KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
Carefor Health & Community Services in South Glengarry celebrated March for Meals, spotlighting the value of the Meals on Wheels program, along with its other Community Support Services including day programs and caregiver support.
Carefor is a not-for-profit organization that originated from the Victorian Order of Nurses, and continues to provide health and home care, transportation to appointments, as well as community programs to support clients to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Programs are geared toward people within the community to ensure their needs are met. Carefor is exploring opportunities to provide foot care to its clients and referrals for additional services when needed. For instance, those seniors who participate in the weekly Diners’ Club can be assisted as they transition to the Meals on Wheels program when getting out becomes too much of a challenge. In South Glengarry, over 40 volunteers deliver the prepared meals, covering six runs, three times a week. Some volunteers have been doing these deliveries for over ten years and can be expected to help a couple of times a month or up to ten times a month. Tina Castonguay, Supervisor for the Centre in Lancaster, said the support of the Township and volunteers such as Dave and Barbara Carver and Louise Sweeney, who has been helping out for over 15 years, are immeasurable. Mayor Lachlan McDonald and Fire Chief Dave Robertson and Deputy Chief Bill Chafe have also helped to make deliveries. But it’s the behind-the-scenes volunteers who never hesitate to make sure seniors in rural, remote areas can continue to eat well, especially if they have limited access and opportunity to get to the grocery store. Tammy Doxstator-Jones, Manager for the Community Support Services, says the Meals on Wheels program offers an additional opportunity for a wellness check on clients. The volunteers know each person and their habits and would know if there is a change in pattern that might require a further check-in with the client.
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