Seniors Advisory Committee begins monthly updates

Editor’s Note:

This column is the first in a monthly series of updates from the Leamington Seniors Advisory Committee. Each member of the committee will take turns writing the monthly submission.

By Melissa Bloomfield

HAPPY SENIORS MONTH on behalf of the Leamington Seniors Advisory Committee!

Every June, the province of Ontario dedicates the month of June to honouring seniors and although we were not able to hold any celebratory events, the Municipality of Leamington illuminated the Leamington Library from June 12 to 20 to show support for seniors.

The Seniors Advisory Committee is working hard to gain valuable knowledge about services and issues in the community that are important to seniors.

We recently had a round table discussion (virtually) and learned about the Windsor-Essex Compassion Care Community. Student Field Supervisor Joe Perry said they are a group that reaches out to people to provide a variety of supports.

They are staffed with nursing and social work students who connect with community agencies and find out what gaps need to be filled.

MELISSA BLOOMFIELD

They are currently working with Essex-Windsor EMS , the Children's Aid Society and the migrant worker community.

We also discussed the resource booth at the Leamington Half Century Centre. Director Christine Lehn said seniors can access valuable resources by means of hard copy with information regarding things such as home care services, seniors housing, transportation services, just to name a few. Local businesses who serve seniors provide their materials for free and you can pick them up to take home.

As a Retirement Living Consultant with Chartwell Leamington, I’m fortunate to work with seniors and their families every day. My role is to help people explore options for respite services after a hospital stay or make decisions about making a move to our Retirement Residence on a permanent basis.

We recently partnered with the Windsor/Essex Humane Society and hosted a variety of events in the home and helped raise funds for the important programs at the society, and in return, they provided pet visits and letters of well wishes for our residents celebrating seniors month.

I truly enjoy being part of this committee. We are a group of people committed to making a positive difference in the lives of seniors. Collectively as a group we can share knowledge and resources to help seniors in the Municipality of Leamington.

Stay tuned for next month’s article from Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald.