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Letters  

Re: Interior Health & seniors

Re: Interior Health and seniors

There is rehab in KGH, he will have physio in KGH.  He may have pre-operative physio to teach him the exercises to do post op.  He can be referred to Home Care Nursing and will be able to utilize Home Supports as required. Just ask the ward to send a referral. Or he can self refer or you can refer for him. This is free for the first few weeks. Does he require home supports now for personal care or a nurse to assist with pain management? (FYI: free from charges).

With our growing population of seniors and reduced funding it is now necessary to plan ahead. What other supports can he have? Friends / family? Can he hire privately? If not he will get the afore mentioned support. Does he have access to some funding eg: is he a Veteran?

Has he accessed supports in community. Arthritis supports? Cardiac programs. Diabetic clinics to get himself to optimum health for such surgery. With age and cardiac issues he is a "higher risk" surgical candidate. Those programs are free.

There are volunteers out there and groups that especially help low income seniors. Many help with cleaning etc. There are meal programs, frozen meal programs (both locally and from Vancouver, grocery stores that deliver, friendly visitor programs, dial in program for grocery shopping and delivery for low income seniors. Can he stock up before surgery?

Has your friend exhausted all forms of pain control? There is a pain clinic and the arthritis clinics for supports and education. Does he need to consider moving to Supportive Housing?

If his surgery is successful he will be a lot more able within a short time after. An Occupational Therapist will do a home safety check to make sure it is safe to be home and re-check his mobility there. If he requires mobility aides, toilet raises etc they are all free on loan from the Red Cross (run by volunteers) for up to 6 months.

His best resource is to call his nearest Health Unit for info and advice on services and resources. Or go in....there are lots of leaflets and information packages. Probably even a person to talk to.

I don't disagree that the Health Services have really declined but most of us providing care really do care.

Respectfully, from one who cares a lot.

Andrea McMillan 



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