The most complete guide of products, services and activities for mature adults
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1801 Meier Dr, Moose Jaw, SK, S6J 0C3
For writers and lovers of good books, the Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) offers a wide range of interesting reads for seniors in numerous genres, from history to fiction, cooking to non-fiction and everything in-between. There is also programming for seniors that may be of interest.
The library itself features a beautiful rotunda and imposing brick façade built in 1963, this historical property is the perfect location to spend an afternoon. With over 100,000 books and other materials, the MJPL is sure to have something for everyone.
you in mind. Their Outreach Service will deliver books and any other materials — from audiobooks to DVDs to large-print books — right to your door. Delivery and pickup services are offered twice a week, and the borrowing period is extended for patrons using the service.
For seniors who love needlework, knitting, sewing, crocheting, or embroidery, the library’s Needlework Night is a great opportunity for a monthly outing. Meeting take place once a month at the library, Needlework Night focuses more on socializing and mingling rather than guided instruction. This is a great opportunity to show off your needlework skills, learn a few new tricks, and even teach some of your tips and knowledge.
The Needlework Night is hosted on every fourth Tuesday of each month, but it’s best to call the library and confirm the next meeting date.
Do you remember the good old days?
With the library’s archives program, you can peer back in time and find newspaper articles, stories, magazines, and photos from Moose Jaw’s past. This is an excellent program for scrapbooking, doing family research, and even just recalling fond memories.
Every second weekend of each month, the Moose Jaw Chess Club runs their chess night at the library. These events are open to all ages, and everybody is welcome to attend. If chess is your game, this is the place to be. On some nights their event has seen around 20-25 people in attendance, so this can be a great opportunity to meet other chess players in the community.
The library’s most popular senior-forward programming includes Tech Time classes and the Outreach Service.
As one of the most popular library services, Tech Time is an adult learning course that focuses on new technology. James, an employee at the library, will instruct you on the use of a mobile phone, online search engine, or other devices such as tablets or iPads.
These courses are meant to be on a oneon-one basis, but due to high demand, they are organized in a classroom setting. To keep the same direct approach to learning, classes are kept under 10 adult students at a time.
As demand for Tech Time is high, patrons are asked to book ahead.
If you’re unable to visit the library in person, the MJPL offers a program with
The archives department is one of the busiest at the library, so it is best to call ahead and book an appointment.
In addition to the archive service, there’s also an ancestry database provided free of charge. Accessing Ancestry.com can be quite expensive, but with the Ancestry Library Edition — which uses the same site but is on a library account — you can stop by and do your research freely.
If you do not consider yourself computer savvy, the library has staff members available to guide you through the process and answer any questions.
The free ancestry database service is only available for patrons who are physically present at the library, and research cannot be done remotely. You are invited to bring your own laptop if you wish, and the program can be accessed on their WiFi service.
The MJPL also hosts adult classes covering a variety of other topics, but the schedule changes frequently due to instructor availability and public interest. Your best bet is to call the library and inquire about upcoming courses.
The library is open to program suggestions and any feedback you have is always appreciated.
The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and is open five days a week: Monday thru Thursday from 9:30am – 9:00pm; Friday and Saturday from 9:30am – 6:00pm; and, on Sunday from 1:00pm – 5:00pm.
For additional information on library programs, ask for Naiomi Setter, who is the Social Media and Public Service Clerk at the MJPL.
The library can be reached through their website at MooseJawLibrary.ca or by calling 306-692-2787.
Located at 319 Main St. N in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw, Motion offers a wide range of life-changing equipment to make life accessible such as wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters, power lift recliners, adjustable beds,
bathroom safety items, stairlifts, ceiling lifts, and more for clients of all ages. Whether a client is being fitted for equipment for the first time, needs an equipment repair or rental, or is looking to upgrade their solution, Motion’s knowledgeable experts are ready to deliver real solutions with real impacts. Because Motion isn’t a place, it’s a partnership. Visit motioncares.ca to learn more about Motion’s products and services.
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frequently implemented. If you visit the Timothy Eaton Gardens on Main Street North, you’ll find a long list of activities that you’re welcome to attend.
The Moose Jaw & District Senior Citizens Association (MJDSCA) offers a great venue for local adults over the age of 50 to socialize, meet friends, and everyone is invited to come and go as they please.
Founded in 1989, the MJDSCA operates with the goal of improving the lives of seniors in the community.
The association aims to promote the mental, physical, and social well-being of its members and guests. Studies show that regular socializing and participation in a group setting greatly improves both physical and mental health, and can be the best medicine for depression, anxiety, and helps alleviate many chronic conditions.
The MJDSCA is working hard to move away from the image of being a senior’s home or an exclusive venue that is off-limits to the public. Instead, the association works to provide our seniors with a multitude of activities to improve the quality of their lives. As the association’s administrator Tanya Legare stated, the aim is to
keep our seniors active. The association is always looking for new ideas and your input is valued. Members of the MJDSCA are invited to voice their suggestions for new activities, and these are
Activities are scheduled Monday to Friday each week, and time slots remain consistent. Scheduled events take place in the morning and afternoon, and from Monday to Thursday, the doors are open until 8:00 p.m.
A small sample of activities includes line dancing, table tennis, ping-pong, and arts and crafts in their fully stocked craft room.
For members, the facility has a
walking track and gym available. This is an ideal place to stay fit over the winter months when walking outside isn’t an option. If you’re looking for fitness classes, Forever in Motion offers a guided class in the XYZ Hall.
Currently available games include Mah Jong, nickel Bingo, floor shuffleboard, and billiards.
Floor shuffleboard is a very popular event and takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. In the game, rocks are propelled forward by use of cue-sticks. For anyone interested in the game, drop in and hear about the exciting ac-
count of a local member who beat an international legend from the U.S.
Billiards take place every morning at 8:00 a.m. and cost a reasonable $0.65 per game. The association hosts an assortment of card games as well, which range from Texas hold ‘em to Cribbage to Kaiser. Friendly competitions are held regularly, and winners are announced on the Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association Facebook page. You can contact the association to inquire about the upcoming Military Whist card games being planned.
The Timothy Eaton Gardens building has a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch daily, and the public is welcome to stop by and enjoy a delicious meal for a reasonable price. There’s a sizable lunch hall that can accommodate a fair crowd. For members, meals
are available at a discounted rate.
Senior’s Week is celebrated with a week of activities. From last year’s event, the association held a pancake breakfast to kick off the week, Moose Jaw Police members came in to talk about scams directed toward seniors, and a senior gentleman gave an inspirational presentation about how he manages to cope with a disability and stay positive. For anyone who needs to book a hall for special events, consider booking through the MJDSCA first. Proceeds help support the association in their quest to improve the lives of those in our community. The XYZ Hall can accommodate 200 people, and the Card Room can accommodate 70. Becoming a member with the MJDSCA is an easy process. Basic membership is $40 per year, and advanced member-
ship including use of indoor fitness facilities is only $60 per year. Members also receive discounts with hall rentals and catering. A fee of $2 is charged for each activity, but this does not include use of the walking track and exercise equipment. Take note that membership rates are increasing as of January 1, 2024. The new membership rates will be $50 for a basic membership and $75 for an advanced membership.
