HELP needs help in Oliver
Last Updated on Thursday, 05 January 2012 20:52 Tuesday, 03 January 2012 00:00
by Lyonel Doherty
Without additional space, the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program in Oliver will have difficulty meeting the needs of clients.
That was the message delivered to Town council recently by program assistant Michelle Stefan.
“Over 80 per cent of our clients are seniors who are coping with illness, injury or end-of-life care in Oliver,” she stated.
Last year, the loan program (HELP) provided service to 237 clients who borrowed 469 pieces of equipment. Overall in BC, the need for HELP rose more than 30 per cent in the last five years, Stefan pointed out.
“This increased need is due to an aging population and an increase in the incidence of chronic disease and patients being discharged from hospitals sooner.”
The loan depot in Oliver provides people with free access to clean and safe health equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. The depot is currently based out of a municipally-owned building behind the Town hall. It offers 200 square feet of storage and common area where volunteers can meet with clients.
“This space is very challenging to our volunteers as it is often difficult for them to store an adequate amount of suitable medical equipment, resulting in sometimes clients being turned away,” Stefan said.
She noted the depot has 13 community volunteers who donated more than 831 hours last year to ensure that people has access to free medical equipment.
The Town of Oliver has assisted the Red Cross for many years by not charging the organization to use the site.
Stefan requested assistance from council to help provide access to a larger site with the following attributes: 700 square feet, a central and visible location at ground level with wheelchair accessibility, adequate sanitation, storage space, and parking, all at free or reduced rent.
“Adequate space in Oliver has been an issue for a number of years, and we are concerned that if these space needs are not met, it will severely compromise our ability to run HELP.”
Stefan said many people rely on the program for their independence while they recover from a medical crisis. “It also supports people who wish to spend their final days in the comfort of their own home.”
Stefan said she has contacted Interior Health, local service clubs, the school district and local churches with very few leads.
Mayor Ron Hovanes suggested that the private sector might get involved by leasing out space for a nominal fee. For example, there might be some warehouse space available in the industrial area, he said.
Councillor Jack Bennest said one possibility is the Community Services building being available once the Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue group moves its operations to the airport.
Hovanes said the Town will keep its ears open for creative ideas.
Latest News
-
Editorial - RCMP response times queried It’s very difficult in these economic times to succeed in business, especially for new entrepreneurs. And being victimized by thieves only adds to the struggle. That’s why we sympathize with business...
-
Local volunteers given royal treatment by IH Kaye Marie Yuckin (left) and Lilian Burgess dig into the food during a volunteer appreciation luncheon hosted by Interior Health at the Oliver Community Centre on April 18. Lyonel Doherty photo ...
-
SOSS rebuild to start soon with funding Students Sierra Hammond (left) and Kiera Heinrichs are happy with the new SOSS rebuild plans, which include a new 397-seat theatre to replace the old Frank Venables Auditorium. Lyonel Doherty photo...
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4