Mrs. Smith is a spirited senior whose zest for life is as vibrant as the blooming flowers in her garden. However, behind her warm smile lies a tale of struggle and perseverance, one that many seniors across urban and rural areas can relate to—the challenge of accessing reliable transportation to medical appointments. For Mrs. Smith, the simple act of attending medical appointments became an arduous task. Living alone and without access to a vehicle, she found herself relying on neighbors when available or costly taxi services, often resulting in missed appointments and growing anxiety about her health."I remember feeling so helpless," Mrs. Smith recounts, her eyes reflecting the weight of those missed appointments. "Each time I had to cancel or reschedule, I worried about my health deteriorating without proper care."
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It seems like it was just yesterday that our ice makers were hard at work getting everything ready for the 2024 season. But here we are already heading into March and the final four weeks of curling. With just a month to go this is a great time to fill you in on what has happened at the club so far this year and what lies ahead until we hit April Fool’s Day. We started off in December with our drive to welcome back existing members and attract as many new faces as possible. Fantastic news for all of us at the club as our membership numbers just keep on climbing. With curling happening every night of the week, youth curling on Sundays and special events some Saturdays, the club is clearly the place to be this winter and we are now just shy of 110 members. This is our highest number of members in over 20 years! Recently the Friends of the Moncton Hospital held a donor recognition dinner to thank their supporters for contributions over the past number of years. The Bennett and Albert Health Care Foundation was recognized for reaching the Innovator Level which includes total donations between $250,000 and $499,999. The BACH Foundation has contributed a total of $259,088.00 over the years to The Friends Foundation in support of various Annual & Capital fundraising campaigns. The latest significant contribution was for $60,000.00 over 5 years in support of the new Obstetrics and Newborn Care Unit. FAMILIES FOR INCLUSION: EMPOWERING LIVES TOGETHER: Seeking AFLA (Alternative Family Living Arrangements) Providers for Individual with Developmental Challenges
From Andrea Best, Executive Director at MCRI We are delighted to share with you an amazing opportunity to become an AFLA (Alternative Family Living Arrangement) provider with Moncton Community Residences Inc. MCRI is a non-profit organization that provides residential options and support for individuals with developmental challenges in the various aspects of their progressing lives. In a world where inclusion is paramount , (MCRI) is pioneering a movement towards inclusive care through its AFLA program . Recognizing the importance of familial environments and compassionate care. The AFLA program, designed to create a sense of belonging and familial bonds, is at the forefront of MCRI's mission to ensure that individuals with developmental challenges can experience life to the fullest. Our aim is to enhance the quality of life for these individuals by providing a supportive, family-like environment. The Fundy Curling Club got off to a great start in December and it was all about getting kids out on the ice to give curling a try. Our ongoing partnership with the Riverside Consolidated School was a great success as we invited all the children from kindergarten to grade 5 to join us at the club on Dec. 4th and 5th. The two days were filled with fun and laughter as everyone had a chance to learn new skills. Thanks again to the staff at the school for helping us get the word out about the sport of curling! Submitted by Alan Demaline With the temperatures dropping and snowflakes starting to fall, it is time to get ready for the upcoming 2024 curling season at the Fundy Curling Club! We are beyond excited to see the return of our Little Rocks Curling Program, the introduction of our brand new U18 Youth Curling Program, as well as our slate of adult curling leagues and bonspiels! If you have children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age and are looking for a fun and affordable activity for the winter season then look no further than our Little Rocks Curling Program. Participants learn the fundamentals of curling including; rock delivery, sweeping, teamwork and good sportsmanship in a game that can last a lifetime. Once started in Little Rocks your child will be slipping and sliding down the ice with a smile on their face as they learn a new sport and meet new friends as well. As an added bonus, they will probably practice their new curling vocabulary by yelling “Hurry Hard!” and “Sweep!” while you are trying to do housework. Our Little Rocks Program runs for 10 weeks on Sunday afternoons from 1:30pm to 3:00pm and starts on Sunday January 7th. All curling equipment is provided and the cost of the program is $50.00 including a season-ending party. Submitted by Patrick Kemp, Executive Director at Forest Dale Home Inc.
