard for a senior to handle, and even provoke a fall or injuries on the part of 10 – This is the Life, January 2015
the owner. A better match would probably be a smaller dog or a cat that will adapt to most living situations, including condos with smaller yards or apartments. For example, an elderly lady recently came into the SPCA to adopt a small, adult Schnauzer. “He doesn’t pull and she can still lift him, despite her hip problem,” notes Nichols. Tracey Bon, a board member with Katie’s Place, a volunteerrun cat rescue operation adjacent to the SPCA, feels cats also make great pets for seniors. But again, provided that a good match takes place. Often cats are accepted in seniors’ residences where other animals might not. “Cats are quiet, small and don’t need to go outside,” Bon says. “They can be the best available option based on a person’s current living situation.” However, elderly adopters have to have the physical mobility to care for a pet, such as bending over to clean a litter box. Or they must set up a system to ensure someone else can do it for them. As with any pet, long-term plans should be in place prior to adoption to ensure it is cared for should anything happen to its owner. Often, the ideal match is to match a senior adopter with a senior animal. Puppies and kittens may be adorable but mean a lot of extra work and training, says Nichols. A kitten represents an 18-year commitment, and a puppy is nearly the same at 15 years. It’s true a senior animal will pass on sooner than a younger pet, but the relationship can still be very rewarding. “Every animal deserves love up until the time of death, just like people,” says Nichols. Additionally, Katie’s Place has a foster program in place for seniors who can’t commit indefinitely to a cat, but are willing to care for one until it is permanently adopted. The shelter pays the vet, food and litter costs while the foster parent provides the love and affection. “The animal gets a home, the senior gets the companionship of an animal and we have the space to help another animal,” says Bon. Both the SPCA and Katie’s place have another option for animal loving seniors that can’t own pets. The SPCA always needs dog walkers, and both groups have programs where volunteers can come in and simply cuddle the animals. “Animals’ emotional needs are as important as their physical needs,” says Bon. The result is a win-win for both the animal and the volunteer, she adds. “There’s nothing like having a loving animal sitting on your lap.” For more information about animal adoption or volunteering at Maple Ridge SPCA visit spca.bc.ca/branches/maple-ridge/ or call (604) 463-9511.To contact Katie’s Place, visit katiesplaceshelter.com or phone 604-463-7917.
continued from page 9
using condoms, [and] still certainly possible at any age group,” Dr. Murti said. “Herpes particularly is more of a life-long infection that can reoccur, so if people are starting to become sexually active again with new partners, as they’re older, that can certainly be a transmission risk to other people.” Dr. Murti said provincially there has been an increase in the number of people over 60 infected with HIV and syphilis – especially among the male population. The portion of men over 60 who have HIV and syphilis is now larger than those in the 15-19 year-old range. Michele Cauch, executive-director of the Toronto-based SageHealth Network, leads workshops focused on acknowledging and advocating for elder sexuality and correcting negative stereotypes of aging. She said there is a need for more safe-sex education campaigns geared specifically towards the older population. “Condoms are basically seen, for this generation, as a means of preventing pregnancy. So they were probably using this when they were younger … but now pregnancy is not an issue.” Along with promoting safe-sex for seniors, Cauch also believes that senior sexuality should receive more attention. “It’s always a good thing to express love, to give and receive pleasure, and the health benefits of it – physically, emotionally, mentally – are so beneficial." “That should be available and accessible to all mutually consenting adults, no matter if you’re 19, 29, or 99.”
