Columnists
Somewhere to go
There is something reassuring about having somewhere to go. It doesn’t have to be an important appointment or a big event. Maybe Tuesday is the day you play cards. Friday might mean meeting people for coffee. Perhaps you have a regular exercise class, a volunteer commitment, a church activity or a standing date to have lunch with a friend. These ordinary things give some structure to one’s life and I think they give people something else that is just as important and that is connection.
I was standing at the reception desk last week when a woman came in asking about euchre. Tara responded that we have North Shore Euchre monthly in Demorestville and we have it weekly in the County Seniors’ Centre. Neither day worked for her as she already has activities those days. Then we realized maybe she meant PROBUS euchre because she’s also a member of the PROBUS Club of Prince Edward County. We gave her the number to call to find out more about the PROBUS events.
As people get older, some of those regular connections can disappear. Retirement changes who people see every day. Friends move away. People die. Driving can become more difficult, particularly as the days get shorter and winter approaches. Sometimes seniors get out of the habit of going places. Before long, a week can pass without much contact with other people.
That’s why having somewhere to go matters. When you belong to a group, take part in an activity or volunteer regularly, people get to know you. They expect to see you. If you don’t show up, someone may wonder where you are. There is something very comforting about knowing that your presence is noticed.
The other side of that is noticing other people. Think about the people you normally see in the course of your week. Has someone been missing lately? Is there a neighbour whose curtains you haven’t seen open for a few days? Have you been thinking about a friend, but haven’t called because you assume they’re busy? Checking in doesn’t need to be complicated. A phone call, a cup of coffee, an invitation to go for a walk or simply asking, “How are things going?” can mean a great deal.
People assume that if someone needs company or assistance, they will ask. I can tell you for a fact that isn’t usually the case. Some people don’t want to impose. Others may not know what is available or may feel uncomfortable admitting that they would like a little more contact with other people. An invitation can make that first step much easier.
At Community Care, we see every day how important connection is. The County Seniors’ Centre offers opportunities to get together for cards, coffee, exercise, crafts and other activities, and Community Care also offers Friendly Visiting and reassurance calls. Community Care is determined to create opportunities for people to stay connected. That’s what we do. Reach out and find out more.
You don’t need a formal program to make a difference, though. Everyone can notice who’s there—and who isn’t. Make the phone call you’ve been meaning to make. Invite someone along the next time you’re heading out. And if you’re the person who’s been spending a little too much time at home lately, consider finding something that gives you a reason to put a date on the calendar. Look at Community Care’s website and see all that’s going on.
Having somewhere to go is important. Knowing that someone will notice when you get there may be even more important.
For information about Community Care services or activities at the County Seniors’ Centre, call 613.476.7493 or visit communitycareforseniors.org.
Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
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