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The Citizen, 1998-08-26, Page 6Welcoming s volunteer Doris Walker plays the iano, Wingham and Area Seniors ay Centre client Freda Warby njoys a sing-along. We Deliver Your Freedom with: • Home Oxygen III Wheelchairs n Electric Scooters II Hospital Beds n Bathroom Equipment • Electric Reclining Lift Chairs MED-E-OX 282 Suncoast Drive, Goderich • (519) 524-2020 1-800-265-5500 Film para-med boll HEALTH SERVICES (Servicing The County) • Homemaking • Nursing • Foot Care • Lifeline Emergency Response System CALL 524-5346 or 1-800-463-3158 50 South St., Goderich Bath Safety Invacare brings you a complete line of Bath Safety Products designed to provide convenience, safety, and support for individuals with a wide variety of needs. With NEW additions in transfers to extended use, these Bath Safety Products will accommodate restricted levels of mobility making bathroom tasks much more comfortable. For more information call 5borelipe bealtbco INC 23 Victoria St. Clinton "In The Heart Of Huron County" Sales • Rentals • Repairs (519) 482-3046 or 1-888-233-7038 MONIKA PENNER "A commitment to quality of life" Hours: Open 5 days a week "Call ahead for special appointments" PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 199g. ri // Day Centre more than simple outing for seniors By Janice Becker Citizen staff Its like a big hug from a favourite aunt or enjoying a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day. It is a place of comfort, happiness and warmth. That is the sense one immediately encounters when meeting the staff of the Wingham and Area Seniors Day Centre. They love their jobs and it shows in the smiles. That pleasure obviously extends to the clients of the centre as they join in with sing-alongs, games of cards and discussion groups. As described by Executive Director Sallie Lawton, the centre had become like family for many of the seniors and disabled adults who visit regularly. This is a social outing for them, as well as recreational and educational, she says. It helps them stay involved and be part of the community. The day centre, soon to celebrate it 20th year, offers numerous choices, both in the regular adult day program and the day away program for those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The regular program, which is available Tuesday through Thursday, 10. a.m. to 3 p.m., gives clients a structured, yet unrestrictive, list of activities. Each day begins with cards at 8:45 a.m. to which anyone in the community is welcome. At 10 a.m., clients are invited to participate in a discussion group with topics ranging from current events and politics to any subject the group selects. The aim of the centre is to focus on clients' requests, says Lawton. If they want to talk about something, participate in a certain activity or have a new service available. centre staff and volunteers work towards that end. After exercising the brain with conversation, clients gather in the main room for some physical activity, music and song. With activities scheduled throughout the day, the centre in not just a drop-in. However, Lawton says clients are welcom participate, observe or something to do individually. She tells of one patron who visits the centre with his wife. Though she enjoys the discussion groups, he prefers solitary activities so he spends some quiet time with the recently-acquired computer, learn- ing skills and playing games. As program co-ordinator Christine Maclntyre emphasizes, it is all about providing what is right for each person. After morning events, visitors enjoy a wholesome hot meal, served and prepared by the centre's volunteers. Following the centre's philosophy, special diets and preferences are taken into consideration when preparing lunch. Take-out meals are also available at the affordable price of $3.50 for a full entree. Delivery is offered. With fortification, the group is ready for afternoon fun, either with a field trip to a local attraction, crafts or a travel log viewing. The activities vary from day to day and, other than crafts, are not repeated during the month. Health information is also provided through foot, wheelchair and hearing clinics as well as a general wellness program. Anyone not wishing to take part in all the activities is able to use the time to venture uptown either for appointments with doctors, shopping or simply going for a walk. Volunteers are o5 hand to assist. It is those volunteers, numbering 80-85, that have made the difference in what the centre has been able to accomplish. Not only do they help clients with their needs but they work in the kitchen, help fundraise, act as drivers, make crafts, play piano. participate in one-on-one programs and sit on the board of directors. Lawton says volunteers are trained and oriented and a fit is found whether it's peeling potatoes, teaching computer skills or working in the outdoor earden. long Lavina Campbell, 87, who has been attending the day centre for years. "It means a lot to me to have a nice place to come. We are very lucky." Freda Warby, 83, who is visually- impaired, agrees that the volunteers are wonderful. After losing her husband 10 years ago and moving to the Clifford area to live with a daughter, Mrs. Warby says there were few places she could get involved in activities until she found the day centre in 1989. "The girls here are wonderful," she says, as she explains how they arranged for her to go to a chiropractor in Wingham so it could be combined with a visit to the centre. Both women, regular Thursday clients, love the music, singing and the opportunity to meet with friends. They also say it is a break from the regular daily routine and helps them get out. A recent addition to the services offered is a whirlpool for hydrotherapy. That is one example of client- based suggestions, says Lawton. Therapy is offered in conjunction with the Community Care Access Program. The day away program, geared to those with Alzheimer's and dementia, is held Monday and Priday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities and discussion groups are tailored to the needs of the group. Having a computer at the centre for client use has been wonderful for the Alzheimer visitors as well, says Lawton. One man dictates stories from his life in amazing detail and a staff or volunteer puts it onto the computer. He then has a book that is his. A caregivers' support group is offered once monthly, in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. While the centre operates around a regular client base, with a $12 per day fee for a full day of activities and lunch, occasional visitors are welcome, particularly for special events. For those with financial concerns, Lawton says there are subsidies to make the programs affordable for all. Transportation to the centre is arranged. The centre is supported by provincial funding through the Ministry of Health, charitable donations, user fees and Making Contact Address-350 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ont. NOG 2W0 Telephone-519-357-1440 Fax-519-357-4340 E-mail-seniors@scsintemet.com Volunteers are always welcome. fundraising. This year for the first time, they received funds from the United Way and a special grant for summer student assistance through the federal government. The Wingham and Area Day Centre staff says their goal is to make the centre a supportive environment, where clients can be part of the community and feel as though they are part of a family. In the words of Mrs. Campbell, they appear to have attained that goal. "Royalty has nothing on us. We have everything we need here." UPCOMING EVENTS Labour of Love Monday, Sept. 7 will be a time to brag. Clients are invited to share their hobbies, collections, awards, family or work memorabilia. Parking Lot Party Tuesday, Sept. 22, the day centre will celebrate the completion of the newly-paved parking lot. A musician from Hanover will entertain. Everyone is welcome. Fall Fun Fall provides an abundance of outings with a trip to the Thresher Reunion and Hobby Show in Blyth, a drive to the country to view the changing leaves and a trip to St. Jacob's Fanners' Market on Oct. 1. Fundraiser The major fundraiser for the day centre is a craft and bake sale Nov. 7. Donations are always welcome.