Program helps seniors to ‘age in place’ and live at home longer
By Monica Inman Riley
Under sunny skies, about 80 seniors gathered at Connell Park on Thursday, Oct. 1, to celebrate an early Thanksgiving and the first anniversary of Woodstock’s Nursing Home Without Walls (NHWW) program.
Raquel Manganti, NHWW Coordinator, opened the jubilee by welcoming clients and friends and thanking volunteers for their help.
“We couldn’t have come this far so fast without each and every one of you,” she told those gathered.
Diane Robles is the program’s administration assistant. She sold copies of cookbooks compiled by Nursing Home Without Walls (NHWW) participants to raise funds.
“We still have cookbooks available for $15,” she said. That afternoon, she also registered a few more clients into the program, bringing the total to 260.
Robles explained that NHWW’s purpose is to support seniors 60 and up by helping them age gracefully and live longer in their own homes.
“We have reached out to other organizations in our community such as Canadian Mental Health (Association), local churches, Extra Mural and Social Development for their assistance in helping to make our program a success,” explained Robles
She said these organizations have helped seniors apply for government benefits they are eligible for, including energy-saving grants for heat pumps.
“The biggest accomplishments so far have been installations of chair lifts for at least three seniors,” said Robles. “It has been exciting to visit recipients of these lifts and experience their happiness.”
The NHWW program can’t run without volunteers. The organization has successfully found a few drivers who offer transportation to medical appointments and certain events. Robles noted that having rides available has brought some seniors out of isolation.
Woodstock’s NHWW program is located at Carleton Manor Nursing Home, 130 Burtt Street, Woodstock. Contact the office at (506) 325-4385. Seniors 60 and up are welcome to join them at any future event.
