CLIFFORD – Seniors’ Centre for Excellence program coordinator Helen Edwards welcomed close to 50 for the lunch and learn program on Nov. 15 at Knox United Church here.
Edwards noted the passing of a regular program participant Barbara Harris praising her as a terrific volunteer who chose to work quietly in the community.
Wellington County Library Clifford branch supervisor Kayleigh Armstrong noted the library van travels daily between the 14 branches making it possible to borrow a book from another library and have it delivered to Clifford in a matter of days, providing access to books, movies, magazines and more.
“We try to reach seniors with new programs,” she said and encouraged everyone to drop in the last Wednesday of each month for the activity games night.
The library will have access to Downton Abbey on DVD Dec. 17. In January, it will be hosting an information session regarding preparing tax returns.
Occupational therapist Olivia Fischer shared tips on how to prevent falls and keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe in your home. She quizzed the crowd and noted falls are the leading cause of injuries to older adults in the home mainly resulting in hip fractures.
She identified risks and remedies in each room of a home starting with good outdoor lighting, railings, clear walkways, and slip resistant steps and decks. She recommended removing clutter and scatter mats from hallways and coffee tables from the living room, banning step-stools from the kitchen and storing items in easily accessible spaces, using reaching tools, and keeping stairways clear.
In the bedroom, Fischer suggested tidying the laundry, removing area rugs, putting lamps on both sides of the bed, and keeping a phone nearby.
In the bathroom, she advocated installing grab bars, handheld shower heads, nonslip mats and considering a toilet to meet height needs, and installing a grab bar.
Fischer encouraged everyone to fill out and display a File of Life on their refrigerator in case of emergencies.
A VON fall prevention handout was given to everyone with an invitation to join a SMART exercise class or view the classes on Wightman Telecom channel 6 Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7, 8 and 9am. Contact the VON at 519-323-2330 if interested.
The next lunch and learn meeting on Dec. 20 at Knox will feature Willa Wick’s presentation on Christmas Eve traditions around the world.
To register for lunch or the presentation, call 519-638-1000. The presentation is free, but the dinner will cost $12.
Organizers note if buses in north Wellington are cancelled, so is the program.
