Isolated Seniors – AREA OF ACTION

COVID-19 increased social isolation and loneliness

GIVE THE GIFT OF CONNECTION

Becky is 96. She lives on her own in a tidy, cozy home. She has been widowed for 17 years. She is fiercely independent. Like most Canadians, she wants to age in place at home. Over three-quarters of Canadians (78 per cent) want to age in their current homes.

But she needs helping hands. She uses a walker and she has trouble with her hands.“My hands feel as if they are full of sand,” she explains. She can prepare her porridge in the morning but would find it extremely challenging to prepare a full meal.

That’s why More than Meals is literally a lifesaver for Becky. Every Monday she gets a call to see what she would like from the menu. Frozen entrees are delivered on Thursdays together with a friendly visit.

“They just come in and slip it on the counter.” Desserts are a pleasant surprise. “Last week I got a nice piece of chocolate cake,” adds Becky.

United Way believes that seniors and elders should be able to age with dignity and respect, have access to healthy and nutritious meals and supportive companionship.

• Approximately 50% of people over the age of 80 report feeling lonely

Many seniors in the CRD experience extreme loneliness and isolation, malnutrition or food insecurity, mobility issues and limited income. COVID-19 amplified these challenges: social interactions with friends and family, grocery shopping, in-person doctor’s appointments, and outdoor activities became extremely limited. The result was increased isolation, depression and anxiety, as well as food insecurity. Even as we recover and re-open, the needs for seniors in the community remains high.

United Way’s More than Meals program is literally a life safer. Healthy meals are delivered directly to people’s homes together with critically important social visits. United Way also funds other local programs and services that combat isolation while providing multi-faceted care and support for seniors, helping them maintain independence and connection.

Let’s respect the legacy of our seniors and elders and ensure they are well looked after. Your gift will:

$100/month = $1,200/ year

Provide an isolated senior with 2 nutritious meals per week, reassurance calls, and assistance with errands and appointments for one full year.

$50/month = $600/year

Provide 24 limited income seniors with a volunteer visitor to assist them with yard work and household maintenance.

$20/month = $250/year

Provide 2 seniors with hearing impairment a session of 10 captioned speechreading classes.Tax benefits make giving to United Way even more attractive Your donation is eligible for valuable tax credits, which can reduce the federal and provincial income tax you pay every year. See how much you can save on your taxes as a donor. Gift amount Total tax savings Actual cost to you $1200/year $477 $723 $600/year $215 $385 $120/year $24 $96

Show your local love and help connect isolated seniors to food and companionship. Donate today!