By Tim Pattyson
It’s going to be a lot easier for seniors to find a place to polka and play pinochle.
For the first time ever, the Seniors’ Day Care Providers Association of Ottawa-Carleton has publicized its directory of adult day programs. It lists the day-time activities offered by the association.
Catherine Rutka, the chairperson of the association and co-ordinator at the Good Companions Seniors’ Centre on Albert Street, says the directory is very useful for seniors.
“This is a group of people who need some assistance throughout the day,” says Rutka. “They come to a structured, social recreational program.”
Rutka says seniors can find all sorts of programs in the directory.
Other benefits of the programs include the chance for caregivers to take a break while the seniors participate.
Programs cost $8 to $15 and include meals, and sometimes transportation.
Eva DaCosta, 67, has been going to Good Companions twice a week for almost a year. She says she goes for the social net it provides. “I used to be a very active person. I like to see people and have conversation,” says DaCosta. “To me the best thing is the structure.”
Rutka says the program helps seniors stay upbeat.
DaCosta, who suffered two strokes, says the program is essential.
“People like me, or worse than me, to be at home all the time is not fun,” she says. “Watching TV all the time is no good. Talking to the same person all the time can be boring.”
Carmen Cyr, a social worker and the day care program manager at Centre D’accueil Champlain, agrees that day programs are a good way to keep seniors busy.
“We find that a lot of them, when they first start coming to the day programs, are socially isolated,” says Cyr. “Usually the families tell us that their resident improves.”
The programs are designed to offer mental stimulation, meals, structured activities and exercise.
Mary Murphy, a volunteer at Good Companions, says participants really look forward to the programs.
“They are very useful,” says Murphy. “One lady told me she could hardly sleep because she was looking forward to coming so much.”
Directories are available by calling the Community Care Access Centre at 525-5545.