1
The Senior Connector
Fall 2016 Edition
Empower
Engage
Educate
Let’s chat.
As fall rolled in, we saw the Blue Jays fighting to get to the World
Series, the news peppered with Trump/Clinton news clips and, on a
more local note, a visit from the Royal Family.
This was all very interesting, but we are more interested in what is
happening with you and how we can help? To that end, we want to
draw your attention to some of our local activities and programs:
FREE: November 5, 2016: Do’s and Don’ts of Dementia specifically on “Diffusing Challenging Situations”
Time: 10:00 – 11:00, at 15008 26th Avenue
FREE: Ongoing: Tech Buddies. Learn how to use Facebook, Instagram and other social
media tools to connect with friends and family. Call 604 531-9400
FREE: Ongoing: Law Clinic - ask your questions to a qualified lawyer. Call 604 531-9400
FREE: Coming in November: Seniors Cross-Cultural Event - Chuck Bailey Recreation
Centre. Expect great food and entertainment.
Finally: What do you recommend?
Seniors Come Share Society has provided support, education and services for 39 years but some
members of our community still don’t know to call us when they need information, support or
services. How would you recommend we solve this issue? Please provide us with images, words or
suggestions that can connect us to newcomers, new caregivers and isolated seniors?
We have prizes for:



The best image that reflects the diversity and wide variety of services
offered through the Society
The best sentence that captures what we do as an organization.
The best plan to reach newcomers, caregivers and isolated seniors.
Please submit your ideas via email to [email protected] or to Seniors Come Share
Society at 15008 26 Ave, Surrey BC V4P 3H5, by November 30, 2016.
Seniors Come Share Society 15008 26 Ave Surrey, BC V4P3H5
www.comeshare.ca
Follow us!
SeniorsComeShareSociety
@ComeShare1977
The Senior Connector
2
As a senior in B.C., you may be eligible for financial subsidies.
1.
Health coverage: Medical Services Plan (MSP) Premium Assistance provides a subsidy for
monthly MSP premiums based on income. Call: 1-800-663-7100
2.
Financial assistance with prescription drugs: Fair PharmaCare subsidizes the costs for
eligible drugs. Call: 1-800-663-7100
3.
Rent subsidies: Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) provides monthly cash payments
to subsidize rents for low and moderate income seniors. Call: 1-800-257-7756
4.
Grants to help you make your home more accessible: Home Adaptations for Independence
(HAFI) provides a grant to low-income seniors to modify their home for continued
independent living. Call: 1-800-257-7756
5.
Subsidized public transit: The Bus Pass Program provides a $45 annual pass for low-income
seniors for use on public transit (HandyDART excluded). Call: 1-866-866-0800
6.
Province will pay your property tax: The Property Tax Deferment Program allows seniors to
defer paying property taxes. Call: 1-888-355-2700
HandyDART user? Complete the survey.
BC’s Seniors Advocate is asking 30,000 users of HandyDART how well the service is helping
them meet their transportation needs.
HandyDART is a door-to-door service provided by TransLink, BC Transit, and their service
providers, for passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities, who are unable to use
conventional public transit without assistance. The majority of users, approximately seventy
three per cent are 65 or older. Last year, 2.37 million rides were provided, with 51 per cent of
these in the Lower Mainland.
“Transportation is identified as a key issue for seniors,” said Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie,
noting that at age 65, 76 per cent of seniors have an active driver’s licence, and that drops to 34
per cent for those over 85. “Clearly we need to ensure a robust transportation system is in place
for seniors, most of who are still active, but may no longer be able to drive. HandyDART is part of
that system and we need to ask the people who are using the service how well it is meeting their
overall transportation needs,” said Mackenzie.
The survey asks a range of questions including what people think of the application process, the
availability of rides, the cost of the service, and the overall satisfaction levels. Recipients of the
survey, which will be sent by mail, can either complete a paper-based survey or fill it out online.
Surveys should be completed and returned by November 7. Results of the survey will help inform
the Seniors Advocate’s overall review of seniors’ transportation issues.
www.comeshare.ca
3
The Senior Connector
LEAVE A LEGACY
Did you know? You can leave a legacy to Seniors Come Share Society!
Your Will provides a way of taking care of your family and loved ones after you are gone. But did you
know that, in addition to taking care of your family and loved ones, your Will can also be used to help
your extended community family at Seniors Come Share Society. A gift, in your Will, to the Society
will allow your legacy to live on for many years to come. Please speak with your Legal Advisor
