Councillor Nicholson presented along with Bonnie Johnson and Moira D’Aoust, along with Sheila O’Brien and Gwen Bennett, on a motion to extend the Seniors Home Support and Active Living Pilot.
The Notice of motion paired with this public meeting went as thus:
“Whereas, the Whitewater Seniors pilot has been tremendously successful over the its first year, even through COVID restrictions. Partnerships with Carefor and Renfrew and District Home Support are thriving and Eganville Seniors would also like to join the partnership. Community members as well as volunteers have expressed much interest that the Pilot continue while more effort is made to secure annualized funding. Its grant funding will end Jun 30, 2022 and although other provincial grants have been applied for, the provincial election has delayed their announcement/awarding into the early fall.
Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region:
Extend the Whitewater Home Support & Active Living Pilot until December 31, 2022;
Approve an operating budget of $10K to be funded from the 2022 operating budget;
Authorize the hiring of a term employee (1 June – 30 September 2022) for the Seniors Centre without Walls program;
Renew the Memorandum of Understanding with Carefor Health and Community Services Pembroke-Renfrew County, Renfrew and Area Seniors’ Home Support Inc. with the addition of Eganville & District Seniors;
Strike a Community Working Group of one member of council, one staff, and two members of the public to operate the Pilot with the Clerk to prepare Terms of Reference; and
Continue to advocate for provincial funds for ongoing home and community support to our rural seniors.”
Nicholson said that 1600 seniors with another 1200 residents if the age rate was extended the 55+.
“The seniors bubble stands to hit us, and that’s something we need to prepare for in the future.” he said.
“Our focus remains to reduce the COVID social isolation and increase the registration number, in order to identify the most vulnerable and accommodate their needs.” Nicholson said.
Johnson said that technology and diets had given seniors “an extra 20 years” and wanted to ensure that the growing senior population had “a healthy 20 years”.
He said the program’s vision was “Every WWR resident can choose to successfully age in place with equitable access to primary care, home care, home and community supports.”
“We had underestimated the need that was out there. “Bonnie Johnson said.
She said that they planned to expand their hot meal program for their seniors, who were using those who lived alone.
She said they had over 600 volunteer hours logged.
She said programs were running in Haley’s station, Cobden, Beachburg, and Westmeath.
She said that the program needs more volunteers as well as more funding, even though it had received over $50,000 in grants, with $85,000 pending.
“We are so thankful to Whitewater seniors for that they’ve given us.” Moira D’Aoust said “We need to continue to know and celebrate that everything has had a significant difference.”
“We are seeking advocacy with the , and meet with the new CEO of Connectwell in our region.” she said.
“The longer we can keep people in our homes, the better.” Councillor Nicholson said. “never before are people going to be leaving so much money.”
“I think this is the tip of the iceberg for the support that Council can offer.” Councillor Olmstead said. “I know that it’s a big ask is coming.”
“Until you are facing dealing with a senior who is in their home, you don’t realize how much even one spouse does for one another“ Councillor Jackson said. Saying that she had her own experience with her father. “Twenty-four seven care. In order to keep them in their house, my husband has done the grocery shopping, there was so much even going over two or three times a day.”
“I think we need to lobby a lot more to get the funding we need to support these programs.” Councillor McLaughlin said.
The motion was carried.
