Do you wonder how to prepare yourself and equip your residence, enabling you to safely stay in your home and maintain your independence and familiar lifestyle? The Seniors Planning Table’s Safety at Home Action Group is addressing this issue by sharing information about programs in our community, and by identifying safety concerns that are currently not being addressed.
The available programs include:
Steadyfeet Program: Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) offers a variety of programs, one of which is the Steadyfeet Program, sponsored by Vancouver Coastal Health. This program, recommended by doctors and physiotherapists, will help to improve functional mobility, increase lower body strength, improve balance and reduce risk of falls. The next Steadyfeet Program in Gibsons starts Feb. 29 (10 sessions) Register at the SCRD.
Remembering When: Offered through the fire departments of the Sunshine Coast, in cooperation with Vancouver Coastal Health, the Remembering When Program is a fun and interactive fire and fall prevention program for older adults, with a nostalgic theme that has safety messages presented through discussion, trivia games, and handouts. The SCRD has joined in support by offering this program at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre. The next session is Monday, Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Interested groups wishing to participate can contact Greig Soohen, safety officer with Gibsons and District Volunteer Fire Department, at 604-790-0778.
Home Alone Program: The District of Sechelt funds the Home Alone Program. Coordinated by the Community Resource Centre, it offers older adults living alone practical tips, skills and information to increase their safety and enhance their independence at home and in their community. Members from local fire, police, ambulance and SCRD Emergency Preparedness each provide 15-minute discussions and resource materials with time for questions. The next session is Feb. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at Harmony Hall in Gibsons. To register, contact 604-319-0039 or gsshhall@gmail.com. For more information, contact the Community Resource Centre at 604-885-4088 or info@resourcecentre.ca
The Seniors Planning Table operates under the leadership of the Community Resource Centre, with the financial support of the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union. For more information, contact seniorsplanningtable@resourcecentre.ca
Submitted by Mary Winn, chair of Safety at Home Action Group, www.resourcecentre.ca
