My parents have a 95-plus-years-old friend living alone in Vancouver, B.C. The woman has someone who comes in during the day but is alone at night. This evening, my Mom called to see how she is doing. The woman didn't sound very well. (Not emergency-bad, just not well.) Do any of you have any information (web-based or otherwise) on social services that might be available to this elderly, fixed-income widow? She's outlived all of her relatives and we would, if possible, like to help her get more constant care while still maintaining her independence. She's sharp as a tack mentally and in good physical condition, considering her age.
Any advice/suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated.
posted on January 30, 2001 07:42:03 PM new
Where in Vancouver does she live?? I'd be more than happy to be available if she needs to call someone when she is alone---but depending on where she lives--I don't know if it would be close enough to be of physical assistance if she needed it.
There is not much available for night-services--unless it is privately paid for.
posted on January 30, 2001 09:59:49 PM new
Hi Pat (and Zazzie).
I'm also a Canuck, but I'm not sure how much I can help. Zazzie is closer to this woman, as I'm on the opposite coast, but my sister used to live in Vancouver. She was involved with the city's volunteer programs, so she may know more about what is available to people for help there. She also still has friends there that might be able to help, at least with info.
I don't know what kind of help she is receiving now, so that could affect what other services she might qualify for. That happened to a relative of mine. As they were receiving nursing care during the day, they couldn't get assistance for around the clock supervision as well. (I don't know all the details, as I have NO memory.)
The first place that I would probably inquire is The VON (Victorian Order of Nurses). I'm not sure if this organization is just Canadian, or is international. Here is their website (which doesn't indicate that it's international). Maybe you can get some info here, and there are a bunch of links to other groups that might help too. Maybe this is where her current help is coming from.
http://www.von.ca/english/front.htm
Let me know if you want me to see what my sister can find out.
posted on January 31, 2001 12:04:07 AM new
Hi, I don't stop by here very often but I saw this message and perhaps I can help.
A couple of years ago my father suffered a stroke and several months later my mother was hospitalized for many months. My Dad had care workers, friends and neighbours that checked in during the day but we worried about him at night so I set him up with a system called Lifeline. He has a monitor and if he gets into trouble he can use it.
Both Mom and him are doing fine again but they still have the monitor "just in case" and it makes all the family feel better as we do not live really close.
posted on January 31, 2001 12:20:16 PM new
Thank you, Everyone! The Lifeline thing sounds most immediately doable (but, man, Zazzie, extra thanks for offering to check on her personally ) Going to check the link and find out more...
posted on January 31, 2001 12:32:11 PM new
Pat---I mean it/ no harm in having someone here that can get to her quickly if neccessary---click my name and email me.
) Going to check the link and find out more...