Snow makes for slow go

Times Contributor   

 

The cold weather and snowy roads are challenging for many seniors and handicapped people.

Lynn Walker, Coordinator for WFCSS Strathmore has solutions to conquer some of the winter woes. WFCSS offers snow removal, companion services, and arrangements for transportation to registered clients.

“Snow shovelling is a part of the home support program. If they are a senior, disabled or just have had surgery or something and are unable to do that sort of thing, they can phone and we come out and do an assessment and get them set up,” said Walker.

Seniors are over age 65. Anyone recovering from surgery or an injury, or someone recovering from a chronic illness can use the services. There is a fee, on a sliding scale, with subsidization from the government. The program is flexible as to the amount of services the person needs. Call 403-934-5335 or email coordinator@wfcss.org.

Walker said that she has close to 60 people using the snow services and over 140 clients.

There are trained companions available that help clients with mobility issues and aid them in getting in and out of vehicles safely. They will accompany clients to appointments, but do not drive them. There are shopping services when someone can’t get out. The client makes up a list and shoppers bring the items to the door.

The Handibus is one mode of transportation that is available for doctor’s appointments. People can phone the service and schedule a drop-off and pickup. It is a $7- $10 flat fee in town and $55 out of town. There is a $50/hour fee for trips over six hours.  Call (403) 934-3418 to confirm details and book.  For social events, many of the seniors groups book the 20-passenger bus for $350. The driver does pickup, waits and drives them back after the event.

The Plus 55 Club also offers trips to Calgary shopping centres, a different one each week, for the cost of $20 return. People meet in at the Strathmore Seniors Drop in Centre next to the Strathmore Library. For more information on times, call: 901-1596.

Members of the Plus 55 Club said they were satisfied with snow removal on the town’s roads and streets, except in front of unoccupied residences. Melva Envoldsen suggested it was time that the town provided a bus service for the residents. She said it is difficult for some people to get to the businesses that have moved from downtown to the Ranch commercial area, on the east side of Strathmore. Sharon Tibeau, Coordinator for Wheatland FCSS said that transportation is a huge issue. She would like to see more grant money directed at the issue.

Walking and exercise for seniors and the disabled is often part of their health and rehabilitation regime. On snowy days, outdoor activity increases risks of slips and falls. There are indoor programs offered through HEAL the Healthy Eating Active Living program. Their website is www.healourfuture.com , or call 403 901-8047and talk to Lisa. There are drop-in indoor walking sessions at the Civic Centre gyms on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 am-12 noon. The Trinity Lutheran Christian Academy offers indoor walks Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6 pm to 6:50 pm on Thursdays. No children are allowed at Trinity and a waiver must be signed to use the facility. There are also several gyms in town with walking machines.