Support system for Peterborough County seniors built through partnerships
Friday, November 25, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
As many seniors in the Millbrook region are living independently at home longer, community support services play an important role in ensuring their safety and ability to access outside resources through transportation services, meal programs and social networking programs.

One gauge of a person’s ability to live safely in an autonomous fashion is whether they are capable of feeding themselves properly.

'Meals on Wheels', formerly run out of the Millbrook penitentiary and now provided through a partnership between Community Care Millbrook and Springdale Country Manor, prolongs that capability. Meals are delivered three times a week to Millbrook residents – predominantly seniors – by a crew of volunteers.

“Not being able to cook for yourself is kind of the last thing people want to admit to – it’s a point of pride. You lose a bit of your independence when you can no longer do it,” says Shelagh Young, Community Development Co-ordinator for Community Care Millbrook.

Despite the program being currently dormant, there are still a number of Millbrook residents receiving frozen 'Meals on Wheels' dinners. These are given to residents who can no longer cook but don’t require volunteers to deliver their food.

“They have to be able to heat them up,” says Shelagh, who visits clients to assess need and services required. “We are seeing people staying in the home longer, although sometimes longer than they should.”

The service has assisted up to 21 area residents in the past, and use can fluctuate considerably according to need, says Shelagh. Recently, two clients using 'Meals on Wheels' applied for admission to Springdale.

Community Care, which began in 1987, offers comprehensive programming and support for seniors and people with special needs in Peterborough, Cavan, Millbrook and North Monaghan. Currently, 247 Millbrook residents use the service, says Shelagh.

“Our partnerships are very important,” she adds, citing the efforts of community organizations like the Lion’s Club and the Royal Canadian Legion in providing support and funds for special projects.

In a rural setting, transportation is generally in high demand, says Shelagh, and it currently comprises a large portion of the organization’s services. Community Care owns a wheelchair-accessible van, and occasionally transfers Springdale residents to the hospital or other health care providers. Volunteers, driving privately-owned cars, are indispensable.

“You can always have more volunteers,” says Shelagh.