topics are active living , community services , continued learning , finance , food security , health and wellness , housing , legal services , public safety , senior friendly businesses and transportation . These can be picked up or mailed out at no charge .
Another communications method is Primetime Magazine . Published quarterly , it focuses on active , independent living and is timely . “ Our spring issue always focuses on finance because it ’ s critical to ensure seniors know about tax issues ,” says Gallant . A regular feature is a list of community resources which last spring included accessibility to two on-site clinics with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for eligible individuals ; where to report fraud or scams and how to become what Gallant calls a Change Agent by volunteering at the centre .
This is an exciting time , she says , as the centre unveils a comprehensive on-line presence . There ’ s a website , which through tabs on the left side of the page , link directly to a wide range of services and information .
By the time this article is published there will be a Facebook page up and running and the beginning of a series of You-Tube videos , filmed at the centre and which will include closed captioning and some American Sign Language interpretation added whenever funds are available to do so . Among the issues discussed will be legal ones surrounding wills and power of attorney .
“ We have to be aware of our demographic needs , to be sure we can respond to the best of our ability ,” Gallant says , “ and make sure we ’ re really hitting all the marks of an agefriendly community . We have to keep in mind we ’ re dealing with an age
group from 50 to over 100 years and they all have different needs and are at different levels of literacy . They may have vision impairment or auditory or mobility issues , so when it comes to communication or accessing services we are aware of these challenges and we need to accommodate them to the best of our abilities . It ’ s been well documented that when someone starts to have a vision or hearing loss , they feel isolated and may not want to ask for help , so we want to diversify our resources to communicate critical information .”
What kind of information ? One example is the tie-in with emergency services and fire departments so if anyone enquires about fire and safety in their homes , the centre can help with a referral to the fire prevention services in each of the three surrounding communities .
Adds Beardsworth , “ We also collaborate with the Home Builders Association and through them competent and reliable contractors can provide a good economic fix to construction issues . If someone wants to put in a ramp , a master builder designation or contractor won ’ t spin them a line . We have resources that help people get in their comfort zone , that keep them active and in their own homes longer , so they ’ re not going into care homes .”
Today through the miracles of modern medicine , people are living longer . A longer life , however , doesn ’ t necessarily mean a better quality of life and that ’ s why the role of the Seniors Information Centre is critical . By providing meaningful information to seniors of any age , whether they be 55 , 85 or even 105 , it ’ s insuring they ’ re living their best life . “ We ’ ve been doing this for the past ten years , and together as part of a community we ’ re just getting better at it ” says Gallant .
Rhéa Gallant is the Executive Director of the Senior ’ s Information Centre . Fluently bilingual , she ’ s happy to provide accurate information in answer to their questions and needs . She also wants to recruit volunteers interested in being part of this dynamic and visionary initiative .
Telephone 506-855-1121
PHOTO : MARGARET PATRICIA EATON
FALL / AUTOMNE 2018 PrimeTime 11