ABBOTSFORD COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES HELP SENIORS COPE AT HOME

BY BORGNY PEARSON



T

ime to rake the yard? Dig the garden? Clean the basement? Wash the kitchen walls? These and other household tasks during the year may seem daunting, but for seniors in this area help may be just a phone call away.

Seniors Outreach Services at the Abbotsford Centre, 950 Bank Street, include a home support program to help seniors (55+) cope more easily in their houses or apartments. It extends through Old Ottawa South, the Glebe, Heron Park, Riverside Park, Hunt Club and Hogs Back.

At Abbotsford, Sandy Taylor and Elizabeth Parcher are the staffers to call at 230-5730. They provide a link between a roster of workers and requests from clients.

Sandy and Elizabeth make home visits to inquirers to help assess the needs and match them with suitable workers. They interview prospective workers who are required to provide work-related and character references and undergo a police check. Then an orientation program gives workers the rules and regulations, and what is expected of them when they go into a person's home.

The moderate hourly charges (e.g. $10 an hour) for part-time work are made clear to clients and workers. The client pays the worker directly. For Abbotsford, it is a non-profit service partially funded by provincial health services.

ABBOTSFORD EVENTS

May 8: Showcase of the Arts

May 26: Day Trip to Papanack Park Zoo, Wendover, Ontario

May 30: The ABC's of Fraud

For times, registration deadlines and details, please phone Abbotsford at 230-5730.