There were 35 members in attendance to hear Debbie MacDonald Moynes, the Executive Director for 42 years of Community Care for Seniors (CCFS).

Debbie acknowledged that many Rotarians volunteer for CCFS, including David Hawkins, who volunteered from the start. That is why his picture is featured on the CCFS brochures.

Debbie asked the members what senior subjects of interest did they want her to cover. They answered:

• Housing
• Home Care
• Long Term Care
• Finances
• What is Needed
• Thrift Shop Benefit
• Isolation

She acknowledged that housing is a big problem and after serving on the Advisory Board for the County Housing Corporation, she thinks they are addressing the problem. She also said that efforts to get Home Sharing operational in the County is a worthwhile program. Anne VanVlack of the Community Foundation is doing research on it and should be invited to talk to Rotary. As well, Loyalist College is operating a program for their students.

Concerning Home Care, there is a shortage of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) to provide Home Care. The province is focusing on this problem and are increasing the salaries to attract and keep workers. If members need Home Care, call CCFS and they will give you the contact. You do not need a doctor’s referral.

Long Term Care is a destination that no seniors want to go. CCFS aim is to keep people in their own home. Debbie feels that if the government spent more money keeping people in their own home, not as much long term care capacity would be needed.

Financial help by CCFS is in the form of income tax preparation. Some seniors are missing out on financial benefits because they have not filed their tax return. The charge for tax return preparation can be waived if necessary.

What is needed is for seniors to ask about the services that CCFS provides. They can tell them about similar services elsewhere in the province, too. Debbie has been doing a live TV show on Cogeco for 11 years, inviting people to call her for services available.

Foot care is provided by trained nurses to seniors because as we age, the nails get harder to cut and we might neglect them. CCFS has found nursing staff to fill a vacancy. While providing foot care, the nurses are trained to look for signs of diabetes which too often in the County leads to amputation.

The Thrift Shop on Main Street Picton is their main fund raiser, netting $100,000 a year. They have 60 volunteers but need more for a 3-hour shift. They need also more donations of men’s clothing.

Loneliness and isolation among seniors is addressed by volunteer visits and touching base by telephone calls to the 1,800 people on their roster. During COVID the contact was changed to Zoom webinars but it is now getting back to personal contact.

In closing, Debbie advised members that volunteers live longer and better, so consider CCFS in your life. She had brochures available to describe the CCFS services available.

Club Business

Bill Mitchell read a note of thanks from Linda Downey for the gifts we gave her to celebrate her retirement.

In the minutes of last week’s meeting, an error of omission was made by the scribe in leaving out Yvonne Buys nominated for President Elect, and this week, Bill Mitchell volunteered to stand for Communications & Public Relations, so the full slate now is:

• President:  Roger Tessier
• Past President: Lyn McGowan
• President Elect :Yvonne Buys
• Treasurer : Bill Pennell
• Secretary:  Chris Compeau
• Membership: Peter Campbell
• Literacy:  Norm Dodgson
• Governance: Ken Robertson
• Communications:  Bill Mitchell

David Smith’s number was drawn for the 50:50, but he did not draw the ace of spades.

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Wellington Rotary Christmas Party Pics
(December 15, 2023)

 

         

     

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   50/50 Draw - $427