Safer seniors Kings goal

BY AMY SMITH

Kings County Register

The Kings County Seniors' Safety Program is getting underway this summer.

The new program has been discussed and planned for over a year and, with the appointment of a new co-ordinator, Michelle Parker; the program has begun its work.

Parker has started making presentations to various seniors' and service groups, including the Kingston Area Seniors' Association; and held a Wellness day at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kentville. She’s proud of these early successes, but wants to keep the momentum going with more workshops, seminars and in-home visits. “I am very excited to mingle with the community and spread the word about senior safety,” says Parker.

Parker has the enthusiasm, but is also well-qualified, with a sociology degree from Acadia University focused in gerontology, the study of aging. She’s worked in several nursing homes and with the VON.

Working with the Seniors Safety Program Board, Parker looks forward to a successful run as co-ordinator. Wendy Knowlton is the chairwoman of the board, with Bill Knowlton as treasurer. Deanna Beck serves as the board's secretary and represents the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority. Other agencies represented include Valley Restorative Justice (Marge DeBodt), Senior LINCS (Wendy Lee Hamilton), Kings County Emergecy Measures Organization (Gary Smith) and several community organizations (Steve Hemmenway). The board is always looking for new members.

They are also looking for partners to aid them on their quest for secure, sustainable funding. The program now receives support from the Nova Scotia Law Federation, the Federal Superannuates National Association, Annapolis Valley Health and the RCMP.

While the aim of the program is to be pro-active, some of the program's clients come to servies on unhappy terms: a break-in or a fall, for example. It doesn't have to be that way. The program wants to help all Kings County seniors live safely and comfortably in their homes. The prevention they teach is a big step in getting there.

Interested seniors can get in touch with Michelle Parker through the New Minas RCMP detachment, 679-5555.