Press Release
Township of Whitewater Region
The Township of Whitewater Region is pleased to announce the launch of a new pilot program to ensure seniors can age in place without being stuck in place beginning the week of July 5th. Whitewater Seniors Home Support & Active Living would not be possible without the financial contribution of the Government of Ontario through the Inclusive Community Grants Program, in the amount of $60,000.
Project objectives are:
Establish local storefront with a coordinator in Whitewater Region to deliver home support services, transportation, and linkages that are not fragmented.
Strengthen rural volunteering sector to retain services essential to support aging in place.
Improve communication and awareness of home support services.
Increase linkages to other community health services creating referrals and improved access, safety, and well-being.
“This program is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together, “said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Through the Inclusive Community Grants our government is taking steps to ensure our communities are more inclusive and accessible to better serve older Ontarians.”
The pilot will be run out of the former Scotiabank Branch in Beachburg thanks to a special collaboration with the new building owner Michael Conroy, a local lawyer. Mr. Conroy has generously provided space free of charge for a period of six months. A Seniors Liaison Coordinator was also hired on contract for 25 hours per week.
Mr. Conroy commented, “I am pleased to partner with the Township on this initiative by providing space in a central location. I look forward to seeing the building used for such a community program.”
Whitewater Seniors Home Support & Active Living is a partnership with Carefor Health & Community Services Pembroke-Renfrew County and Renfrew & Area Seniors’ Home Support Inc. These important and respected agency partners will help ensure seniors have access to key supports. They will ensure access to important programs already in existence including Transportation, Companion, and Frozen Meal programs, as well as the Going Home, Palliative Volunteer Visiting, Friendly Visiting, Stroke Survivor, Home Help, Volunteer Income Tax, Golden Age Activity Centre, and the Seniors Centre Without Walls programs. Other referrals include the telephone assurance program for check ins, medication reminders, and event reminders.
“We are pleased to partner on this pilot to ensure seniors in Whitewater Region have access to our programs and services”, stated Sharon Mayes, Director of Operations for Carefor.
Dennis Harrington, Executive Director of Renfrew & Area Seniors’ Home Support Inc. added, “We look forward to working with the Township and all partners to make Whitewater Seniors Home Support & Active Living a success for years to come.”
The pilot was one of the main action items coming out of the recently completed Seniors Needs Assessment and Age-Friendly Community Plan which was realized due to funding received from the Province’s Seniors Community Grants in the amount of $24,000. A Seniors Task Force was set up in 2019 to guide the Township’s review of services and supports to seniors.
Mayor Mike Moore added, “We are pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. It would not be possible without dedicated volunteers, provincial funding, committed community partners, and a generous business owner.”
Councillor Neil Nicholson, Chair of the Task Force concluded, “I want to thank the members of the Seniors Task Force for their work and insights. This initiative would not be possible without their vision for an inclusive community that supports seniors.”