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Lougheed Highway between 224 and 226 604.467.1554 • haneyplacemall.com This is the Life, January 2015 – 11
224th Street traffic a concern for seniors By Kevin Gillies
Despite city investment in Maple Ridge’s downtown area, pedestrian safety and mobility remain serious issues in the local seniors community. Heavy vehicle traffic – especially along the busy section of 224th Street – coupled with the presence of the seniors centre, the Legion and retirement living facilities that have made the area a hub of seniors’ pedestrian traffic. That has resulted in local seniors advocates raising concerns at city hall. “It’s very common for people to be crossing on both sides and up and down 224th,” explains Maria Perretta, a coordinator with the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society (RMSS). “It’s quite a busy road in general for pedestrians and drivers.” She says there hasn’t been any serious accidents there yet, but the potential exists. “The biggest concern, I think, is on the driver side,” explains Perretta. “They drive quite fast down 224th. So, even though there are some calming measures like the stop signs, there are so many retirement communities and, of course, our centre here on 224th and the Legion.” Perretta says slower-moving seniors often find themselves at odds with fast-moving vehicles on the busy street. “So it’s (not just about) encouraging people who actually cross to utilize the crosswalks that are there and not take the shortcuts,” she says of the seniors community’s constant effort to educate the public, adding, “But also for the drivers to slow down and keep their eyes open as we do have a lot of pedestrians that may be a little slower getting around. Just to be patient.” The RMSS liaises regularly with the City of Maple Ridge and other agencies to address traffic-safety issues in the neighbourhood. “We recently had a Seniors Safety Week here in November,” Perretta says. “ICBC and the RCMP came together and did a very good presentation to our members; as well as got out into the general community and spoke to people directly about how to be safe in the community when they’re walking — things to look out for and how to be visible.” And, she adds, “A lot of our members did do some advocating (to the municipality), on behalf of the members, to put in various lights and things at 224th, and pedestrian crossings.” For its part, the city says it has heard the concerns expressed by members of Maple Ridge’s seniors community, especially in reference to traffic-safety issues along 224th Street, and has done its part to improve safety there. “We have actually done quite a bit of work on 224th, responding to some of the suggestions that seniors had that live along that corridor," says Fred Jackson, manager of corporate communications for the City of Maple Ridge. “In 2013 a new pedestrian-activated crosswalk was put in at the intersection of 121 Avenue and 224th Street. It is right beside the Legion,” Jackson says. He adds there was some discussion in 2012 with the seniors group, and council has a liaison with the group Elderly Citizens Recreation Association (ECRA), which is 12 – This is the Life, January 2015
operated by the RMSS. “So in 2012 and early 2013 I know that the organizations that had expressed some concerns relating to pedestrian safety on 224th Street (were) expressing concerns, of course, of the speeds and this is a common problem throughout the community — school zones and everything — excessive speed for vehicles and their ability to be able to cross the streets safely,” Jackson says, adding a number of projects were undertaken by the City of Maple Ridge as a result. “One of the issues related to the sidewalks being too narrow because there are BC Hydro poles. So there are some areas that were kind of thin. So it’s difficult for people on mobility devices to sometimes navigate them,” Jackson says. “So a rather extensive section of the sidewalks were redone, along the east side of 224th Street, from Dewdney Trunk Road up to Brown Avenue, to address those concerns. And we actually took some trees out and repositioned some landscaping on private property to make sure that it was a really good, solid and safe sidewalk structure there.” He adds, “So then at that area of 121 (Avenue) and 224 Street, initially there was some work on the crosswalks. But the pedestrian-activated crosswalk was the largest investment that the city did. And that became active, I’m pretty sure, in the summer of 2013 and has been in place now for about a year and a half.” Now it’s just a matter of getting pedestrians to use the pedestrian-activated crosswalk that has a longer crossing time than a typical crosswalk, to accommodate slowermoving seniors. Another growing issue centres on seniors using electric scooters to move around town. “We see people that are in mobility devices, scooters, that are driving on the road and they act like their scooter is a car. They put little orange flags on them and stuff. They go around town, at a fair clip some of them, they’re on the road and they feel that that’s the place that they should be,” Jackson says. “That can be a challenge sometimes because you’re sharing the roads with bicycles, pedestrians and automobiles. Some of the people that are driving these scooters sometimes have conflicts with everybody else who’s on the road.” In closing, Jackson says the situation is improving and discussion continues. Perretta says the RMSS continues to try to convince seniors to use the new crosswalk instead of taking shortcuts, but also says her agency would like to see the painted-lines meridian outside the seniors centre replaced with a real barrier. And she likes to encourage seniors to use the centre’s driving service. “Basically they pay their $25 membership fee for the year, and then they utilize our drivers and our transportation service,” Perretta says. “It’s mainly for doctor’s appointments, errands and things but it brings them into the downtown area.” For more information contact the RMSS at 604-467-4993.
