The health and safety of our clients, customers and staff is our priority. We continue to work with the Fraser Health Authority and the Ministry of Health to ensure that we are taking all necessary precautions to help stop the spread of the virus.
Update on our Day Programs for Older Adults
Many of you know that the Ministry of Health had approved a phased reopening of Day Programs for Older Adults (DPOA) and that we had reopened our Guildford location – with all the necessary safety measures in place.
Unfortunately, due to the increase of COVID-19 numbers in the Fraser Health region, we received an order from the Ministry to close the day program effective immediately. There is no timeframe stating when we will reopen, but we will keep you posted.
The expectation from Fraser Health and the Ministry is to continue with and augment the virtual connections with our clients, as we have been doing through these programs:
- Online video conferencing programs – SHAREvirtually.com
- Phone hub programs such as our Seniors’ Centre Without Walls
- One-to-one client phone programs – staff and volunteers make weekly calls to check in and chat
We will all continue to work together to achieve these expectations.
Update on our Community Services and Caregiver & Family Services
We continue to provide services – from a distance – to older adults in the community. Here is an example of just some of the work we’ve been doing:
- Over 200 (frozen) meals are delivered by volunteers weekly to seniors in the community at no cost, including cookies and muffins prepared by our in-house cooks. The meals are being prepared by our cooks, Semiahmoo House Society and Sheila’s Catering.
- Telephone tree – staff and volunteers continue to reach out weekly to our clients and others in the community.
- Seniors Centre Without Walls, our telephone-based program offering 30-minute interactive telephone conference sessions where participants can socialize, learn new skills, and create new connections has grown over the past few months as people find new and unique ways to socialize.
- SHAREvirtually.com is our new video platform that offers online video conferencing sessions – we have chair exercises, yoga, bingo and more. Check us out – there is no cost. We also have tablets for loan and Tech Buddies on hand to support you.
- Our Social Prescribing program (better known as ‘a prescription to socialize’) also continues to increase in numbers as more referrals come in. Our team works with the Division of Family Practice. Physicians refer seniors to us who have no pressing medical health issues, but who are suffering because of isolation and loneliness.
- Caregiver & Family Services also continues to see an increase in the number of calls and referrals from the health authority as well as Family Caregivers of BC. You can book a session online at SHAREvirtually.com
If you need any of our services or would like more information, please call Simren Dhillon at 604-536-9348.
For updates on the virus and how to keep yourself safe, please visit the Fraser Health website.
Thank you and stay safe,
Louise Tremblay Executive Director