The association operates out of the Timothy Eaton Gardens building located at 510 Main Street North. To contact MJDSCA for membership inquiries or for upcoming programming, call 306-694-4223.
The association is launching a new website, MooseJawSeniors.ca. Once operational the site will feature upcoming programming, information on services, their monthly restaurant menu, and more.
Lloyd and Lynann Pethick are about as active as active gets and provide a model for anyone looking to make their lives more participatory and involved — find something you care about, show up, help out.
“You really just show up and say, ‘What do you need help with?’ and then you help,” said Lynann Pethick, 76, during an interview at the Shriners’ Club in Moose Jaw. She and her husband Lloyd, 80, were in the midst of preparing for the annual Order of the Eastern Star BBQ. “If someone were trying to get more involved, I mean, firstly, I’d ask them what their interests are,” Lloyd said. “That’s your main thing. Then, you just go to the Chamber of Commerce, and they have a list of all the organizations in Moose Jaw. We’ve gained a few members that way, and we’ve always done that when we moved someplace new.”
The Pethicks come from big families: Lloyd was the oldest of 12 children, and
Lynann was the second oldest of 13 children. They had ‘only’ two children themselves because they felt they had spent their childhoods parenting their siblings. However, they are very involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives, and have informally adopted a few more grandchildren to love and care for. They’ve always been the parents who drove carpooled groups to tournaments and other events, volunteered their house for high school parties, cared for children whose parents couldn’t be there, and more. Lynann once volunteered for three years at King George School with her daughter-in-law and son, helping children who needed extra attention.
“A lot of those kids still come up to us — they’re grown now — to say ‘hello,’ and chat, which really makes you feel good,” Lloyd said.
“We were born and raised on farms, and back then, mom and dad and the community all pitched in … for whatever need-
ed to be done,” Lynann said. “So, I have volunteered ever since, and that was one thing my dad said — make sure you’re al-
ways a part of the community.”
“Same for me,” Lloyd noted. “I was born and raised in Meadow Lake, on the farm, and we did all the community things as well — supervised ball tournaments, looked after the curling rink, and the families in our community all took turns looking after the cemetery and keeping it mowed and everything. They still do that, there.”
They emphasize that no one needs a formal, written invitation to show up and help out. You don’t even need to know anyone. Every organization in the city needs more people to brainstorm ideas, show up for activities, give service, help with rides, and more. All it takes is to accept invitations, show up and participate, and give of one’s time. “Every organization that Moose Jaw has is good. Everybody’s got a purpose and is out there to do something good for the community, and a lot of people don’t realize that,” Lynann said.
“By getting involved, you get to know more about what’s going on in the community and what needs to be done, and maybe you’ve seen something that needs
to be done and you’re looking for help to make it happen,” Lloyd noted. “With the South Hill Community Association, we’ve been trying to improve some of the picnic sites, the walking trails, and the parks on South Hill, stuff like that.”
For decades, the Pethicks have volunteered, led, organized, and recruited for the following organizations, to name a few:
• Order of the Eastern Star
• Moose Jaw Masonic Lodge
• Elections Sask
• The United Church
• South Hill Community Association
• Wakamow Valley Park
• Western Development Museum
• Friendly City Optimist Club
The Pethicks feel the benefits are clear, including keeping their activity level high, being connected and known, and seeing the effects of their contributions.
“There’s days that you can get frustrated with other people,” Lynann admitted. “But then you feel, ‘OK, I’m doing something for the community.’ And I always looked at it as, if I didn’t do this, maybe no one else would.”
I knew that my husband’s hearing had deteriorated after our friend—new to the city— asked where he could meet some singles. “Well,” said my husband, “I see them in the Kmart parking lot diving for fries.”
“Dear,” I intervened. “Singles, not seagulls.”
Senior citizens have taken to texting with gusto. They even have their own vocabulary:
BFF: Best Friend Fainted
BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM: Covered by Medicare
FWB: Friend with Beta-blockers
LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out
GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!
This farmer’s wife prayed to the Lord and asked him, “How old will I be when I die?” His reply was 96 years old. She said, “Hot diggity dog, I will have myself fixed up.” She had everything lifted and tucked and was in the doctor’s office, making the last payment on her reconstruction. She walked out of the doctor’s office, started across the street, and was hit and killed. She gets to heaven and asks the Lord, “What happened? You told me that I would live to be 96.” His reply: “We’ll I just didn’t recognize you!”
Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is particularly important for older adults. At age 65, people are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large. And with our numbers growing every year it's essential to take the necessary steps to stay safe.
Make sure a fire never starts by following these simple tips:
Don’t reach for danger! Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don’t reach over a hot burner. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking, never leave cooking food unattended. Cooking fires are the number one cause of fire injuries among older adults. If you need to step away, you should turn off the stove.
Always blow out candles before leaving the room.
Ensure items that can burn are one metre away from space heaters.
Avoid overloading the electrical outlets. Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection.
Avoid running cords under rugs, which can damage the cord and cause a fire.
Install a smoke alarm on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms once a month and replace the battery once a year, or whenever the low-battery warning sounds. Smoke Alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years even if they are still working.
Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Plan and practice your escape! Develop a home fire escape plan or refer to your building’s fire safety plan.
Know your local emergency number 9-1-1
If you smoke use large, deep ashtrays. If anyone in the home smokes, smoke outside. Never smoke in bed.
Angie Belsher has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 18 years, and following legislative changes in the province in 2021, decided to open Routine Smiles — her own independent clinic offering clients a streamlined path for their routine cleaning appointments
Angie Belsher has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 18 years, and following legislative changes in the province in 2021, decided to open Routine Smiles — her own independent clinic offering clients a streamlined path for their routine cleaning appointments.
Belsher is fully licensed to practice as a member of the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA) and the Saskatchewan Dental Hygiene Association (SDHA), and has a contract with Aspen Dental. Her clinic, which opened in June, is located at 360 5th Avenue NW, the professional services building that also houses Sharpline Cuts, Bad Intentions Bus, and several others.
“ My clinic is a single operatory which offers dental cleanings, polishing,and desensitizing if needed. It is a good option for people that don’t like the traditional setting of a dental office. Some people get really nervous when it comes to the noises and smells of an office. I’ve tried to set up my office so it is a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Belsher books patients by direct message through her Facebook page, by phone at 306-630-5269, by email at routine-
smiles@gmail.com, or through her online booking service at routinesmiles.akituone. cloud/online-booking/Routine-smiles.
Build it, and they will come.