regarding any questions you may have about leaving a bequest in your Will.
What is Fetch?
Well let me tell you, ‘Fetch’ is a fast, on-line, website with extensive
information about Health and Community Services that helps community
members find information on social and health resources within South
Surrey and White Rock.
Check it out: http://sswr.fetchbc.ca/
The first ‘Better at Home’ Volunteer
Education Session was held this October, in
partnership with the City of Surrey. It was
held at the South Surrey Recreation Center
and provided valuable information for
volunteers who go into the homes of seniors.
Brian Aasebo, from Victim Services, spoke to
the volunteers on the issues of safe personal
boundaries and of the signs of abuse. Nasimi
Yousef, from the RCMP, spoke on ensuring
personal safety when going into the homes of
seniors and presented tips for seniors to stay
safe in the community. Mark Griffoen, the
Assistant Chief of the Surrey Fire Services,
presented on fire safety for seniors, giving
the volunteers valuable information to share
with seniors. He also touched on fall
prevention, providing tips on how to reduce
the risks of falling for the ‘Friendly Visitor’
clients. Many of the volunteers who attended
the ‘Better at Home’ Volunteer Education
Session learned a lot and were excited by the
possibility of sharing the information they
learned with their clients.
www.comeshare.ca
The Senior Connector
4
Caregiver Support
When you think of the holiday season is it merry & bright?
For many caregivers, the holiday season can mean additional stress & added responsibilities.
Here are a few tips for caregivers to help prepare for the holiday season.
1. Be gentle with yourself & breathe - you can only do so much
2. Be mindful of your needs - your needs are equally important during the holidays
3. Set realistic expectations - for yourself, your loved one, your family/friends & holiday
activities
4. Plan in advance regarding what you are capable of doing - focus on what is most
meaningful
5. Set boundaries and communicate them to others - be clear about what you can and
can not do
6. Make new traditions - you may have to let go of what was
7. Give to yourself - do something just for you
8. Counterbalance socializing with solitude - avoid running on empty; refresh yourself
9. Utilize resources available to you - e.g. family, friends, neighbours, support groups
10. Express your feelings - if you prefer not to talk to family/friends, call Caregiver Support
You are not alone: When you want to talk we’re here to listen.
Contact Caregiver Support for further assistance & information: 604-531-9400 ext 202
Wishing you & yours all the best this holiday season.
Special Caregiver Café Event!
Black Tie Brunch
Saturday Dec. 3, from 11am - 1pm
You & your loved one are invited to join us
for a delicious brunch in a beautiful, elegant atmosphere!
Location: 15008 26 Ave, Surrey
Minimum donation: $10 per person
RSVP: 604-531-9400 Ext 202
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
www.comeshare.ca
5
The Senior Connector
Meal Program
Upcoming dates and locations for our community Meal Programs:
Kent Street
Newton
Oak Avenue
Chuck Bailey
Cloverdale
November 23
November 10
November 4
November 2
November 14
December 21
November 24
November 18
November 16
November 28
December 8
December 2,
9, 16
December 7
December 12
**Dates are subject to change. Call the Meal Program Coordinator (604) 531-9400 ext. 205 to confirm.
NEW FACES AT SENIORS COME SHARE SOCIETY
New Staff at the Community Support Program
Chato Paulino
I started my journey with Seniors Come Share Society as a ‘Share and Care’ Volunteer at the Chuck
Bailey Recreation Centre. I also volunteered doing ‘Telephone Tree’ calls, filing income tax returns,
helping seniors fill out forms and, once a month, with the Meal Program by serving lunch and
socializing with the program participants. I am so very happy to have the opportunity to join the
Seniors Come Share Society team in Community Support as the Meal Program Coordinator and
Volunteer Program Assistant. Join me at one of our five Community Lunches or, if you are in the
North Surrey area, drop by our office at Chuck Bailey and say Hi! I would love to meet you.
Jasleen Chahal
Jasleen is our newly appointed Marketing and Social Media Coordinator who first came to Seniors
Come Share Society as a CO-OP student in June 2015. Jasleen will be assisting with the assembly of
the 2017 Resource Directory as well as working with the team in the areas of social media and
marketing strategies.
New Staff at the Day Program For Older Adults
Arsenia Capito – Care Aide
Ana Orantes Hernandez – Care Aide
Carla McKay – Care Aide
Richelle Perena – Recreation Facilitator
Antonia Johnson – Recreation Facilitator
Kyle Thandi - LPN
www.comeshare.ca
The Senior Connector
6
Volunteer News
Volunteer programs in the North Surrey area are going great! By taking advantage of ‘Share and
Care’, ‘Walking Club’ and ‘Tech Buddies’ programs, seniors in North Surrey are able to enjoy and
