(Note: events in this story happened before the COVID-19 pandemic. Care might look a little different right now to take the necessary precautions to keep staff and patients safe.)
The Adult Day Away Program in Fort Nelson supports people who are aging to be more independent, increase their social activities, and increase their activity levels, which improves their overall health. Essentially, the program encourages those who are unable to get out on their own and participate in social activities a way to get involved.
This program has been up and running for just over a year now. It runs part-time with the support of one employee who runs it two days one week and three days the next. On average, five to ten people participate in the program.
They meet at different locations, like the Fort Nelson Aboriginal Centre, Northern Lights College, Grace Manor, and Heritage Place, where they gather for lunch then do an activity for about an hour.
Some of the activities include:
- Playing indoor basketball
- Ring toss
- Bean bag toss
- Bowling
- Adult coloring and painting
- Planting flowers
- Going for scenic drives
- Picnics
- Playing board games such as bingo, rummoli, cards, crib, etc.
The seniors like to do puzzles, chair yoga, and chair dance too. Most important of all, they enjoy socializing with one another and sharing memories and stories.
Participants don’t have to worry about transportation. They get to and from the activities through Northern Health transportation or the seniors bus.
The activity worker who runs the program, Verna Lee, also does some one-on-one work with people who may not attend the program.
“The program has really grown over the year and [the participants] appreciate the opportunity to get together and enjoy the activities,” says Lynn Fertuck, team lead for the health care team in Fort Nelson.
If you live in Fort Nelson and know someone who may be interested in participating, please call the Health Unit at 250-774-7092.
The Adult Day Away Program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and every second Wednesday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Currently, due to COVID-19, the program is not running. Stay tuned for updates on what the program will look like in the future.
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