New VON program keeps tabs on seniors

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com



A new program offered by the VON is helping local seniors and other vulnerable people to remain safe and independent.

The Check-In Program for Annapolis County only started in late November, but already boasts 20 clients.

The program helps ensure that seniors and other vulnerable people living on their own are safe, through daily contact with a volunteer.

Carol Ward, volunteer coordinator of VON Annapolis Valley, said that seniors living alone might not maintain daily contact with family and friends. Should they fall, or become sick, it could be days before help will arrive.

“Someone can live in the middle of town and still be isolated,� she said. “There are many older people who’ve lived in the town for the last 50 years. All of the neighbours know the senior lives there, but the senior doesn’t know any of them.�

Thelma Lowe began volunteering with the VON a year ago, after she retired from working nearly 30 years at Mountain Lea Lodge in Bridgetown. She said that she enjoys working with the Check In program and loves talking to her clients each morning.

"I feel like I'm doing something special for others," she said. "You really get to know each one. One of my clients brought me two jars of marmelade when he heard that I wasn't feeling well. And I'm supposed to help them feel better."

Volunteers are given a short list of seniors, who they contact for three days; and then another volunteer takes over for the next few days.

Ward added that as the program continues to grow, she expects more volunteers will be needed to touch base with the clients.

“We have 11 regulars who call the clients,“ said Ward. “And they get to know each person on their list, so they can tell by the senior’s voice if something is wrong.�

Ward cites a case in Hamilton, when a volunteer sent help for a client who sounded ‘out of sorts.’ The woman was having a heart attack and was fortunately treated in time.

“It’s a great service that offers people their independence, without feeling like they’re imposing on their friends and family,� she said.



At least two contact names are needed. Ward said it could be friends, family, or even neighbours that are able to check on the senior in an emergency.

Volunteers call clients each morning between 9 a.m. and noon. If there is no answer after the third attempt, the volunteer will try to reach the contact people, or dispatch an emergency service to the residence.

Calls are made on weekends and holidays -- if a client plans to be away -- h/she is asked to notify the service in advance.

There is no charge to sign-up or take part in the program. Ward added that the service accepts referrals from friends, family, and even neighbours.

“There is no obligation to join, but we will contact anyone whose name is given to us,� she said.

Any senior, or person with a disability is eligible to receive the service.

For more information about the service, or to get an application form, contact the VON at 1-888-939-1919, or 665-4804.

The Check-In Program is also sponsored by Aliant, the RCMP Senior Safety program, Emergency Health Services, and the Annapolis Community Health Board.