Several long-time volunteers now also appreciate receiving services for seniors

An increased number of programs and services for Prince Edward County’s seniors “was one unforeseen, but slight silver lining” in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In addition to all the services to support seniors to live active and healthy lives in their own homes, there is now so much more programming from the comfort of my own living room – free webinars and workshops – that went online,” said Marg Werkhoven, past president of Community Care for Seniors, during a special online ‘Zoom’ launch Friday afternoon of four new videos highlighting the organization’s volunteers, programs and services.

The Prince Edward County Public Library partners with Community Care for Seniors to provide computer tablets and help on how to use them.

Debbie MacDonald Moynes, Community Care’s executive director, told the gathering the videos had been funded through a federal New Horizons grant received just before the pandemic, but their creation, with the assistance of One Look Productions, was put on hold while the association pivoted to online support and programs.

Participants in a Tai Chi class at the Bloomfield Town Hall

Now more than two years since the pandemic began, Community Care for Seniors has greatly enhanced what it offers – including more than 40 virtual classes and social programs five days a week each month online. Telephone chats are also held for those without internet service.

“We really needed to focus on our pandemic response and did not have the time to launch these videos,” though the originals were now 10 years old, noted MacDonald Moynes.

Barb Proctor, President and Chair of the Board was delighted the videos had finally been produced last fall, starring volunteers and staff.

“They are overviews of Community Care, association services and programs that will be valuable to all seniors and their families seeking an inclusive environment of support services that enable us to age independently at home.”

Long-time volunteer Ralph Hall waves in a video showing delivery of Meals on Wheels to his home.

Several of the video participants had worked with the organization for many years and are now also clients, including Ralph Hall of Wellington who has served more than 20 years of the board and volunteered with most of the organization’s programs.

Nick Nikolaiczuk is a volunteer driver with Community Care for Seniors

Long-time volunteer driver Nick Nikolaiczuk tells viewers his time is “a way of giving back to my community… You meet a lot of interesting people and those you help appreciate it and they express that… and whatever is said in the car, stays in the car,” he laughed.

Former Prince Edward County mayor Leo Finnegan started helping Community Care for Seniors, with his wife Maureen, some 40 years ago.

“One of the first jobs I did was as the garbage man. I had a truck and a dog and we used to go up to community care and gather all the stuff in the back room and take it to the landfill, or wherever.”

Leo Finnegan notes he especially appreciates the foot care clinics offered.

Now at age 88, he said he enjoys receiving some services, including Meals and Wheels, and especially the food-care clinics.

“Maureen and I delivered Meals on Wheels to all kinds a people and a couple of years ago, somebody called our house wanting to know if I still wanted to be on the list. My daughter said ‘it’s time you started getting Meals on Wheels, not delivering them’ but we still kept going,” Finnegan chuckled.

Community Care for Seniors, he stressed, “has done many good things and it helps old people like me know that there’s a place they can go, or call, if they need help.”

As well as the online webinars, the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association offers hot and frozen Meals on Wheels, foot care, grocery pick up and delivery, help with forms (including income tax), respite, home maintenance, light housekeeping, rural route reassurance and telephone reassurance. Its office is located at 74 King Street, Picton. For more information, or to participate, call 613-476-7493, email info@communitycareforseniors.org .

Click here to visit the Community Care website to see its programs, services and calendar of monthly webinars.

The four new videos, and others are available by clicking here to visit the Community Care YouTube channel.