The number of seniors struggling to make ends meet is on the rise, and residents are slowly coming out to return the favour, according to a local charity that ensures a treat for Christmas.
This month, shoppers at the London Drugs on Yates Street in Victoria plucked wishes from a tree to support seniors living in a care home through the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program. All the seniors selected live in publicly-funded long-term care homes in Greater Victoria. All are on a fixed income.
“The seniors that are picked for the program are picked by social workers, seniors who have celebrated Christmas all their lives and don’t have anyone anymore and/or are really struggling with low income,” said Tom Arnold, executive director for Eldercare Foundation, which coordinates the annual drive. “It’s become a bigger thing in the last few years … we’re seeing more and more seniors in long-term care struggle to afford personal care items.”
Often the wishes are as simple as a toothbrush, electric razor, warm scarf or other clothing – as seniors go into care they face changes in their mobility capabilities and need adaptive clothing that they can’t afford. Frontline care staff who know the residents often suggest or add to the gift ideas.
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It’s not unusual for London Drugs staff to beef up the packages, Arnold said.
“It’s a real labour of love for everyone in the process. It’s heartwarming, and it absolutely makes such a big difference to the seniors.”
Sometimes it’s a stuffed animal or chocolates, Arnold said, and any of it can trigger warm feelings or memories.
“The staff love handing these out because it hits so many touchpoints. Loneliness is such problem in long-term care,” he said.
Even those living with dementia can hold the memories of things they’ve done over and over and over in their lives. Even if they can’t remember breakfast or names, they remember Christmas.
“So you have these moments on Christmas morning where it affects a part of the brain and you just see the calmness and joy, it might be fleeting but it’s wonderful to see that moment a pair of jogging pants can give someone,” Arnold said.
The program is a success story, but also highlighted a need for a second program started a couple of years ago – a resident program with funding applications to benefit seniors throughout the year.
For example, one woman who lives in a room of four who can’t afford new batteries for her hearing aid, so is left lonely and isolated despite having roommates.
“Some of the stories are simple but some are so heartbreaking,” Arnold said. “We’re hearing more of these stories in long-term care.”
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