That line from the movie Field of Dreams is brought out often when a new facility is put together in a community, and for the City of Moose Jaw, that’s certainly the case with the Yara Centre fieldhouse. The building — located at 1220 High St. West – has become a hub for indoor activities in the winter months over the last decade, and just passing by the building on a typical day late fall or winter day will see dozens of cars in the parking lot as folks take advantage of the climate-controlled conditions.
For seniors in Moose Jaw, that means there are all sorts of things to do, too.
The 120,000-square-foot building is anchored by the 60-metre by 100-metre turf field, which is used for plenty of activities throughout the winter. You can find games of all sorts taking place regularly, and watching the grandkids run around and have fun playing football, soccer and even baseball in the cooler months can be a fun activity in itself!
And if you want to get out there and have some fun with the family yourself, drop in turf times are available by calling (306) 694-4560.
Folks looking to stay fit have no shortage of options, too, beginning with the 365-metre four-lane track that surrounds the field. It remains one of the most popular parts of the facility in winter months, as walkers, joggers and runners of all ages can be seen taking laps throughout the day.
Upstairs, Yara Centre features a full-use
fitness facility and workout rooms, with the gym including everything one needs to keep the joints moving at any age — cardio equipment, weighlifting stations, free weights and a squat rack.
Fitness classes have become a staple for seniors at Yara Centre, with 55-plus Cycle with Rita classes taking place once a week and 55-plus Silver Strength With Salina also running weekly.
Patrons can pay a drop-in fee for times they use Yara Centre or sign up for a membership that gives access to all city recreation facilities, including the Kinsmen Sportsplex.
For more information on Yara Centre, including the wide range of programs on offer, drop in times and to reserve the turf, be sure to visit the City of Moose Jaw website at www.moosejaw.ca and click on Parks, Recreation and Culture or give them a shout at (306) 694-4560 to find all you need to know!
Gary Thronberg Director of Care
still live under the same roof and see each other every day.
The Western Development Museum (WDM) in Moose Jaw has much to offer in the way of senior-focused programming, but also provides something for everyone. The museum provides a glimpse of Saskatchewan’s history and gives an opportunity for those who grew up here to share their stories.
For seniors who visit the museum, aside from general interest tours the most popular attraction is the museum’s coffee club. The main goal of the WDM’s coffee club is to assemble an unwritten oral history of the area and gives individuals the opportunity to share their story and talk about their personal experience growing up. So much of our history isn’t shared or written down, and artifacts alone can’t provide the insights that human stories can. Sharing the story of our heritage also brings younger and older generations closer together.
This year, the WDM is trialling a new program involving reminiscence kits. These kits come with a selection of household artifacts and tell the story of life at home a few decades ago. This gives the perfect opportunity for families to stop by, and children and their grandparents can compare the different technology they grew up with.
event is scheduled to take place featuring the science of energy. The event explores the science behind engines used primarily for vehicles, and this will be supported with actual examples of machinery as the Moose Jaw branch of the WDM specializes in the history of transportation.
The science fair is intended for a grade seven science level but is nevertheless interesting. It is a great opportunity to invite the family out for a day at the museum. This event would also make the perfect birthday present for your younger niece or nephew and the WDM has plenty more to offer for kids.
On Saturday, May 18, 2024 the WDM will be celebrating International Museum Day so be sure to stop in for their upcoming schedule of events, which will be announced closer to that date.
The WDM also has an excellent volunteer program, and the museum is always looking for new volunteers. For anyone 55-plus seeking an exciting chance to work with the community and share your story, volunteering at the museum is the perfect opportunity. To apply as a volunteer, no experience is required and any required training will be provided on the job. The WDM is seeking volunteers with a variety of backgrounds including those who have specialized knowledge and those who just want to
contribute their time.
The WDM operates with the aim of sharing Saskatchewan’s history and bringing new life to the people who helped shape our province. To better understand ourselves today, it’s crucial to know where we came from and to learn our collective history.
Input from those aged 55-plus who grew up on the prairies helps us appreciate our heritage. New perspectives, stories of personal experiences, and any level of interaction is always welcomed.
The WDM is also interested in any historical items you may wish to donate. Although some items are not being accepted at this time, such as wedding dresses due to an over-abundance of submissions, you can call the museum to inquire.
Because the initiative is a new idea at the museum, you will have to call the WDM to confirm the date and time for the event as this is prone to change. The reminiscence kits are expected to be available early this fall.
The museum also hosts regular programming throughout the year. School programs are always being held, and from Feb. to Mar. 2024, a Smarter Science Fair
The WDM is open five days a week from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is closed on stat holidays. During the winter months, the museum is closed on Mondays from January through to March.
For seniors, there is a discounted admission rate offered courtesy of the WDM. You can contact the museum for general inquiries, to ask about upcoming events, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities at 306-693-5989.
The Moose Jaw branch of the Western Development Museum is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.
While the world “resets” from the pandemic there arises an opportunity for us to learn from the experience, and if there was one lesson that rose above the rest (in my mind), it is the “power and value of connection”. I will never forget the feeling of disconnection, and the creative ways that we developed for staying connected to our family during that time, from sending daily letters through the mail to our grandchildren, to visiting through screen doors, to meeting for coffee in a parking lot, to hosting Christmas on our deck. “Connection” WAS and CONTINUES TO BE one of our families’ most important survival techniques, in our mental wellness toolkit. As Angela Theisen, L.C.S.W of Mayo Clinic Health Systems states: “We cannot separate the importance of a sense of belonging from our physical and mental health. The social ties that accompany a sense of belonging are a protective factor helping manage stress and other behavioral issues. When we feel we have support and are not alone, we are more resilient, often coping more effectively with difficult times in our lives. Coping well with hardships decreases the physical and mental effects of these situations.” Studies have in fact proven that “social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems.” (https://science.sciencemag.org/content/241/4865/540).
Being “apart-together” became a theme in our lives through the pandemic. Staying connected creatively, became a survival technique. I witnessed this through the “Seniors Without Walls” phone connections where Seniors from around the province joined in a Conference Call and connected over a variety of discussion topics. And, I witnessed this through Grief Support ZOOM calls where newly bereaved folks found solace in the mutual support and connection with others who understood their loss. I’ve witnessed the holistic power and value of connection personally and professionally, and I would like to share some strategies for
by Della Ferguson on behalf of W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Servicestapping into the “power of connection.”
(1) Connect with others.
There is a world of creative ways to connect with others, whether it is through a Book Club or over a cup of tea; a phone call or a walk around the block; a game of cards or a shared volunteer experience. When we think creatively, we are sure to find ways to connect with others. Consider the creation of ZOOM as an online platform for people to connect. ZOOM was developed through “need-meets-creativity”. Voila! A brilliant connector of people was born from someone’s creativity. I can attest to ZOOM’s immense value as I met with people for Grief Support Groups; volunteer committee meetings; work meetings; family gatherings and celebrations, and even funerals. When the world needed an alternative, someone created one. I wonder what creative ways you have and will find to connect with those who will serve you well to be connected to?
