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Elderly people escaping isolation takes a community effort

Parry Sound Senior’s Centre is located at 80 James Street in Parry Sound.

Seniors need to stay active in the community or face greater health risks if left alone.

This is according to the Canadian Association for Long-Term Care which will be calling upon on all MP’s to visit at least one care home in their riding during the week of February 10th to 16th.

My Parry Sound Now went to the Seniors Centre in town to get a local perspective on senior isolation.

Grace Brisbane, a retired nurse and McDougall resident, says in her professional experience, seniors can become reclusive as a result of isolation. Isolated individuals can often become malnourished or in the hospital because of illnesses that were ignored. Brisbane also told MyParrySoundNow.com that when elderly couples lose their spouse, home care is often denied for the person who is deemed physically healthy.

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Cindy Pegahmabo says she volunteers her time at Wausauksing First Nation and takes elders out into town shopping to make sure they don’t feel isolated.  She says they appreciate it. She suggested that young people could get involved with their elderly community by preparing a meal, taking an elderly person shopping or by simply engaging in conversation. She says she always keeps an eye out for seniors in town who need assistance crossing the street or maintaining their safety from traffic.

June Rumney says she grew up in Powassan and now lives at The Gardens of Parry Sound. She says she has witnessed seniors in isolation, even when individuals live in community care among personal support workers. She says that the Seniors’ Club has been helpful in keeping her active and create a number of activities throughout the day to keep her and her friends entertained. 

Studies have shown that social isolation has a negative impact on health, especially among seniors, which increases the burden on the health care system.

Social isolation among seniors can even occur in care homes where there is an abundance of residents and staff.  Those who are more connected with their family and friends lead longer, happier and healthier lives, but some residents don’t think that’s enough – it takes a consistent community effort.

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