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October 2011 Newsletter for Seniors on Vancouver Island
Partnering to Launch SAFE
The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation and Philips Lifeline have partnered to raise funds for a new program to assist low income at risk seniors on Vancouver Island.
ABOUT SAFE
The Senior Assistance For Elders (SAFE) program protects low income seniors who are at risk for hospitalization or long term care placement. Maintaining independence and peace of mind goes hand in hand with enhanced quality of life.
The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation, in partnership with Philips Lifeline, established SAFE to fund a medical alarm service to protect low income, at risk seniors to ensure they can continue to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. At risk low income seniors will be identified and qualified through Vancouver Island Health Authority’s Home and Community Care to ensure those with the greatest needs are helped.
Philips Lifeline is an easy-to-use medical alert service that summons help any time of the day or night – even if you can’t speak. By pressing the Personal Help Button, worn on a wristband or pendant, a trained Personal Response Associate will send help immediately. Whether you need emergency services or just the assistance of a family member or friend to help you get back on your feet, Philips Lifeline is there to help.
A TESTIMONIAL ABOUT THE LIFELINE SERVICE
“The one thing that I strongly suggest to all potential clients who are vulnerable or live alone is Lifeline, and I provide them with information to contact the local office. After a lifetime of nursing and providing home care I am very happy with the introduction of the new ‘fall alert’ feature. Hopefully all seniors will have access to this program”. Trish Summerhayes, owner/operator, Assisted Living for Seniors at Home, Qualicum Beach
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help the Eldercare Foundation support low income at risk seniors to live independently and safely in their own homes by donating to help us reach our start-up funding goal for SAFE. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for your gift.
Our immediate goal is to raise $300,000 to deliver this program for 3yrs. Our ultimate goal is to establish an endowment fund that will enable SAFE to become sustainable and flourish to help more seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
ABOUT ELDERCARE FOUNDATION
The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation is a registered charity that raises funds to enhance the care, comfort, dignity and independence of elderly persons living in our community. Although historically our support was mainly directed at the Greater Victoria community, we are now reaching out to support our valued elders throughout the Vancouver Island region. Since 1982, the Eldercare Foundation has donated millions to renew aging care facilities and purchase specialized equipment; reach out to seniors, health professionals and family caregivers through community programs, education and research to enhance care for the elderly – all thanks to our generous donors. The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation believes that each and every person in our society should be respected, particularly our elders, the people who pioneered our society and who are now pioneering our old age. By donating to the Eldercare Foundation you can help us support community programs like SAFE, fund education and research, renew aging care facilities and equipment, and protect the respect our elders deserve.
You can reach us by calling 250-370-5664 or lori.mcleod@gvef.org or online at www.gvef.org
ABOUT PHILIPS LIFELINE
Trusted by thousands of hospitals
Recommended by over 65,000 healthcare professionals
Has helped provide more than 6 million people with peace of mind and confidence to help maintain independent living.
For more information about Phillips Home Health Care Solutions contact 250-686-5030 or janine.innes@phillips.com or www.lifeline.ca
“I’ve had heart problems for many years. One day, I started to get heart palpitations. They were so bad that I couldn’t move or speak. I pressed my Lifeline help button. It was such a relief to hear the Lifeline operator’s voice. Even though I couldn’t answer, she sent the help I needed right away. The response was very quick. Lifeline saved my life twice. I’d recommend it to anybody.” Harry R., Grand Forks, BC
“Just after dad got Lifeline AutoAlert, he fell off a ladder, broke three ribs and had a lung abrasion. He was in so much pain he didn’t remember he had his button on. But thanks to Lifeline AutoAlert, the ambulance was there quickly. This service is incredible. It really works!” Kathy – Caregiver
