Call just a check-in

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register



The Annapolis Valley Branch of the VON has added another program to its network of community-based health care solutions for seniors.

VON program coordinator Scott Anderson says the Safety Check-in program offers seniors and their caregivers “some piece of mind� by providing regular phone contact to those who are housebound or simply not able to be out and about on a regular basis. Since November, VON volunteers have been contacting clients daily, just to check in.

“Calls are placed before noon each day, five days a week,� explains Anderson.

The program took root following a Wolfville tragedy, in which the body of a senior was found several weeks post-mortem.

“Mayor Bob Stead was the person who planted the seed, and then he went one step further and freed some money from Wolfville’s budget and provided a place to hold organizational meetings.�

He says, at the same time, Murray Salsman, the acting Senior Safety Officer for Kings County, invited the VON to a meeting to look at ways to support seniors living in their homes.

“You could call it divine intervention, as all the pieces lined up at the same time,� saysAnderson.

Clients who take advantage of the free service are required to make a commitment to the program by contacting the VON if they will not be at home during the pre-arranged calling time, and by providing designated contacts in case they cannot be reached.

“Our volunteers will call up to four times and will follow-up unanswered calls by phoning emergency contacts and contacting the local RCMP detachment if necessary,� explains Anderson.

Nearly three months into the program, he says there have been some unexpected benefits.

“Not only do we provide some social interaction to people on a daily basis, the calls also help caregivers go through their work day knowing their loved one is being monitored.�

The program has also created volunteer opportunities for people who, for one reason or another, need to stay close to home. Full training is provided to program volunteers, who conduct the calls which last between five and 10 minutes.

Another benefit comes in the program’s ability to reach out to seniors who are living north and south of the Valley corridor.

“We have always had the challenge of reaching clients who are living in isolated areas. This is an excellent way of establishing connections.�

Sponsors for the program include the Town of Wolfville, the RCMP Foundation and Aliant, which waives any long distance charges within Kings County. VON partners for delivery of the service include Kings RCMP and Kentville Police Services.

Details on the Safety Check In program or other VON community supports, which include Meals on Wheels, volunteer visiting, Frozen Favorites, Adult Day Centres, foot clinics and Lunch Bunch gatherings; can be obtained by calling the VON toll-free at 1-800-411-9646.