(2) Connect to your body, mind and spirit through self-awareness. Our wellbeing depends upon our being aware of the needs of our body, mind and spirit, and our response to our needs. How are you taking care of your body physically? What are you filling your mind with? How are you nurturing your spirit? Being connected to our whole self is crucial to our well-being.
(3) Connect with your inner voice on a soul level.
Deep within each of us is an inner voice that knows our greatest needs. Listening to that inner voice will give us the “guidance” we need to navigate whatever we have to journey through. To listen to our inner voice, we need to step back for a moment so we can “hear ourself” over the noise around us. When we are connected to our true inner voice, we can feel a sense of grounding. I wonder what your inner voice is trying to tell you?
(4) Connect with the present moment. Sometimes our mind gets distracted, and is focussed on either “re-hashing the past”, or “anticipating the future”, and that can leave us feeling anxious, or un-
settled. The fact is that our only “point of power” is found right here in this present moment. It serves us well to “check in” with ourself and re-connect ourself back to THIS moment NOW. Ask yourself, “What can I do right now that will serve this moment?”
(5) Connect with nature. Nature has a truly transcendent quality that can nurture us in wholistic ways from the light of the sun, to the movement of the clouds, to the sway of the trees, the colour of the flowers, the glint of light on snow, and so much more. When we truly embrace and savour nature, there can be an uplifting effect. A friend of mine once arose in the morning, and went right outside and stood barefoot on the earth, and through that practise she felt a positive shift in her energy and her attitude. Where could you connect with nature, and how will you open to its transcendent power?
(6) Connect with the Divine.
There is something powerful about watching for the Divine in our day-today living, and witnessing something that leaves us believing that there is a force greater than ourselves in this world. The “awe” of those moments can leave us feeling a connection beyond words and breathe new life into us in unexplainable ways. We can nurture that connection to the Divine in many ways such as through worship, nature, music, meditation and so much more. Have you looked for the Divine lately? What did you experience? There is power and value in connection to enhance our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and it starts with the power of OUR choice to CONNECT. As one of my favourite authors, Brene Brown says, “Connection is why we are here. It is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives”. Wishing you wonderful connections and wellness for your journey.
D. & D. Quality Care Inc. has been a local family run business located at 428 Main St. N. in Moose Jaw since 2003.We the staff of D. & D. thrive to provide the best medical equipment and patient recovery supplies.
Specializing in compression garments means each staff member is fully certified and trained in sizing and fitting; made to measure/ custom garments, stockings and extra or opposing accessories. We have OTC and Custom Bracing options available for upper and lower extremities. In both adult and pediatric sizing. Stimulating products and activities are also available and geared towards our Autistic, Dementia and Alzheimer’s clients as well as many other sensory products to meet other specific needs and wants for all ages.
We carry a HUGE variety of “Aids for active/ daily living” such as Lift Chairs, Power Chairs, Scooters, Walkers, Wheelchairs, Canes, Crutches, Hospital Beds, M Rails, Super Poles, Vehicle and Stair Ramps, Sheep Skins, and a large Bathroom Safety variety.
As well as casting boots, bunion aids, planter fasciitis, hammer toes, metatarsal support, orthotics, heel spur cushions and an extensive skating silicone pad protector line for lace bite and Achilles Tendon protectors.
D. & D. continues to proudly specialize in mastectomy products (prosthesis, brassieres, and accessories.) You must call to book
an appointment.
Most of the products available at D. & D. Quality Care Inc. are covered by medical insurance; a doctor’s requisition (RX) is necessary and needed for all private health insurance or any other benefits you may have. We direct bill to WCB, Supplementary Health, DVA and SGI with preapproval.
Rentals are available to help you recover at a more affordable rate. Our rentals include but are not limited to wheeled/ non-wheeled walkers, Knee walkers, Crutches, Wheelchairs/ Transport chairs, Cyro cooling units.
Walker safety/ Maintenance clinics and healthy leg day clinics are offered to residential care homes and facilities. Which mainly focus’ on the safety and benefits of our products for our clients and the staff using and applying them.
We promise to always offer remarkable customer service with a smile on our face in our safe and comfortable home environment. We offer free house calls within our community for those unable to come into our store. Please call during regular business hours to book an appointment.
It is a must-see store. And we look forward to meeting you.
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• Brassieres
• Wraps
• Accessiories DAILY
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• Grab Bars / Safety Rails
• Raised Seats
• Canes / Sheepskins
Using grants from the provincial Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM), Age-Friendly Moose Jaw is an all-volunteer group determined to help people over 55 stay active and independent as they age in place.
“The trend in aging and with seniors is trying to facilitate independence. That’s also called aging in place, home support, there’s various names for it,” explained Christine Boyczuk, committee chair for Age-Friendly Moose Jaw.
Boyczuk is an active volunteer within her community, giving her time generously to many causes. She has been extensively honored for her activism and advocacy, including a provincial award in Nov. 2022 for helping establish Age-Friendly Moose Jaw according to SSM criteria.
“The trend toward aging in place was really exacerbated by the pandemic,” Boyczuk said, “when there were indications that, you know, warehousing people in long-term care homes is not the safest
practice.”
Making communities more age friendly is also a growing response to the fact that Canada’s population is aging rapidly. Boyczuk said it’s estimated that more than 300,000 new long-term care beds are needed, at a cost of $200,000 per bed. Once the beds are occupied, it costs $200 per person per day to give long-term care residents everything they need.
“Experiments all over the world have estimated that for about half of what it costs for a long-term care bed, people could be helped in their homes. What we’d like to do, eventually, our goal is to set up a system of people self-managing, getting caregiver supports, yard care, all the things that are really difficult for people to do on their own as their age.”
Boyczuk has her own experience to draw on — following her husband’s death several years ago, she’s needed a lot of help on her property, and considers herself lucky to have the personal resources to
Age Friendly Moose Jaw believes that seniors are a valuable part of communities and seeks to promote safety, inclusiveness, and diversity (Age-Friendly Moose Jaw/Facebook)
arrange that help. A lot of people can’t do that, she pointed out.
Age-Friendly Moose Jaw has, so far, administered surveys throughout the community to determine the greatest needs (loneliness and snow removal top the list), achieved municipal recognition (they will be represented on the City of Moose Jaw’s Accessible Community Ad-
visory Committee starting this fall), and successfully obtained grants for further programming.
Their next step is a community directory of supports, due to be published in September, which will be a centralized, updated list that anyone can access. In October, a Senior Resource Centre will open at Timothy Eaton Centre, home of partner organization Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association. The committee are seeking subsidy options to help pay for things like snow-clearing for low-income seniors, enabling them to leave their houses safely more often.
“So, we’re going to manage the Senior Resource Centre with a facilitator and a volunteer. Leanne Schutte at the senior’s association is the co-ordinator of that pilot project, with the directory available for anyone who needs it,” Boyczuk said. “Also in September, we have our Coffee & Conversation project, in partnership with the YMCA of Regina and with help from the Blue Cross. That will get seniors together for health-related conversations, mental health, physical health, and also increasing social interaction.”
