Puslinch councillors are ready to endorse Duffs Presbyterian Church as it applies for an Age Friendly Community Grant.
A letter from Karen Harding, Duffs parish nurse, stated the grant would allow Duffs to continue with the parish nurse program, which focuses on Seniors in Puslinch Township.
Harding noted the parish nurse provides a monthly lunch at the church with educational speakers and topics aimed at seniors. The meal provided is homemade and free of charge and leftovers can be taken home. Some of the speakers have included representatives from the Community Care Access Centre, cancer society, Hospice Wellington and various health groups/associations.
“There is always time to socialize, which is important for seniors in a rural community who can become isolated,” Harding wrote. “The attendees always help with the clean up, stacking chairs, tables and using the dishwasher, again this allows them to contribute to the program.”
Harding said seniors in Puslinch requested a fitness program and Duffs has two different activities: senior level zumba and VON SMART, both of which increase core strength, flexibility, cardiac fitness and improve balance to prevent falls. These are provided free of charge, and VON is able to use the church rent-free.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors and almost half of these happen at home, possibly affecting independence and quality of life, Harding told council.
The parish nurse visits people in their homes, hospitals or long-term care facilities. She can link people with supports in the community to assist them and allow them to remain in their own home for as long as possible.
Harding said she will support families at meetings with the discharge planner at the hospital when possible. Emergency rooms and hospitals are not always senior friendly; she is a reassuring support to people in the hospital, she said.
Physicians may not be able to take the time to explain tests, procedures, or a diagnosis, but the parish nurse can help, she added.
Duffs hopes to continue the parish nurse program to allow seniors who live in Puslinch have a secure environment, enjoy good health and continue to participate in the community, Harding wrote.
She noted the endorsement of council is a requirement for the Duffs Church application.
Councillor Susan Fielding was pleased to be able to support the initiative.
“Our family has had reason to deal with the community nurse recently,” said Fielding. “Harding works very hard. I’ve heard so many positive comments on her from the seniors. They love the monthly programs she puts on and it’s such a positive thing for the community.”
She added “we’re very lucky to have this type of seniors programing available.”