As mentioned in a previous issue, Forest Dale has a keen interest in reaching seniors in our community to offer services to improve their quality of life. We have received funding for a community program coordinator to meet with community members and link them to services that can be accessed with the help of the nursing home or referred out to appropriate partners. Some of these services will be at a low cost, or free, depending on funding and could include hair care, dental hygiene, meals, etc... Keep your eye out for more information regarding this exciting new community programming. We're also very excited to announce the development of our new Non-profit housing company - "Fundy Albert Housing Inc". Forest Dale is aware that housing for staff, affordable housing for families, as well as seniors is a high priority in Fundy Albert. We're excited to be officially set up to begin submitting design projects and sending in grant applications for various housing projects in the area. If you have a property in the area that you are interested in selling, please contact Patrick Kemp at Forest Dale Nursing home to discuss! Submitted by Kelly Taylor, Executive Director Urban/Rural Rides’ most recent initiative includes hosting "Virtual Drop-in Centres" in Southeast New Brunswick. Urban/Rural Rides wanted to help address the needs of older adults experiencing social isolation, mostly in rural areas, and even more so since the pandemic. The focus was to connect these individuals virtually and in person to help with isolation by attending presentations relating to topics of interest. As a funding initiative from the Government of Canada's New Horizons Seniors Program, they have been holding virtual and in-person meetings with residents of senior's homes and complexes in various communities. submitted by Patrick Kemp, Executive Director at Forest Dale Home Inc. Do you know a senior in our community that could use some support? As we move through the fall season, please take a moment to reflect on the seniors in our community. When you think about your elderly neighbor, friend or family member ask yourself if they seem okay? Do they need anything? If you think there is a need, reach out to the team at Forest Dale Home Inc. We have heard numerous stories about seniors in need, some examples are;
Some seniors have no family in the area and / or their spouse may have passed. This can lead to feelings of loneliness or social isolation and possibly depression. There are more examples but with this article we wanted to highlight a few to get you thinking. 1. Would you like to learn to draw or paint from a real artist at the Albert Community Health Centre?
Jim Rae, the prize-winning Canadian artist, and the Health Centre, will offer a 6 week course. The course will begin on Thursday, September 28 at 11:00 am in the Community Education Room on the lower level of the Health Centre at 8 Forestdale Road. The first class will be a “meet and greet”, where the group will discuss what form of artistic learning they would like -whether it be drawing or painting. All supplies will be provided for participants free of charge. Please call the Health centre at 882-3100 with any inquiries or to register for this opportunity! Jim and his wife Mariann retired to New Brunswick in 2010 and he has facilitated many art courses for seniors in Sackville, Shediac and Hillsborough. Jim would love to encourage those who just need a nudge to get them started in basic drawing and painting techniques. Please join us and bring a friend! Coffee, tea and goodies provided! by Lise Guinard
Here are a few resources that are focused on helping older adults in New Brunswick continue to live well. 211 NB Helpline: A free information and referral helpline for New Brunswickers to call when they need help finding support in their community. Ways to access:
To view or print the full PDF version, click here.
The Bennett and Albert County Health Care Foundation (BACH) is hosting a Rafflebox 50/50, which started June 1st. Proceeds will be used to enhance community health services and primary health care throughout the catchment area served by the Albert County Community Health Centre.
First draw was Wednesday, June 21st ,then every 28 days. Draw dates are listed below for your convenience! by Lise Guignard
The New Brunswick Senior Citizens Federation (NBSCF) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Legends Room of the Moncton Coliseum on Tuesday, May 9th. Over 100 delegates and non-delegates from all over the province attended the event. The AGM was hosted by our provincial President, Percy Huntington. The guest speakers were Bryan Butler, Deputy-Mayor of Moncton; Monique Gallant of Service Canada; Daniela Fernandez of the United Way; and Alyssa Margeson of the Red Cross. They all spoke to us about the services available for seniors. Summer Vacations Stretch Resources Thin – Clients missing medical appointments. Summer is a time to relax, slow down and take in the amazing beauty of the province of New Brunswick and surrounding areas. It is important to rest, spend time with loved ones and re-energize. Unfortunately, for organizations like Urban/Rural Rides that are dependent on volunteers, when vacation time rolls around, the capacity to help others diminishes as resources are stretched thin to make sure everyone gets a chance to have a much-needed break and vacation. The shortage of volunteers can result in the inability to meet the demand for transportation for those needing to access medical appointments and food banks. The original Footloose Program was a catalyst that brought Albert County together in its quest for moving more, improving health and changing habits. The community gathered, rallied and encouraged each other to reach their goals. Focusing on health changes on our own can be overwhelming. But, if you want to go far, go together!
Our goal with Footloose 2023 is to bring our community together once again - working towards a common goal, having fun and, let’s face it - Who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? by Kelly Taylor
April 17 to 21 was National Volunteer Week. So many of the programs and services in our communities depend on the time and efforts of volunteers. Urban/Rural Rides depends entirely on the generosity of volunteers to provide transportation for those who need it. Did you know you can get your x-rays done here as well as ECG, Halter monitor, iron infusion, therapeutic phlebotomy, IV treatments, staples/stitches removed, dressing changes, have your ears/eyes flushed, etc. Now is the perfect time to book an appointment with our diabetic nurse, dietician, physiotherapist or social worker.