Boyczuk believes volunteering and working on behalf of others is a vital part of aging and encourages other seniors to reach out to get involved.
“We’re always looking for more members. It’s good to have contact with lots of individuals to get input on questions like housekeeping, social options, yard care and specifically snow shoveling, or maybe helping someone shop for a birthday present, or just visiting.
“There are a lot of gaps in Moose Jaw. … For example, yard care that’s based on your income, or a Friendly Visitor Program, like lots of communities have.”
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with Age-Friendly Moose Jaw, Christine Boyczuk can be reached at chrisdon@sasktel.net or by phone at 306693-0609.
Loads more information on the committee and its work can be found on their website at agefriendlysk.ca/af-moose-jaw-community-page.
My husband cooks for me like I’m a goddess— by placing burnt offerings before me.
Bickering with your spouse is like trying to read the Terms of Use for a new service. In the end, you just give up and click “I agree.”
Apparently saying, “Oh, this old thing?” isn’t an appropriate way to introduce my wife.
My company recently gave me an aptitude test, and I found out the work I was best suited for was retirement.
Money isn’t everything, but it sure keeps you in touch with your children.
You know you’re getting old when your doctor refers you to an archaeologist.
I’m getting older and wider instead of older and wiser!
Stop thinking of them as “hot flashes.” Think of them as your inner child playing with matches.
Now that I’ve gotten older, everything’s finally starting to click for me. My knees, my back, my neck …
We have a wide range of furniture and appliances to meet your needs and budget.
Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw is dedicated to establishing a palliative care wing at the Pioneer Lodge long-term care home and medical facility in Moose Jaw, including a Serenity Garden, three hospice/ palliative bedrooms, family resource centre, and more.
Hospice palliation is the final stage of end-of-life care, after life-extending options have run out. Palliative care is about making the person as comfortable and pain-free as possible, and providing supportive resources for patients, families, and the care team.
Volunteer opportunities with Heartland Hospice include caring for and helping to beautify the Serenity Garden, companion sitting with patients, music, reading, and writing. While volunteers who want to work directly with patients must complete training with the Saskatchewan Health Authority before they can start, the emotional, spiritual, and social support they can provide could mean the world to
a child, adult, or senior facing their final days.
To volunteer with Heartland Hospice, contact them at supportivecare@heartlandhospicemj.ca.
Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw also have many end-of-life resources, including partnerships with memory-preserving companies, visits from a local ‘comfort choir’, a My Wish program, and helpful journal prompts for patients and families to write life stories.
Their website at www.heartlandhospicemj.ca also contains guides, handbooks, and contact information that can help families and individuals. Navigating the
legal processes of death is essential, as is continuing to provide support through bereavement, and recognizing the impacts of palliative/hospice care on caregivers. Heartland Hospice hold regular events throughout the year to fundraise for their $1 million capital campaign, unite the community, and raise awareness of the importance of hospice/palliative care. These include their annual Gala, memorial light ceremonies during the summer and at Christmas, and promoting grief support events by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Services.
The HHMJ team has received widespread support and engagement from the community, the City of Moose Jaw, and the provincial government. If raising awareness of end-of-life resources, volunteering to support individuals and families in the palliative stage of care, or contributing gardening expertise inspires you, getting involved with Heartland Hospice might be for you.
The Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild has enjoyed a very active year so far, with membership thriving, fun and community, and the donation of hundreds upon hundreds of items for local charitable causes.
The guild has been preparing for their regular bimonthly meetings to resume on Sep. 7, and anticipating a packed season of events, including many opportunities to contribute to the community and at least a few special, two- to three-day sewing retreats.
“We meet the first and third Thursday of every month from September to May, up at the Shriner’s Hall beside the Toyota dealership,” explained guild member Ann Richey. “Our meetings start at 7 and we usually go until 8:30 or 9. “And, you know, when I told
everyone I was going to talk [to the newspaper] about [our guild], they said, ‘you should tell them what our meetings are really like, so more people will be interested.’ So, at our meetings, we don’t just sit around — we have a lot of fun.”
Richey said the Prairie Hearts Quilters program committee are a committed bunch who are always coming up with activities, programs, art themes, information, classes, and guest speakers.
“We have a lot of sharing, people coming in for demos, we have coffee and goodies every time, of course, games and challenges that are actually fun, and we laugh. And, of course, we have show and share to see everyone’s quilts and crafts.”
Proudly
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The guild had an active summer, presenting to over 250 students at a Western Development Museum workshop in June, and meeting around 170 visitors to their booth at the Sidewalk Days Festival.
The Prairie Hearts Quilters have several charity programs going, including quilt donations to the dialysis ward at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
“A lovely lady from town had lost a friend that had been taking dialysis,” Richey explained, “and wanted to present the patients each with a quilt in their honour. She had only made a few and it would have taken one person quite a while to produce nearly 40 quilts. After speaking with a guild member, we hopped on board donating what was needed, plus a few extras for the future.
“Within two weeks, we had over 40 quilts to donate. We also made carry bags for them, because each patient keeps the quilt they get and can carry it back and forth from their car.”
Patients can get very cold dur-
ing dialysis, and have appreciated having their own, personal quilts during treatment. Several have written thank you notes to the guild. The quilters have contributed over 1,500 unique pillowcases to children’s ward, as well. Each new child who comes in picks out their own pillowcase and takes it home afterward. In addition, the guild makes Christmas placemats for Meals on Wheels, hospital patients, and all the senior care homes in the area. On Christmas Day, everyone gets their own brand-new artful placemat — the guild has been making them for almost 10 years, now. “I’m so glad I found this guild,” Richey said, “because it just makes everybody realize what we have here. You can complain about the roads and the taxes, but the people are incredible.”
In response to community need last Christmas, the guild also spontaneously decided to put together personal care packages for women experiencing homelessness. Within a short time, they donated over 300 packages to the John Howard Society, plus a laun-
dry basket full of shampoos, toothpaste and toothbrushes, hair ties, and other supplies. “A guild is not just a group or a club,” Richey said. “It’s an organization there to make sure their craft or trade stays in the community. We preserve the knowledge, and we keep our craft going intergenerationally, but we’re also committed to the community, because if we contribute to our community and stay part of it, our craft stays valid.”
What to look forward to
Aside from the usual meetings and projects, the Prairie Hearts Quilters’ put on a biennial (every two years) grand show. They alternate the show yearly with what they call the ‘gathering of the guilds.’ Their last big show was called Sew Full of Whimzy and took place in April, filling the Moose Jaw Events Centre’s curling wing with over 300 spectacular quilt
displays.
In 2024, the Gathering of the Guilds will take place on May 4, making a theme easy to choose.
“We have quilting groups and quilting guilds from all the smaller communities around come into Moose Jaw for a day. Then we have demos, guest speakers, we have lunch together, and show and share, prizes, door prizes. It’s a nice day of sharing,” Richey said.
