A local resident loves a new program currently operated in town on a trial basis by the Olds and District Hospice Society (ODHS) in conjunction with the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia.
The project is called Nav-CARE, which stands for Navigation, Connecting, Accessing, Resourcing and Engaging. The idea is to help elderly people stay in their homes longer by enabling them to get – or remain – involved in the community.
The 18-month trial project ends at the end of November this year.
"We only have three clients. (We) started with four. It will still take at least three more to finish off the trial," local coordinator Debbie Shindler says.
The program was launched in April 2017.
When Lois Nielsen signed up for it, she was matched with volunteer navigator Marlene Wiebe, who visits Lois about once a month. The first visit was last May or so.
"I was in the doctor's office and the nurse came and she gave me this pamphlet," Lois says. "I took it home and I read it over and I kind of mentioned it to my sister and she said, 'well, why don't you try it?' So I did phone and try it."
When asked how that first visit went, Wiebe says, "I had a wonderful reception, and Lois and I got along really great, right from the beginning. I don't think I had ever met her before. We were introduced and then from there, we've just been getting to know each other and -- on my part, I've been happy. She's a good friend."
Nielsen also found it to be great.
"She was more helpful in finding me more benefits, more things for seniors," she says.
For example, Wiebe helped Nielsen obtain hearing aids.
"She helped me know where the best place to go (was) and what to do and what to expect. And she was right. It was a lot easier for me," Nielsen says.
The program has been helpful in other ways too.
"When you're lonely and need someone to talk to or someone to explain different things to you, it all helps," Nielsen says. "I'm not neglected by my family; very, very much not. But it is nice to talk to someone outside of your family."
Nielsen says Wiebe also helped her deal with another problem.
"When one of my friends lost her husband and I was a little shy and backward at going to see her or phoning her or anything and (we) talked about it," Nielsen says.
"She said I should go give it a try. I did, and she was absolutely right. I guess when you get older, you forget as you be a little more -- not as much interested in people as you should be. It did work, wonderfully."
Wiebe says the program -- and her relationship with Nielsen -- has helped her grow too.
"It's opened my eyes to the needs of people, probably more so," she says.
"Like with her hearing aid, I realize how important hearing is. But when you can't hear, to find out where you need to go or what you need to do, then when we worked together. We were helping each other understand what was needed."
The two ladies say the social aspect of the program has been a delight.
"We just talk," Wiebe says with a laugh.
"I kind of get so I look forward to her visit," Nielsen says. "I can't remember all we talked about, but I will say this: she's become a very good friend. I enjoyed it very much, and I think it's something that someone else could benefit from if they try."
Wiebe and Nielsen say one of the best aspects of the program is the time navigators spend with clients. They figure during their monthly visits, they spend 90 minutes to two hours together.
Shindler agrees that time spent is invaluable.
"I think that's the key thing about this is the rapport that they've built up. And the time that they get to spend, like it's no 10 minutes in and out, sort of thing. It's that time that they've built together and feel comfortable with each other and can share," she says.
