How to age safely at home

Some of these tools could include the following:

Caring For Seniors

By Shannon Fitzherbert

For many seniors, the main priority is to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible while maintaining their independence.

Sometimes to achieve this goal, seniors may require assistance from outside sources. We at Kindred Home Care aim to educate seniors on the resources and practices they can utilize to age safely at home.

Equipment Rentals: We can direct you on how to obtain necessary equipment such as; tub benches and chairs, grab bars for the toilet or tub, super poles, walkers, commode, raised toilet seat, canes, hospital beds, or over-bed tables

Tips: We can provide tips on environmental changes to make to prevent falls in injuries in your home Home Care Process: We can explain how home care works and guide you through the initial process of obtaining home care. We can provide information on the various funding options to assist financially.

What does Kindred Home Care offer?

There are some common misconceptions sur- rounding home care. The most common is that you will lose your independence if you receive help. This, in fact, is quite the opposite. Our goal is to help you remain as independent as possible and to assist with tasks that could cause you injury or illness, thus allowing seniors to age at home safely for as long as possible. We provide every senior with a say in what they require assistance with and what the agency can or can not do.

Another misconception is that home care costs a lot of money. There are several funding options that an agency can help you explore. Some funding avenues can cover most or all of the cost of homecare.

You may worry about a stranger entering your home because you feel uneasy.

Our caregivers undergo extensive training, first aid and have detailed background checks done. Our agency also strives to find the best match possible to ensure you are comfortable with the caregiver you have entering your home.

Home care can assist with some or all of the following tasks depending on the level of help you require

Light housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, errands, medication management, and general companionship.

Shannon Fitzherbert has been the Care Coordinator for Kindred Home Care for 6 years. Her passion is helping match seniors with the best caregiver for their needs.

Celebrating Easter and first anniversary at Brighter Days Boutique Easter Bunny drops by to help Valley Food Bank mark important first anniversary

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With a special guest to help kick off the Easter weekend, the Valley Food Bank’s Brighter Days Boutique marked its first anniversary Thursday, April 6.

Dozens of smiling and laughing children waited patiently to sit on the Easter Bunny’s lap and grab a bag of candy and chips. However, some younger ones demonstrated some wariness about the adultsized rabbit. Still, the Easter Bunny and VFB staff ensured the reluctant ones also went home with treats.

The Valley Food Bank and the Brighter Days Boutique welcomed a steady stream of visitors to search its well-stocked racks and shelves for $1 deals on quality clothing and household items. The boutique served cake, muffins, tea, coffee and children’s drinks throughout the day.

Funds raised through the boutique sales provide additional funds for the food bank’s vital services.

“The demand is growing, with no sign of relief in sight,” said VFB Executive Director Monica Grant.

The numbers of a blackboard high on the wall above the table holding the coffee, cake and other items told the food bank’s story.

Between April 8, 2022, and April 6, 2023, the Valley Food Bank, which serves communities from Nackawic to River De Chute, fed 5,417 adults and 2,065 children.

It also noted the boutique sold more than 24,000 lbs of clothing in its first year of operation.

Grant explained their efforts are possible because of the ongoing support from the region’s residents and businesses.

“The community continues to show support,” she said, “but the need is always growing.”

Brighter Days Boutique manager Misty Brown said traffic to the second-hand store is also growing, although customers are still learning about it after a year. While situated on Woodstock’s busy Houlton Street, the location of the food bank and boutique at an angle a few metres off the street fails to catch the eye of passing motorists.

Grant said they are hoping to place additional signs closer to the street.

Brown said donations of quality used and new clothing keep the expansive showroom full to the point where they added racks to work areas next to the showroom.

One year after moving to its new massive location, the Valley Food Bank is almost fully operational. It has ample warehouse space, work areas, large and walk-in refrigeration units, conference rooms, classrooms and kitchen areas for cooking classes.

Brown said the food bank expanded its staff from four to six employees, each with plenty to do.