Photo Karen Graham.
Andy Stevenson & Pat Shier
In partnership with Trent Security Systems, Community Care provides access to Personal Distress Alarms for clients in the community. These alarms can be triggered to connect clients to 24/7 emergency assistance. This is an important safety system which can bring peace of mind to seniors and their families, especially for seniors living alone.
To help provide this critical service, Community Care has two dedicated volunteers who run the program, Andy Stevenson and Pat Shier. Pat contacts distress alarm clients to update emergency contacts and performs monthly tests of the alarms. Andy installs the distress alarms, explains to clients how to use them, and cleans and services the equipment as needed.
Pat, who has been a volunteer with Community Care for five years, feels this service is very important. She explained, “The Personal Distress Alarm is important for clients who want to remain in their homes and still have a sense of security. At the same time, this service also gives their family security knowing that if their loved one needs help, it is just a “push” of a button away.”
Andy agrees, “Distress alarms are very useful as they can reduce concerns by both the client and their families.” Knowing that help is available 24/7 at the push of a button on wristband or pendant can mean the difference between feeling confident and safe enough to remain living at home and having to move into a facility with on-site monitoring.
Andy, who has been a volunteer since 2003, says that working on this program and for Community Care is very rewarding as you meet a lot of interesting people and make a difference to people’s lives. Pat agrees, “I enjoy the conversations with the clients; they are so interesting, and I know it means a lot for them to have someone listen. Volunteering at Community Care fills a void since my father passed away and brings me happiness. I would recommend it!”
If you would like to find out more about volunteer opportunities or the Personal Distress Alarm program, please contact Millbrook’s Community Care coordinator, Karen Morton at 705-932-2011 or email her at millofc@commcareptbo.org. The Millbrook Community Care office is located at 22 King Street East, Millbrook and is open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
By Mary Preston