“And, of course, because it’s May the Fourth, our theme is Star Wars. Everyone is excited, the ideas have just taken right off.”
Smaller groups appreciate the chance at a big reunion-type event, with quilt and fabric artisans coming from Weyburn, Herbert, Gravelbourg, Wood Mountain, Davidson, Tugaske, and more.
In what is a brand-new pilot project this year, as far as
the guild is aware, the Prairie Hearts group is twinning with the Pigeon Inlet Quilters Guild in far-off Newfoundland. The groups will trade challenges and get together online a few times, sharing in the diversity of their art and forging new connections. If all goes well, a report to the national Canadian Quilters’ Association might see the idea spread across the country.
If you’re interested in seeing
what the guild is all about and joining a busy, thriving group of artists, contact the Prairie Hearts Quilters for more information at prairieheartsquilters@yahoo.ca, follow their Facebook page, and check out their website at prairieheartsquilters.com.
The guild’s annual summer social is coming up on Aug. 24 at the Lynbrook Golf Club. Interested individuals are welcome to attend along with members.
The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery’s (MJMAG) summer art programs give children, teens, and adults a friendly, expert introduction to their very own art practice, and offers programming specifically for older adults through Seniors’ Centre Without Walls (SCWW).
SCWW programs are free for persons over 55, and the technology aspect is kept simple. Participants often highlight how the experience creates a community through conversations, friendship, and socializing that goes well beyond just the fun and creativity of making art.
Art at the MJMAG includes many mediums, such as clay, collaging with recycled materials, beading, printmaking, drawing, sculpting, and, of
course, lots of painting. Guest artists from the community also occasionally offer classes — often based on current exhibitions in the MJMAG’s Norma Lang Art Gallery —, such as basketmaking with Beth Crabb, or puppet making with Sylvia Ziemann.
All those influences come into play when Christy Schweiger, education co-ordinator at the MJMAG, designs classes for SCWW. SCWW is an overthe-phone social art program, with projects and materials developed by Schweiger, while SCWW provides the phone conferencing infrastructure and outreach.
“This is our third year doing the over-the-phone program with Seniors’ Centre Without Walls,” Schweiger said. “I,
the art gallery, and SCWW provide art kits with written instructions and pictures, and they go out to up to 20 people who register in advance.
“Funding opportunities are drying up for that program, unfortunately, so the art gallery is taking more of a role in funding it. It’s a Sask-wide program, we have participants in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, for example.
“We’ve also expanded into working with Brain Health. We have a dementia educator that I work with, and we use images from our collection here to engage with pictures and reminisce and tell stories from our lives.”
More information on SCWW programs is available at www. scwwmoosejaw.com, and program registration is by phone
at 306-631-4357 or email at swwsask@gmail.com. The MJMAG’s number is 306692-4471, and Schweiger can answer any program questions, or help with registration, at educator.mjmag@sasktel. net.
More children-, adult-, and senior-focused classes begin in the fall of 2023, with registration starting August 18. They will include Indigenous beading with Jazenta Saultier, and an intermediate watercolor class with Bhupinder Singh.
The MJMAG Norma Lang Art Gallery exhibition now is tRACEs: Lines, Lives, Loves by Jeannie Mah and Heidi McKenzie, running May 26 to September 3.
The Passport to Wellness trade show and exhibition is set to take place on Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd at the Heritage Inn this fall. Event organizers look to make this the premier health and wellness exhibition in the province.
With a focus on health and wellbeing spanning a lifetime, all ages and demo graphics will be represented and there is something for everybody.
“This showcase for health and wellness is like using your compass to find the well ness needs that fulfill each of your indi vidual needs,” explained Michelle Power with Fit 4 Life Moose Jaw, who is one of the organizers for the event.
“Sometimes it is hard to navigate in this ever-changing landscape of wellness
suggestions and ideas,” she said. “As we don’t suggest that you Google your health online for a remedy, we suggest that you attend this event in the fall and meet the practitioners and business that can assist in meeting your health and wellness needs.”
The exhibition gives local businesses and practitioners a great opportunity to demonstrate their work and spread awareness of their services. Designed as a one-stop-opportunity event, anyone seek-
Vendor categories include alternative natural health practices, energy healing, and various mental and spiritual health approaches. Vendors will also cover food, nutrition, and financial well-being. The physical health category entails skin, hair, joint, and gut health. Additionally, eyes, teeth, and hearing are covered for a holistic representation of bodily health. Vendors are still being accepted for the trade show and can register up to the deadline of October 21 when the show
Connie Zinn, with Sole Alignment Reflexology, has been a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT™) for 11 years and became interested in this field after experiencing intense calmness and relaxation after receiving treatments. She began researching the benefits and found reflexology so fascinating that she wanted to pass on this knowledge to others. “Every foot tells a different story, so it’s very interesting … ,” she said. “When we do reflexology, we look for the graininess in the foot that’s blocking the reflexes, so … we’re working to try and open up the foot to stimulate that area.”
Reflexology is rooted in ancient civilizations and operates on the principle that specific points on the feet, hands and ears correspond to various organs, systems and body parts, Zinn continued. By applying gentle pressure and targeted manipulation to these points, reflexology therapists can stimulate energy flow, restore balance and trigger the body’s innate healing mechanisms.
One big advantage of reflexology is it can enhance circulation and reduce tension throughout the body. As pressure is exerted on reflex points, blood flow increases and helps transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells, she said. This promotes detoxification, alleviates pain and can expedite healing to injured areas. By fostering relaxation, reflexology also contributes to a stronger immune system, leading to an improved overall state of health, deep relaxation and improved sleep patterns, which are crucial to maintaining mental equilibrium. The reflexologyareas on which Zinn focuses include structural reflexology, lymphatic drainage, palliative, and cancer care.
Zinn received training from a Vermont instructor in structural reflexology. This treatment focuses on the core areas of the feet, helps overcome tension and returns the foot to a comfortable and functional stage. This is accomplished by relaxing the long and short foot muscles that co-ordinate foot movement and releasing ligament strain for organized joint articulation during locomotion.
Zinn has also received training in lymphatic drainage from an instructor in Wales, Sally Kay, who is considered the top reflexology therapist in lymphatic drainagein the world. This treatment opens the lymphatic systems and moves them along so people can detoxify their bodies of impurities. It can also
help with issues such as arthritis, asthma, eczema, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, sinus problems, migraines, headaches, muscular tension, aches and pains, and premenstrual syndrome.
Training about reflexology for cancer and palliative care patients was received from an instructor in the United Kingdom. Seniors can particularly benefit from reflexology because with age can come more aches and pains and slower circulation, said Zinn. Reflexology’s gentle touch can improve blood flow, alleviate discomfort, enhance mobility and support better sleep.
Furthermore, because emotional well-being has become increasingly important, reflexology can promote relaxation and emotional balance and contribute to a higher quality of life.