Is it time to consider assisted or residential living? By Rochelle Baker
It’s the golden age for baby boomers, who are living longer, healthier lives than seniors from previous generations. But like the elderly of every era, today’s seniors, and their families, will still have to face decisions around how to live safely once their health begins to falter. Most people want to live independently in their own home for as long as they can, which may simply involve downsizing or getting some extra help from family members. But in some cases, some seniors find they are increasingly frail and at risk of falls. Or they simply aren’t getting enough to eat because cooking’s become a chore. Then there’s the risk of an increasingly faulty memory where medications are forgotten or the stove is left on. If living at home without help is untenable for health and safety reasons, it might be time to realistically question whether making the move into an assisted living or residential care facility is the correct choice. However, it’s not a given that seniors need to abandon their homes the moment problems arise, says Tasleem Juma, spokesperson for Fraser Health. The health authority has a number of services they can offer to help people age in their own homes. continued on page 14
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“There’s a huge continuum of services and care that we can provide to seniors,” said Juma. “Seniors tell us they want to stay home as long as possible, and we want to support them in that.” As such, Fraser Health established a Home Health Services hotline that people can call to ask about services for themselves or family members. The toll-free number, 1-855-412-2121, is available seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some of the Home Health Services include support with bathing, grooming, using the washroom or feeding. The program can also offer in-home health care, day programs for seniors and respite services for caregivers. Case managers help determine what a senior’s needs might be. “Each individual experience is going to be different,” said Juma. “There’s no cookie-cutter process, each individual has different needs, health issues or financial situations.” The Home Health Services phone line is also a good starting point to determine if assisted living or residential living is a better choice for a senior. Assisted living facilities provide housing, some meals and personal care, social and recreational services for seniors who can live independently and make decisions on their own, but need extra support due to physical limitations or health problems. Further along the care continuum are residential care facilities for seniors who can no longer live safely in an independent manner and need 24/7 access to nursing care because of complex cognitive or physical issues. Only a small portion of seniors, seven per cent, actually enter residential care, said Juma. Assisted living and residential care facilities within the Fraser
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Health region are a mix of private and subsidized units, said Juma. Generally, if a senior qualifies for a subsidized suite, a financial assessment takes place and the cost is scaled according to income. Private-pay facilities charge a flat fee for a suite or unit. Individuals choose private pay options for a number of reasons. They may want extra programs or services, a specific location or a facility where their friends are located. Subsidized units are offered to seniors in their community at the facility that has a bed available first. Afterwards, residents can put themselves on a transfer list if they wish to go to another facility. Looking at assisted living or residential facilities as dreary places to live is based on old stereotypes, said Juma. “Often, you have a mix of public and private beds in the same facility,” she said. “Another person paying privately in the facility may have exactly the same services and programs.” Residents with public beds have lots of options, such as music and recreational therapy and a variety of day programs that provide social interaction and physical activity. Heath care is not just about meeting medical requirements but also emotional and mental health needs, said Juma. “It's about supporting a good quality of life as well,” she said. “Residents are in care closer to the end of life and our objective is that those final days are really good days, that they feel at home.” Fraser Health Home Health Services toll-free hotline is 1-855-412-2121. For more information on subsidized assisted or residential living and facilities in Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, visit fraserhealth.ca/your_care.
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This is the Life, January 2015 – 16