August 10, 2015
1832
To the Editor:
RE: "Volunteers, clients, caregivers upset Kincardine Day Away to close at end of September"
The closing of the Day Away Program in Kincardine is very upsetting and disruptive to the participants and their caregivers.
As a caregiver, I see what a support this program offers people with dementia and Alzheimer's, and others in need. The staff offers music, games, sing-a- longs, and a social gathering. The program supplies meals and coffee breaks. Many caring volunteers give their time and effort to make this a successful program. People suffering from Alzheimer's find their world smaller and smaller because their family and friends cannot relate or communicate with them. This service offers them a social network that they were missing.
As a caregiver, the Day Away is a lifesaver to me, giving me a much-needed break. Many times, I would just have a good sleep with no interruptions, and a chance to do chores quickly. The volunteers, men and women who were teachers and doctors and many other fields, offer our community their time, services and skills. They keep the costs down, and they are people that the participants know. The building is bright and cheery and very adequate, being on one level and lock-down to prevent anyone from wandering outside.
I fear that by moving Day Away from Kincardine, the participants will be lost in the shuffle. The LHIN (South West Local Health Integration Network) wants this program to operate three times a week, with at least 15 participants each time. This would add more expense for members if they had to pay for three days, and many of them are on a very limited income.
I believe there is a lack of knowledge about this program in this area. I have asked other caregivers if they were aware of the Day Away and they were not. I, myself, joined the program, only through the urging of volunteers stressing how great it would be for both of us. It is a God-send to me, and my husband has met good men and women who help him enjoy the activities.
Larger is not always better, and the people taking part in the service do better in smaller groups. I hope that the Day Away Program stays in our area, and that our local council, our MP and MPP, and everyone in our area, realize the importance of Day Away remaining in Kincardine!
Sincerely,
Barbara Gamble
Kincardine
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