Services
Friendly Visiting, Telephone Assurance & Walk-a-bit
The Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, Support Services Programs provide Friendly Visiting, Telephone Assurance and Walk-a-Bit services to frail homebound seniors who reside in their own homes/apartments. These services help these seniors maintain an independent lifestyle by reducing isolation and loneliness through the support of friendship and socializing. Programs are free of charge. The office of the Support Services Programs is located within the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre. Contact Support Services at 684-3471.
Friendly Visiting matches a volunteer visitor who will visit in-home on a regular basis. Playing cards, reminiscing about years ago or looking through photo albums are activities that one might enjoy with a friendly visitor.
The Walk-a-Bit program provides an opportunity for a senior to get out for a short walk with a volunteer companion. The assistance and encouragement of a volunteer provides the necessary support and often alleviates the apprehension of going out.
Telephone Assurance provides an ongoing telephone link for social contact and security reasons between a volunteer and a senior citizen. Volunteers call on a regular basis either daily or weekly, Monday to Friday. Calls are made from the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre or from the volunteer's home (off-site program).
General Support Services Programs Information
Referrals to the Support Services Programs are accepted from agencies, family members and friends. An assessment visit is completed by Support Services staff and every effort is made to appropriately match senior clients with a volunteer who has similar interests. Volunteers are thoroughly screened and receive orientation/training. Regular follow-up calls and visits are made to ensure that the friendship is progressing and that both the volunteer and senior are enjoying the visiting/telephone calls. Confidentiality is an essential component of the programs. All volunteers are required to sign and respect confidentiality agreements.
If you are interested in further information regarding any of the Support Services Programs or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Kathy Gibson or Suzanne Sabaz at 684-3471.
HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMS/SERVICES
Health & Wellness programs provide important information and services to seniors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Health & wellness services and presentations are available conveniently within the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and are coordinated in partnership with various community organizations such as: Diabetes Health Thunder Bay, C.N.I.B., Canadian Hearing Society, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, V.O.N. etc.
| Service | Frequency | Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grief Support Group | Weekly | Fridays | 1:30 - 3 pm | |
| Blood Pressure Clinics | Monthly | First Monday of the month |
10 - 12 pm | excludes July & August |
| VON Foot Care Clinics |
Three times per Month |
Call for an appointment: 344-0012 | ||
| Hearing Screening Testing |
Monthly | Third Wednesday of the month |
1 - 2 pm | excludes July & August |
| Health Matters Presentations | Monthly | First Thursday of the month |
1 - 2 pm | |
| Diabetes Health Counseling |
Every Second Month |
Third Monday of the month |
9 - 3 pm | includes January, March, May, September & November |
| Blood Sugar Testing | Monthly | Third Monday of the month |
11:30 - 12:00 pm |
|
Health Matters Presentations focus on health & wellness issues and information relevant to people 55 plus. The program is held the first Thursday of the month. Some topics have included: Diabetes information; Managing Arthritis; Aboriginal ways of dealing with grief and loss; Medication misuse; Fraud Prevention; Osteoporosis; Home Safety, etc.
The Annual Health and Wellness Expo is held in April. Over forty organizations are involved in showcasing various health businesses, services and organizations. Call 684-3471 for further information or a registration package.
For information regarding any of the Health & Wellness programs, call Kathy at 684-3471.
OTHER SERVICES
Inclusion Services
A partnership between Community Living Thunder Bay and the City of Thunder Bay, Inclusion Services is dedicated to making recreation programming at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and Herb Carroll 55 Plus Centre more accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a disability and require support, we can help. Contact the Inclusion Facilitator at 625-3220.
Income Tax Assistance
Trained and experienced volunteers will assist in filing tax returns and supplements during March and April. You must be 55 years of age or older, retired and meet certain criteria to be eligible for this service. Donations are gratefully accepted. By appointment only. Call 684-3066.