Covid booster clinics are Thursdays for ages 18 years and older and we offer Pfizer Bivalent. Call Riverside-Albert to book appointments for our Hillsborough Office, open Tues., Wed. & Thursdays from 8:15-11:15am for bloodwork, blood pressure checks and B12 injections. If you need a family doctor, you can register for one by calling 811. If you have any questions, call us at 506-882-3100, and stay tuned for Footloose 2.0. In a show of gratitude for the unfailing support shown to the Albert County Community Health Centre by the Bennett and Albert County Health Care Foundation, nursing staff held an open house and raffle basket fundraiser on June 3, 2022 at the center. Employees donated the proceeds of ticket sales on a gift basket amounting to $967.30 to the Bennett Foundation to be used in continuing to promote health care services in our communities.
from the New Brunswick Senior Citizens Federation
Doctors recommend these 10 easy health tips for seniors to help them live longer and thrive:
Urban/Rural Rides had the opportunity to attend the Symposium on Public and Community Transportation held in Fredericton. The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation hosted the event to give regional service commissions, municipalities, and transportation service providers an opportunity to begin strategizing for the current and long-term needs for New Brunswickers. The overarching theme coming out of the symposium was collaboration. Let’s work together and make good things happen for New Brunswickers! Urban/Rural Rides is an important part of a complex transportation landscape in the province focusing on the most vulnerable and most isolated. The volunteer drive service provides door-to-door transportation at an affordable price that meets people at their point of need. The primary focus is transportation to medical appointments and, in particular, for seniors. Volunteer drive services are limited to the amount of help they can provide based on the number of volunteers they have and their availability. Therefore, more volunteers are always needed. But also, additional forms of community transportation may be needed to meet all the needs in the area beyond personal car ownership, which is becoming less and less affordable. If you want to be a part of the solution and help people get where they need to go, reach out to Urban/Rural Rides to find out how you can become a volunteer. A few hours a week or a month can make a big difference in someone’s life by helping them access medical services. Call 506-962-3073 or email urbanruralrides@gmail.com or visit online at urbanruralrides.ca. by Alicia O'Hara
What exactly does a Community Social Worker do? I like to think of social workers as jacks-of-all-trades. There are so many different places you can bump into us. We are in hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, non-profit organizations and government offices. You'll find us providing services for mental health and addictions, advocacy, child welfare, seniors' services, policy creation and the list goes on! As a Social Worker at the Albert County Community Health Center, my role is to help you develop a plan to address your needs that honors your personal expertise and values, and focuses on your strengths. There are many different situations in which you might want to meet with a social worker. See below for examples of some (but not all) of the situations in which you might find yourself reaching out for services. by Kelly Taylor Urban/Rural Rides completed its first official rides in the new expansion areas of Western Valley and the Northwest Region on February 15th. Volunteers and clients are excited to see the service operating in regions that struggle for transportation solutions. Urban/Rural Rides, using volunteer drivers, offers an affordable transportation option to assist people in accessing medical appointments and other essential life services. What started as three small groups operating in Southeast NB, Rural Rides, Tele-Drive and the drive program of the Volunteer Centre of SENB have seen record growth since they decided to merge and work together as Urban/Rural Rides. Experience Fundy Albert in February - there are loads of art , music, food, and winter activities all along the 114 and beyond - stay tuned for details about region-wide activities like a photo scavenger hunt , colouring contest and maple taffy pulls! FEBRUARY 11, 10am - 2pm Community Mosaic at The Old Church Farmers Market, 2807 Main St., Hillsborough. Join Tim Isaac to build a Community Mosaic and take in some local author readings and music. FEBRUARY 11 & 12 Free Skates at the Hillsborough Arena 32 Mill St., Hillsborough February 11, 2-3pm, 8-9pm February 12, 2:15-3pm |
Wellness
Connecting Albert County would like to thank the following supporters & advertisers: Platinum supporters - Bennett and Albert County Health Care (BACH) Foundation - Albert County Pharmacy - Hon. Rob Moore, MP for Fundy Royal Gold supporters - CBDC Westmorland Albert - Albert County Funeral Home - Friends of Fundy Silver supporters - Crooked Creek Convenience - Hon. Mike Holland, Minister, MLA-Albert - Fundy Highlands Motel and Chalets Bronze supporters - Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee (CCRC) - Jeff MacDougall, SouthEastern Mutual Insurance If you would like to support Connecting Albert County, visit our Advertising page or Donation page. With your support, we can continue to share the news of rural Albert County. Comments We welcome comments to our blog postings. Please provide your email address and name with your comment, and respect our content guidelines.
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