2021-01-27

Programs aim to increase well-being of seniors during COVID

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Milton resident is working on a project aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taryn Jollimore is collaborating with Norm Amirault, the director of recreation for the Region of Queens Municipality, on a multi-tiered project called the Queens Coast Seniors Live Well Initiative. It's designed to keep seniors active and take away some of the loneliness many of them are experiencing at this time.

"We are putting together a care package of sorts that has different components in it. It has an art and craft piece, a physical activity component, colouring pages and a little connection to nature piece," said Jollimore.

The project kits are intended for seniors who are isolated, who may have limited mobility and who currently don't have a lot of social connection.

According to Jollimore, the project was underway prior to COVID-19 with the thought volunteers would go into the homes of seniors to talk, have coffee and give some encouragement. Due to the pandemic, the interactions now have to be done over the phone, or possibly by video chat, once a week. The time commitment for volunteers is relatively low, maybe one or two hours a week.

To get the volunteers started, they are given a short training session, introducing them to the initiative and to orient them to what is called the Tiered Exercise program.

"These exercises are geared to people who really can't move much at all. As the senior gets better and gains more strength and mobility, the exercises will get a bit harder," she said.

Jollimore has been involved in several projects with the region. She began a girls after-school program a few years ago, and is the president of the tennis club. "Trying to increase physical activity is one of my interests. That's something I've always done," said Jollimore.

For more information or to nominate a senior that could use some help through these tough times, contact Jollimore at 902-523-5553 or by email tarynjolli@gmail.com.