The Seniors & Older Adults Task Force will serve in an information gathering and advocacy role to provide recommendations and advice to Council regarding the development and provision of services by the Township or partner organizations to those over the age of fifty-five.
The Task Force serves as Whitewater Region's liaison for residents, local community groups as well as government and non-governmental organizations on subjects relating to adults over fifty-five years of age within Whitewater Region.
The Task Force will collaborate with other internal/external agencies, businesses and groups as deemed appropriate to aid in developing recommendations and advice to be presented to Council. The Seniors & Older Adult Task Force will assist in moving forward various Council-approved initiatives involving seniors and older adults.
Chair: Councillor Neil Nicholson including Reeve Cathy Regier
Members: Gwen Bennett, Bev Buchanan, Moira D'Aoust, Osiah Horst, Bonny Johnson, Sheila O'Brien, Will Patterson
The Task Force presented an update to Council in March 2020.
Resources
https://www.unitedwayeo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/UWEO-Regional-Vulnerable-Senior-Report-EN.pdf
Grants – Community Needs Assessment and Home Support Pilot
The Township has received two provincial grants to assist with this important work. A $24,000 Ontario Seniors Community Grant - Local Initiatives grant was received to complete a community needs assessment and to seek organizational information for seniors to seniors. Barnes Consulting is assisting with this work. Public engagement includes a survey and focus groups. The needs assessment will help in the development of an Age Friendly Plan with a rural lens.
The Township also applied for an Ontario Inclusive Community Grants of $60,000. The project was submitted based on the work of the Seniors Task Force to establish a Whitewater Region Seniors Home Support Satellite Pilot in Beachburg. The project would be undertaken in partnership with Carefor Health & Community Services Pembroke-Renfrew County and Renfrew & Area Seniors' Home Support.