“I was totally lost. I didn’t know where to turn.”
Meet David. He cares for his wife, Helgard, who has dementia. He found support through Rural Ottawa South Support Services’ (ROSSS) day program and caregiver services.
United Way East Ontario partners with ROSSS to support older adults and seniors with disabilities in rural Ottawa. They serve between 12 and 14 clients at each one of their caregiver support groups and day programs.
Cindy Powell, Client and Caregiver Liaison at ROSSS, says caregivers living in Ottawa’s rural communities have very limited access to the few supports available.
“Many seniors aren’t able to drive anymore, and public transportation doesn’t reach them, so we’re the transportation,” explains Cindy. “Thanks to United Way, we’ve been able to coordinate these caregiver support groups. Our partnership gives caregivers an education in navigating the challenges of everyday life, as well as the healthcare system. That’s been crucial for them.”
Bringing light into David and Helgard’s lives
David says Helgard’s dementia worsened after a series of mini strokes.
“I took over all household duties—meal prep and keeping the house clean—and her physical care: making sure that she got her meds on time; bathroom breaks, laying out her wardrobe. All things that she used to do. And as time has progressed, I’ve had to do more of it.”
It takes a toll on David, both mentally and physically. So, having two days a week where he knows he’ll get some reprieve has made a huge difference.
“With this program she gets five hours of activities and social time. And that gives me time to do some shopping and catch up with pals that I haven’t seen for a while,” says David.
The caregiver group then offers critical support for David to help him cope with his new reality at home.
“I meet people in the same situation as I’m in and that’s been a real-eye opener. We share experiences, we share successes, and we share failures. It’s a new social group that’s really important for me.”
He says it’s also been incredibly helpful to hear from expert speakers ROSSS brings in, like pharmacists who can give information on about the interactions of certain drugs.
“There are good days on our own, but many days it is challenging. Coming to ROSSS, I know that at least twice a week we’re guaranteed to have great days,” says David.
Support for seniors and caregivers crucial as population grows
With the growing senior population comes the need for informal caregivers—people like spouses, family, and neighbours—to compensate for the increasing demands on healthcare and social services. Without respite from their duties, many caregivers experience burnout and distress—leading to a cycle of poor health for the whole family.
That’s why we’re committed to smart investments in social, recreational, and peer programs. These services reduce isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of seniors and their families.
United in hope, we ensure our region’s vulnerable seniors maintain their independence so their family, friends, and caregivers can thrive too.
