Timmins, ON – Puzzles, cozy blankets, treats, and skin care products are among the gifts seniors received over the weekend at the Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) and at St. Mary’s Gardens.

With thanks to the Rotary Club of Timmins-Porcupine and generous donations from community members, the “Adopt-A-Senior” project saw more than 70 gift packages delivered to patients in medical and surgical units at the hospital. In addition, another 38 older adults at TADH’s St. Mary’s Gardens facility also received gifts through a partnership with Plan A.

“Our Hospital Elder Life Program – also known as HELP – finds ways to improve the experience and overall wellbeing of older patients,” said Kate Fyfe, TADH President and CEO. “By working with community partners like Rotary Club on this initiative, we were able to make sure seniors in our care received special gifts to make the holiday brighter.”

Anne-Marie Sorsa, Elder Life Specialist with HELP at the hospital, worked with volunteers from the Rotary and community to put together gift packages together and deliver them December 21 and 22. She estimates that this year’s program involved 30 volunteers from the hospital and community, including youngsters, Charlotte Rose, 11, and Kayden Garon, 12.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our community partners who are helping to bring smiles to seniors who can’t be at home for the holidays,” Sorsa said. “We’ve taken the time to personalize many of the packages, so that the older adult patients are receiving things to both help engage them in hospital, as well as bring them comfort.”

Rotary has a been a partner in what has become an annual program.

“This is an important initiative for our community and club,” said Dr. Ross MacIver, President of Rotary Timmins-Porcupine. “Seeing how these packages make a difference, really drives home the holiday spirit.”

“It’s been such a wonderful project — I look forward to it each year,” said June Woodburn, Community Chairperson of Rotary Timmins-Porcupine. “The support from the community has been tremendous. So many people dropped off bags full of gifts at the businesses taking part – Lemon Grass, Caron Equipment and Western Auto Sales. Without the help of so many community members it would not be possible.”

Quick Facts on the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP):

• HELP is an innovative delirium-prevention program designed to improve the hospital experience of older adult patients.
• Services include daily visiting, social supports, getting patients moving, therapeutic engagement, meal support, and help with sleep health.
• Its goals are to prevent delirium, to maintain the cognitive and physical functioning of patients, to support older patients to return home from the hospital, as independently as possible, and to prevent unplanned returns to the hospital.
• Volunteers receive specialized training and commit one, 3-4 hour shift per week. Find out more here.

For more information contact TADH’s Communications Team: 705-267-2131 Ext. 2705 or communications@tadh.com