CARE North Hastings will host a Seniors Fair aimed at helping older adults navigate what can be a confusing health care system.
CARE executive director Jennifer Kauffeldt said the goal for the day is to ensure seniors are aware of the services available in the community and to clear up the confusion within the health care system.
“We’ve got the hospital speaking, home care, ourselves, which is community support services, as well as our falls risk protocol. We also have over 30 vendors coming, and that could be anything from the IDA, North Hastings Family Pharmacy with their medical equipment. We also have the Alzheimer’s Society and other partners in care like funeral homes and Hospice North Hastings,” she added.
The fair is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1.
Kauffeldt said CARE is the navigator for the community and they can do the legwork if residents are unsure who to call.
She added many seniors struggle because they don’t have computers or necessary tech skills. Some rely on a human voice, which is where CARE comes in.
Kauffeldt said the top issue her organization deals with is seniors being discharged from hospital without having a care plan.
“They are overwhelmed with information and when they get home, they aren’t 100 per cent sure what to do. We make sure we have those connections when people are discharged.”
The Town of Bancroft will also be at the event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the curling club.
On a social media page, the town said it will be on hand to answer questions, share helpful town information, and assist eligible residents with ensuring they are on the voters’ list ahead of the municipal election.
