14 Glebe Report February 11, 2022
ABBOTSFORD
Abbotsford in-person activities are delayed, not cancelled By Pat Goyeche Abbotsford House remains open during this current wave of COVID, but things are not as they were in December. Many of our in-person activities have been postponed until we can open safely again in person. At this time, our day programming for Luncheon Club and Day Away has shifted to virtual programming. Some clubs are in-house and Tuesday foot-care appointments continue as usual for those members who show proof of vaccination.
Looking for Donations
We are currently accepting donations of books, elegant treasures, jewellery, women’s clothing, art and flea market items. Please drop by with your donated goods. We appreciate your
contributions. As a not-for-profit that is not fully funded, we need to raise money to keep our seniors’ programs and services vital and engaging. Your contributions are also good for the environment as we recycle, re-use and help keep Abbotsford’s Active Living Centre open and inviting for seniors, all at the same time!
In-Person and Virtual Programs
We are looking forward to starting our aerobics and line-dancing classes in the spacious Horticultural Building at Lansdowne Park as soon as it feasible to do so. This setting is ideal, as it is a very large venue with high ceilings and lots of space to keep fit or dance away your winter blues. Keep abreast of up-to-date information on any changes to our plans or schedule by checking our website glebecentre.ca under
Abbotsford’s aerobic and line dancing classes were held in the Horticulture Building and it is hoped they will return to it as soon as feasible. PHOTO: PAT GOYECHE
Abbotsford Programs and Services and “What’s Up at Abbotsford” or by calling us at 613-230-5730. Much of our programming, which includes art, fitness, dance, memoirwriting, book club, device training, yoga and language classes, continues to be offered online via Zoom. We have different levels of fitness classes for different levels of ability. Everyone can find the right level with our highly qualified and friendly older adult instructors. If you are wondering what level is best for you, please contact us so we can and help you find the right fit to keep you fit! It is never too late to join in. One of our initiatives in these COVID times is the loan of individual tablets to our members so that they can connect virtually. Our day programming has moved to virtual over Zoom or Mercuri teleconferencing. Members are encouraged to contact us for help with connecting. All our programs are open to our members. Membership costs $50 per person annually, beginning in January and running for the calendar
year. You must be 55+ to join. You can join a class without a membership, but you must pay an additional $25 for each class. Your $50 membership fee gives you access to services, information and camaraderie. If there is one thing we have learned in this pandemic, it is the importance of community and connection. Helping to create and maintain community for our membership has been a key to combating social isolation for many of our members.
Snow Go
Snow Go refers seniors and adults with disabilities to snow removal contractors who have passed a screening test and are properly registered and insured. The Snow Go Assist program is for people over 60 years old or those with disabilities who qualify as low income. The program reimburses up to $250 of the cost of snow removal for the season. Low income is defined by the city as a single person who lives on up to $31,500 a year or up to $39,200 for a household of two or more. Contact us if this would be helpful. Abbotsford is your community support centre for adults 55+. We are the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization which includes a 254-bed, long-term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website at glebecentre.ca. Pat Goyeche is coordinator of community programming at Abbotsford House.
Model neighbourhoods for aging in place By Carolyn Inch
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1853 Rideau Garden Drive - Call for Price Rideau Gardens
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1702 - 90 George Street - $1,980,000 Byward Market
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40 Commanda Way - Call For Price Lindenlea
“If you are like many Canadians, you want to Age in Place in your own home and community. Aging in place means having the health and social supports and services you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community for as long as you wish and are able.” (Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum, 2016)
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31 Noel Street - $1,389,000 New Edinburgh/Lindenlea
Call Today and see what Ottawa’s Best* can do for you! #1 in Ottawa 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020* Charles Sezlik, Dominique Laframboise, Sara Adam Sales Reps. & Trystan Andrews, Broker
613.744.6697 *Charles Sezlik #1 Royal LePage realtor in Eastern Ontario, 43 +/- Offices - 1150+/- realtors, based on gross closed commissions 2020. Glebe Report Jan 26.indd 1
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Given the exponential increase in the number of frail elderly expected in the next three decades, the impact on the public purse will be staggering. Geriatric primary (outreach) care plus coordinated support services (home care, home accessibility and safety modifications, nutrition counselling and exercise support) will improve senior’s quality of life and save long-term health care dollars. Senior Watch of Old Ottawa South (SWOOS) recognizes that the challenges facing Old Ottawa South are similar in the Glebe and Old Ottawa East. We are reaching out to community associations and newspapers to encourage their residents to participate in our efforts. SWOOS is conducting consultations and surveys to determine what supports are missing for those who want to spend their life in these communities. We hear repeatedly that primary care is lacking for all ages, and there is not appropriate geriatric primary care available to many who need it. As well, we are becoming aware
that home care and community support services and informal caregiver supports need to be improved if people are to remain independent longer. Recognizing that it is in the interests of both seniors and taxpayers, SWOOS developed A Healthy Age-Friendly Community: Strategy for Improving Health Care and Support Services, designed to recruit volunteers who self-identify during the surveys. Within the next few weeks, working groups focusing on our areas of concern will study service availability and develop action plans to address the gaps that will be encountered by our aging community. If this is of interest to you, either in terms of volunteering or commenting, or you would like a copy of our strategy, please contact us at swoosadmin@oldottawasouth.ca. Carolyn Inch is a member of the SWOOS (Senior Watch of Old Ottawa South) Health Working Group.
