About 22 people attended the first “caregivers and relatives” meeting at High Beam Dreams June 30 to brainstorm ideas to help sick elders and caregivers alike –– including plans people can make independently, without constraints of red tape and bureaucracy.
Among the attendees was Gibsons Mayor Silas White, who explained Shornecliffe needs renovations and Totem Lodge will be used for mental health. White stated that he has been speaking with the provincial ministers about the problems on the Sunshine Coast regarding care for the elderly and appreciates when residents back him up, as they did that evening. Inadequate staffing is also causing issues at Silverstone.
Facilitator LeeAnn Johnson organized people into groups of five, and encouraged each group to come up with constructive and innovative ideas, some of which included:
- Caregivers (family) receiving training following a loved one’s medical procedure so that they may assist with more skill and confidence.
- Neighbourhood gatherings (teas, potlucks), so as to provide an opportunity to identify vulnerable people who may need check-ins. Perhaps re-animating telephone trees.
- A printout or website that encompasses all seniors’ services on the Sunshine Coast.
- Informing all levels of governments of needs and frustrations and sharing the sentiment that caregivers are not appreciated or supported enough by the health care system.
- More day programs for elderly, compromised individuals.
- A bus that could pick up elders and bring them to Harmony Hall for the lunches served Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $10.
- Sourcing frozen meals that could be available through Harmony Hall.
- Getting an MP or MLA to attend caregivers meeting.
The next meeting is July 14, 5:30 p.m. at High Beam Dreams.