“Reflexology is a gentle touch. That is why generally most people get so relaxed that they fall asleep during treatments,” said Zinn. “It’s so relaxing. It takes you out of that fight (or) flight mode and puts you back into that state of relaxation. And then … everything can start to work on its own better.”
She added that people with anxiety — including many whom the pandemic affected mentally — may benefit from this technique.
For more information about reflexology and to book an appointment, visit www. solealignment.com or call 306-631-1933.
Targeting feet reflex points can improve circulation, enhance sleep, reflexology therapist says
The Kinsmen Sportsplex is usually bustling with activity, from youngsters taking swimming lessons or just having fun in the pool, hockey games in the adjacent ice rink or even a relaxing steam bath; there’s no shortage of things to do at the Sportsplex, located at 855 MacDonald St. W, and that includes Moose Jaw’s senior community!
It all begins with the 25-metre pool area and all it has to offer. From the waterslide that’s most definitely popular with the grandkids to the leisure pool, hot tub and aforementioned steam room, folks can get out of the cold and into warmth and relaxation at a moment’s notice.
Those looking for a little more intense exercise can take advantage of the various swim times throughout the day, with times specifically set for folks who just want to swim laps or hit the pool for adult
and public swims.
It’s also never too late to take lessons if you’re so inclined, and the Kinsmen has you covered across the board, offering the opportunity to go from beginner to throwing down laps almost effortlessly.
The Sportsplex arena is one of the main hubs in Moose Jaw for ice sports in the winter months, and you’ll find plenty of grandparents watching their pride and joy scoring goals for their minor hockey team, throwing laps down with the speed skating club or honing their figure skating skills.
And if you want to get on the ice yourself, public skating times are offered daily throughout the fall and winter months. If you get a nice fall day and want to spend a bit of time getting outdoor exercise before it gets cold, the newly installed pickleball courts could launch a lifetime pas-
sion for the sport, and once winter hits full steam, the crokicurl rink can offer a few hours of outdoor fun.
There’s also an onsite concession where you can pick up snacks, and you can check out the various community organization message board to find even more things going on in the community.
The cost for different activities varies, and memberships are available that also include access to Yara Centre programming.
For more information on what the Sportsplex has to offer and to find available times for swimming and skating, check out www.moosejaw.ca and click on the Parks, Recreation and Culture tab, or give them a shout at (306) 694-4483 for more information.
Moose Jaw Express.com 468 High Street West Moose Jaw, Sask S6H 1T3 306 694 1322 www.mjvexpress.com jritchie@moosejawtoday.com
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When a soldier came to the clinic where I work for an MRI, he was put into the machine by an attractive, young technician. Sometime later, when the examination was over, he was helped out of the machine by a far older woman. The soldier remarked, “How long was I in there for?”
ads are published in good faith without verification, and the Moose Jaw Express does not under any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of any ads or messages in any of the publications editions.SENIOR LAUGH! Joanne Korman, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Keeping your home safe for you and your guests. Saskatchewan has one of the most extreme climates in lower Canada. Sumer temperatures can be in the mid thirties for weeks at a time and then old man winter shows up and forgets to go home. Winter temperatures can be in the mid minus thirties for weeks on end. How does one manage the safety around your home in these extreme temperatures. Well, when one is able getting out in the summer to mow the lawn and keep things trimmed so that during extreme heat your lawn is at the right length, so it doesn’t burn isn’t a problem. When our age creeps up and it gets hard to do all we want to do in one day, It’s a good time to turn to a contractor. Your contractor can keep your yard safe in the summer by ensuring that it is maintained on a regular basis. Winter extremes can be very hard to deal with shoveling snow chipping ice managing slipping in cold conditions this is probably one of the most dangerous times of year for walking around your own yard.
Regular and consistent maintenance are the key to staying ahead of the dangers of winter ice buildup. It’s not necessary to use salt on your sidewalks that can actually lead to bigger problems using a grit and keeping the snow shoveled before it becomes ice packed danger zones will make your yard a lot safer place to be. Of course you can always do some of this yourself when you’re able but when you’re not able it is a good idea to have somebody that you’ve already got a contract with that you can call on to come and clear your yard making it safe for you and your family. Maintenance contractors are extremely valuable not only do they keep your yard maintained but if you go away for a holiday in the summer or winter your home will look like somebody is there because the contractor will be there every week ensuring that your yard outside your home is functioning without you there. So now while you’re sitting in house warm and safe in the winter cool in the summer wouldn’t it be great to have some plants to
clean the air in your home and help with your general well-being. It is proven fact that plants in your home can reduce stress and I have a calming effect on the mind. Tropical plants are the perfect plant for your home many tropical plants have extremely low light requirements therefore our homes are perfect place for them to grow and thrive.
Some tropical plants can be quite toxic if ingested, typically we don’t ingest our tropical plants but, If you have a puppy it’s a good idea to put your plants up higher just like a child would want to touch them or nibble on them once that puppy is older you can put your plants back down into their appropriate places.
Contact your local greenhouse to find out what kinds of tropical plants can work well in your home and bring you enjoyment and relaxation all year round.
Leslie Cornell RSE, PHC President Cornell Design & Landscaping Garden Centre 693-TREE
The Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital offers many volunteer opportunities for residents to support staff, patients, and visitors, from the gift shop to the day surgery department to visiting patients with your dog.
The gift shop is a niche little spot bursting with treasures that everyone can appreciate, from homemade items to home décor, gift items and clothing, to much more. During Christmas, the gift shop gives patients gift bags containing health products, toothpaste and toothbrushes. They also give stuffed animals to babies and children.
Some benefits of volunteering here are it’s a great method to build communications skills, learn how to talk with people, discover how to greet visitors when they enter and develop an empathetic listening ear. Volunteers enjoy helping because it builds up their health and well-being since they can leave the house, meet people, have something to do and be part of the community.
“Sometimes you are the bright light in somebody’s dull day. Sometimes they have a bad day and you can lift them up … ,” said volunteer Muriel
Howard. “It only takes a minute out of your day (to comfort someone).”
The hospital auxiliary owns the gift shop — it has operated the store since 1990 — and earns profits through sales, while it also handles raffles, book sales, teas, bake sales and other activities.
The auxiliary has been a volunteer group for more than 100 years, having started at the old Union Hospital with initiatives like making bandages before becoming a non-profit charity dedicated to financially supporting the Wigmore. The group has raised more than $2 million to support the health foundation, which works to equip the building with modern technology. The group recently gave $50,000 — as part of a $150,000 commitment — to support purchasing a cutting-edge ultrasound machine that can detect cancer and other health issues early.
Another volunteering opportunity is the information/ admitting desk. This position provides companionship and support to families and friends and aids in welcoming, directing, assisting and escorting patients to departments.
