The Nelson and District Seniors Coordinating Society is pleased to announce that they have just received $20,000 from the Osprey Community Foundation.
The funds will be used to expand the Home Help Program of affordable assistance with cleaning, laundry, cooking and shopping. These services enable seniors to remain at a level of independence that would otherwise be impossible.
Dr. Nelson Ames of the Osprey Foundation uses the analogy of “not just helping the victims who go over the waterfall, but preventing people from going over the falls.”
The Home Help Program is intended to do just that. The program staff are qualified, have a criminal record check, and are covered by insurance and WCB.
The actual cost per hour for the service is $20, but a sliding scale makes it possible to subsidize qualifying clients.
Other society programs offered by volunteers include: seniors counseling and community income tax service, a falls prevention program with free home safety checks, an elder abuse prevention resource centre, friendly visits and respite for caregivers, transportation to medical appointments and the coordination of the Thursday grocery bus run. The society will also work with Interior Health to provide rides home from hospital upon release.
Referrals and community information is a priority for the society.
The Nelson and District Seniors Coordinating Society is a non-profit organization, has been helping seniors since 1997.
It is always open to new memberships and volunteers to help with programs or to serve on the board.