participate in social programs. Here is Len’s experience from Share and Care at Chuck Bailey:
Len has been struggling with his own personal and professional life for many years. He is currently
78 years old and shares an apartment with his older sister. Len was raised in the North Surrey area
and lived there for most of his life, particularly in the Whalley neighborhood. He suffers from mental
health, mainly depression and anxiety. He never had a solid profession where he worked a regular
job, making decent income, rather he has been living on low income trying to make ends meet for
most of his adult life. Len never had the opportunity to finish high school but is very intelligent,
mature and bright. When Len started attending the Share and Care program, he was timid and very
quiet but always pleasant to talk with. He was very friendly and very appreciative of being part of
Share and Care where he had a place to socialize and meet new people.
Len has been attending Share and Care for the last six months and has become actively involved in
helping with the registration, with set up and clean up and with interacting with others. He is less
shy and is self-motivated. Len has defined his role and place in the program, acting as the main
organizer in signing the participation list. He helps with set up and clean up, with motivating and
encouraging other seniors to engage and socialize and with presentations by sharing his own
experience and personal stories with participants. Len has become a role model for other seniors.
He exemplifies that, despite personal challenges, it is never too late to pursue your own passions
and interests. For Len, his personal passion and interest has always been to become a counselor as
he enjoys helping people. In the Share and Care program, Len has been able to pursue his passion
by being that positive role model for other seniors. He feels loved by everyone, which has increased
his self-confidence and, most of all, for the first time in his life, he does not feel judged or
discriminated against. Share and Care provides a place where Len feels he belongs. He feels
accepted and valued as his input and opinion has always been appreciated. Due to his tumultuous
life, Len is thankful for the Share and Care program about which he has said, 'finally, I have found a
purpose for myself in life, thanks to Share and Care.'
***We are always in need of more volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or
know someone who is looking for opportunities call 604-531-9400 ext. 203 or
email [email protected]
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Senior Connector: Spend time once a week at a set location, assisting and connecting
seniors and their families to programs and resources available to them in our community.
Friendly Visitor:
Spend time once a week with a homebound senior to offer
companionship and friendship.
www.comeshare.ca
7
The Senior Connector
Win Me!!
Tickets
$2.00 for 1
Get them while
they last!!
Tickets available at the
Community Support
Program’s Office and
the Newton, South
Surrey and Guildford
Day Program Offices.
Call 604-531-9400 for
more information.
www.comeshare.ca
The Senior Connector
8
Thank you to all of our generous
donors including the following:
Sponsors and Partnerships
Fraser Health Authority
United Way of the Lower Mainland
Friend
Stephen Melanson
Semiahmoo Seniors Support Foundation
Champion
Government of BC Community Gaming
Grant
Lynda Tinckler
Robert Charlton
Gerald and Vanessa McMillan
Government of Canada Summer Student
Grant
Hero
City of White Rock
Rick Post
Silpada Designs
Peace Arch Stamp Club
Moon Graphics
SurreyCares Community Foundation
City of Surrey
Peace Arch Hospital & Community Health
Foundation
Seniors Come Share Society
15008 26 Ave Surrey, BC V4P 3H5
Phone: 604-531-2502 Fax: 604-535-8781
Email: [email protected]
Visit our website: www.comeshare.ca
cut along line
Yes! I want to help provide the best care for our loved ones!
Here is my one-time gift of:
Friend
$10 to $ 100
Champion $101 to $200.
Hero
$201 to $500
Angel
$501 to $2,000
Legacy
$2,001+
Name :
Address:



Telephone :

Email:

Your gift is tax-deductible. Our
Business # is: 129908489 RR0001
Phone: 604 531 9400

I have enclosed a cheque payable to Seniors Come Share
Society 15008 26 Ave, Surrey, BC V4P 3H5.
As a recognition of my donation, I authorize the publication of my
name in newsletters, web pages, etc, as related to my donation
level.
Donations made by credit card can be done through our website
at: www.comeshare.ca or by Etransfer to
[email protected].
Donations of cash can be made at our Accounting office located
at: 15008 26 Avenue, Surrey, B.C.
I am interested in learning more about making a legacy gift to
Seniors Come Share Society.
I am interested in taking out or renewing my membership in
Seniors Come Share Society for a cost of $20.00 per year.
15008 26 Ave, Surrey, BC V4P 3H5
13855 68 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 2G9
www.comeshare.ca