Other tasks in this position include delivering gifts and flowers to patients, bringing wheelchairs to admitting, delivering people to departments, and delivering paperwork through the tube system. A day surgery associate greets people who come for medical procedures. This person helps escort patients, assemble charts, assist them as they arrive from various clinics, take patients’ charts and informs them that the team knows they are here, and assist patients to their rides after discharge. A pet visitation associate brings his/her dog into the hospital to visit with staff or patients. The dog must have a proper temperament and have updated shots. This position is important since research shows animals benefit people socially, psychologically and physiologically. These in-hospital volunteering position shifts occur from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Volunteen program is for qualified youths trained to give supplement assistance to patients. They assist with unit/ward routines and other services as the nursing staff directs. Other duties include filling water jugs for patients,
Our government is committed to making life more affordable for seniors. We are investing an additional $3 million in the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) this year, helping approximately 14,500 seniors with low income enjoy a better quality of life.
Our offices are here to help you, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you have questions about any of our government programs.
returning wheelchairs to departments, delivering messages, mail or flowers from the switchboard to patients’ units, and running errands for the gift shop to patients. These shifts are available in the evenings from Monday to Friday.
There are also volunteer opportunities outside the hospital for people who want to help in the evenings or on weekends. Residents can volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program by delivering lunch to healthcare clients. Benefits of this position include personal accomplishment, developing and enhancing communications skills, learning new job skills and obtaining a work routine, and being involved in and giving back to the community. Residents can help in longterm care homes by supporting recreation departments by bringing clients to the dining room or helping them at the rink or baseball diamond. Also, if residents have musical skills, long-term care homes appreciate having entertainment.
To volunteer, visit www.saskhealthauthority.ca/careers-volunteering/volunteering-saskatchewan-health-authority.
Numerous volunteer opportunities abound in Moose Jaw, which can be great for seniors since they can give back to their communities and maintain their physical and mental health.
Presented below are a few places where seniors can volunteer in the community.
While the Moose Jaw Humane Society focuses on animals, it requires humans to ensure the organization runs smoothly, which means volunteers are always welcome.
There are three areas where seniors can help: cuddling cats, organizing and selling books and helping at fundraising events.
Volunteers can spend 30 minutes playing with and holding the felines. This is a great way to socialize the animals and lets seniors be with animals if their condos or apartments deny pet ownership.
There is an on-site bookstore that requires sorting since it receives boxes regularly. Seniors can organize the literature, while they can also sell books if customers come.
The humane society holds several events during the spring and summer that need tickets sold or someone to sell merchandise at a table. While most summer events and fundraisers have finished, seniors should still watch for other opportunities in the fall or winter, such as the annual radiothon. To volunteer, call 306-692-1517.
Canadian Blood Services sends a mobile clinic to Moose Jaw on the first Tuesday of every month. Volunteer shifts typically run from three to 3.5 hours.
Some ways volunteers can help include monitoring donors post-donation, serving refreshments, acting as ambassadors in the community and recruiting residents to give blood. To volunteer, visit blood.ca or call 1-888-2DONATE (2366283).
Volunteering at the Western Development Museum can be a great place for seniors because many displays likely harken back to their younger days.
The museum needs volunteers to support the many activities it holds — usually on the weekend — throughout the year. Some events focus on Lego, steam-related machines, fashion show, museum day, pioneer days, model trains, energy efficiency, archives and heritage, and a Christmas program. To volunteer, contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989.
Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum
Similar to the WDM, the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum focuses on promoting Saskatchewan’s early days and the pioneers who helped build the province. It has several events throughout the year where volunteers are required.
Some volunteer areas include groundskeeping, vehicle and tractor maintenance, arranging or re-arranging displays, and helping with building upgrades and maintenance. A ladies’ group also helps paint, organize, clean, garden and perform other activities. To volunteer, call Gord at 306630-5727.
Moose Jaw Cultural Centre
The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre hosts shows 11 months of the year and, to ensure each show runs smoothly, needs a dedicated team of 18 volunteers each time.
The centre offers training to volunteers and, once trained, offers mentorship for a few shows before helpers operate solo. The organization needs people to be ushers, bartenders, ticket scanners, ticket sellers, greeters and facilitators, among other roles. To join, contact volunteer co-ordinator Jen Warren by email at jennifer@moosejawculture.ca.
Moose Jaw Art Gallery and Museum
Volunteers are an integral part of the Moose Jaw Art Gallery and Museum, which hosts several events each year that require help. Volunteers contribute their time and sometimes materials for events.
Some yearly activities include ParkArt, fundraising, gallery exhibitions, scavenger hunts, receptions, school tours and programs, Festival of Words, and other events. To volunteer, call 306-692-4471.
Ellis hasn’t made any big changes to Moose Jaw Funeral Home and doesn’t plan to either. Instead, she will ensure that the business continues to serve families as it has always done. Being community owned means it’s possible to offer services that are more personal to people.
The business contains a crematorium that allows families to choose a different way to bury their loved ones. However, cremation numbers have remained roughly the same for a while, she continued.
Besides a crematorium, Moose Jaw Funeral Home also has an indoor columbarium. Ellis noted that this option is popular with families, and the business plans on expanding the facility in the next few years.
After working at Moose Jaw Funeral Home full time for eight years as a director, Michelle Ellis decided to purchase the business to ensure it remained community-owned and -operated. The opportunity to purchase the funeral home arose in February 2021, so Ellis jumped at the
chance to buy the business from her boss and become sole owner, she explained.
“The Funeral Home has always been locally owned. This is very important to me and that has not changed with the new ownership. We are still locally owned and operated.” she said.
“Myself and my team of professionals will continue to serve the families we have the honour of assisting,” she added. “And being a locally owned business is important to the community itself.”
Moose Jaw Funeral Home is located at 268 Mulberry Lane and can be contacted at 1.877.693.4550. For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
Michael Penner
Andrew Pratt Terri Lamb
Michelle Ellis
Gary McDowell
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The Moose Jaw Health Foundation needs the support of donors to help us equip the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital with the best medical equipment in Canada. With your help we can save and enhance the lives of patients.
With the help of our donors, Moose Jaw is home to a modern, state-of-the-art hospital. Individuals, businesses and organizations make generous donations to purchase new medical equipment that will assist our dedicated health care professionals. Only through the generosity of donors the Foundation has been able to provide funding for:
• MRI - a first for rural Saskatchewan
• Orthopedic surgical equipment
• Labour and delivery equipment
• CT Scanner
• Digital Mammography
• Medical & Nursing scholarships for local students
Every dollar raised will stay in our community. Your gift will make a difference. Please help us equip your hospital today for a healthier tomorrow.
For more information on the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, please visit MJHF.ORG.
Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.
You can make a difference in the life of a patient.
Live
your life the way you want at The Bentley. Located in beautiful Moose Jaw, our retirement residence boasts the ambiance of a grand hotel with a friendly atmosphere. Call
Medavie Health Services West, Moose Jaw Paramedics are always ready and able to respond to the needs of the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Paramedics are “There When You Need Them ” in all Emergencies both in Urgent and NonUrgent situa ons.
