Times Advocate, 1995-02-22, Page 3COMM1 JW[T
Times -Advocate, February 22, 1995 Page 3
Many needs of seniors are addressed in one centre
AILSA CRAIG - What is it that has a group of seniors laughing and
enjoying the camaraderie of friends their own age: reveling in eating
their meals in warm companionship rather than with a T.V. and four
walls?
It is an option not many rural people have, but which has been availa-
ble to North Middlesex Seniors since February 1988. Especially in this
era of cut-backs and the effort to delay, institutionalization services
such as the Craigwiel Day Centre for Seniors gain significant impor-
tance. Adults in the "Sandwich Generation" who need their jobs to pre-
pare for their own senior years without the benefit of Government pen-
sions, are not able to take time off to attend to their aging parents.
Homecare even when available is apt to be only a few hours in the day,
and multiple services are needed to care for the different facets of phys-
ical needs and safety alone.
At the Day Centre, many of these needs are addressed in one loca-
tion. Foot care and baths are provided by well qualified staff. Hair care
is available at minimal cost. Hearing tests are available at regular inter-
vals, and eye examinations can be arranged as needed. A full course
hot meal is provided, and can be enjoyed in the company of good
friends.
Informative sessions are hosted by speakers on a variety of topics
��.• ' with realities the aging face. Thus the senior becomes educat-
ed in all the steps that can be taken and services which are available to
help them remain as healthy as possible and/or adapt to lessening abili-
ties and deteriorating physical health. Some example of speakers : Oc-
cupational therapists demonstrating small changes in the home that can
ease the adjustment to limited movement, sight or hearing; Nutrition-
ists who give ideas on cooking healthy, economical meals for one or
two; a specialist in incontinence on how to overcome or deal with this
facet of aging; and an optometrist with information about eyesight and
vision impairment gxperienced by the elderly.
Ih addition to these components, are a varied craft program, activities
such as "Reader's Circle", " Memory Lane", Travelogues, Educational
films, current and old movies, speakers and demonstrations on different
topics and arts. Learning new games are also encouraged, thus keeping
minds active and life enjoyable. Socialization too, as well as a change
in scenery are aspects of the Day Centre that cannot adequately be sup-
plied by services delivered to the seniors home.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are Regular Program Days which
operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday is reserved for Alzheimer
and Special Needs Clients. Both programs are geared to the needs and
abilities of the clientele.
The Craigwiel Day Centre, although based in Ailsa Craig, provides
transportation from ten municipalities of North Middlesex. These in-
clude the Townships of East and West Williams, McGillivray, Bid-
dulph, The Northern parts of Lobo, and London Townships, The Vil-
lage of Ailsa Craig, The Towns of Parkhill, Lucan and Strathroy.
Many Seniors as well as their families can attest to the improvement
in mental and emotional as well as physical health realized upon regu-
lar attendance at the Day Centre after having experienced varying de-
grees of isolation. The Staff and Volunteers at the Day Centre are dedi-
cated to creating a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Regular patrons soon
come to cherish their new friends and consider them akin to extended
family.
In spite of being in the seventh year of operation, the staff at the Day
Centre find there are still people unaware of its existence. Seemingly,
families only begin to search for services like this only when the need
arises in their own circle of acquaintance or responsibility. Area doc-
tors and Home Services are increasingly making referrals bringing the
benefits of the Craigwiel Day Centre for Seniors to those who need
such a service. However there is still a need for public education so
that isolation does not take its toll before utilization of the program is
procured. An active maintenance program is better that emergency
measures to fix or re -build in almost any situation, but perhaps espe-
cially so when it comes to our mental, emotional and physical health.
The Day Centre exists for this purpose.
At left, Agnes Sturgess and Marion Levine of Ailsa Craig re-
flect the anticipation of another interesting program at the
Day Centre. Above, the Craigwiel Day Centre for Seniors
was the recipient of a hand -carved loon by Walter Silver -
sen, a participant in the program. Sally Mills of Lucan, the
lucky winner of the draw, receiving the loon from its crea-
tor. Looking on are Ethel Silverthom of Lobo and Theresa
Michielsen of Parkhill.
QUALITY TYPESETTING
Flyers • Resumes • Programs • Brochures • Booklets • and morel
For more information
please phone Deb Lord at L
Let me help you choose
the RRSP that's right for you
Iffe is
u
• Many investment options
atlutffa;ral
• Competitive rates
• Transfers accepted
• RRSP loans available
George Godbolt
235-2740
496 Main St., Exeter
Llaensed war WWI Ub d Canada rift WWI rearm be. Ire comperes d The arm*
ij The Mutual Group
1994 DEADLINE
to purchase your
R.R.S.P.
*Registered Retirement Savings Plan
IS
WEDNESDAY
MARCH 1,
1995
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE
WE PAY INTEREST FROM THE
DATE OF DEPOSIT TO THE .
DATE OF WITHDRAWAL
RRSP Loans
Available at
Prime Rate
CLINTON COMMUNITY (-
CREDIT UNION BUILT FOR DRIVERS
THE ALL NEW Y IPONTIAC SUNFIRE
I
I
All new Pontiac Sunfire SE Sedan
There's a sizzling selection of Sunfire
models and colours available - all.with
these standard features.
r dual air bags
r 4 -wheel anti-lock brakes
r 2.2 L multi -port fuel
injected engine
r 3 -speed automatic transmission
r air conditioning
r AM/FM stereo cassette
r intermittent wipers
r trunk release
Y full instrumentation
PER
\10\TI I
()VER
( \10\II I IS
48 Ontario Street 118 Main Street North
CLINTON 482-3467 EXETER 235-0640
OPEN: MON. to THURS. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. FRI. 9.00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
SI-RVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1952
SMARTLEASE
Smart customers ute SmartLease. Talk to us about custom -designing
a lease plan to fit your specific needs. You can pay zero down, lower
your monthly payments or use your trade-in. we can tailor your
lease any way you want.
r rear seat heat ducts
r reclining front bucket seats
r folding rear seat
r power steering
r console with cupholder
GM CARDHOLDERS
11111 Don't forget to use your GM
card earnings toward the
purchase of any GM vehicle:
TEAM
' Bleed on a 3/ month Nene for vehicle equipped as described. A minimum down payment of $2.797 and 1300 security deposit are required. Some mileage conditions appy. Freight (S595). license.
Insolence and toes not wooed. Oiler apples to 1996 new Of demonstrator models Dealer order or trade may be necessary. Dealer may Weise for less. See your Dealer for details
f Sub act to OM Card Program Rules. TD sed GM are Maned users of Marks. "'Registered Trade Mark of General Motors Corporation. TD Mcenced user
•
4
•