Free Senior Skating Available At Ennismore Community Centre After Township Acquires Two Sponsors

Free senior skating is back at the Ennismore Community Centre after Selwyn Township acquired Swish Maintenance and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning as sponsors.

File photo.

Senior Skating occurs every Monday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre for everyone aged 55+. The first sponsored skate takes place on Monday and runs through March 25.

Full skating schedules including public, parent and tot, and drop-in youth shinny hockey can be found online.

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Canadian Government Invests Over $110,000 For Six Senior Support Projects in Peterborough

The Canadian Government has invested $116,881 to fund six community-based senior support projects in Peterborough through the 2021–22 New Horizons for Seniors Program announced at the Activity Haven Senior Centre on Thursday.

Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera (left) with Lynne Bullard, Activity Haven board president (right) prior to the announcement. Seniors are considered one of Canada’s fastest-growing population groups, representing almost 25 per cent of the population by 2051 and could reach close to 11 million people within 15 years according to the Canadian Government. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera where $23,500 of that funding went towards the ‘Activity Haven In Motion’ program.

“Our government is committed to support such initiatives so they can continue to provide seniors with engaging activities to stay active, as well as increase their social participation so they can maintain a strong presence in their communities,” said Khera. “This is in addition to the steps we have taken to make life more affordable for seniors so they can pay for their daily expenses and have the quality of life they deserve.”

The Centre provides seniors with guided exercises, yoga sessions and lunch and learns events that promote the health and well-being of older adults.

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program has enabled us to partner with Trent Health in Motion to provide our members with a unique experience,” said Janet Buchanan, Activity Haven executive director. “The benefits of this program include improved strength, flexibility, endurance, mental health and socialization.”

Mayor Jeff Leal and Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferrari were in attendance. The former also spoke after Minister Khera made her announcement.

“I am glad to see how the New Horizons for Seniors program is empowering seniors right here in Peterborough,” said Leal. “It’s our duty to support older adults and I encourage everyone in our community to get involved with Activity Haven Senior Centre to connect with other seniors, learn new skills and stay active.”

According to the Canadian Government, their national priorities focus on senior projects that:

• support healthy aging;

• prevent elder abuse;

• celebrate diversity and promote inclusion; and

• help seniors age in place.

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Age-friendly Peterborough Community Engagement Survey Now Open

The City of Peterborough is seeking public input on an update to the Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan. The Community Engagement Survey is directed at older adults (ages 50+) who reside in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation.

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The purpose of the survey is to receive community input and information to gauge how age-friendly the Peterborough region is today and how to make it more age-friendly in the future. The results will be incorporated into the new Community Action Plan for 2023-2025.

The first Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan was launched in 2017 as a guide for Peterborough to become a thriving region that is inclusive, respectful, and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The goals of the plan are to ensure that older adults have their basic needs met, are able to get around the community, are supported to build relationships, and have the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute.

“The 2017 AFP Plan identified a clear path forward to enhance programs, services, and infrastructure to support healthy aging,” said Keith Riel, Chair of the Age-friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee, “It is important that we hear from older adults so we can incorporate their current needs into the new Community Action Plan.”

The survey can be found on the City’s public engagement website, Connect Peterborough at www.connectptbo.ca/age-friendly, along with the 2017 Community Action Plan, the 2020 Impact Report, and plans for additional public engagement opportunities.

The survey will be available until May 31.

Paper copies of the survey are available at Community Care offices and libraries. If you require assistance completing the survey or would like to request it in an alternative format, please call 705-748-8830 ext. 3624.

More information about Age-friendly Peterborough can be found at www.peterborough.ca/aging.

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Local World War Two Veteran Fred Allison Turns 100

Fred Allison, who now lives in Lakefield, turns 100 years old on Tuesday.

Allison is a ‘jack of all trades’, who likes to keep busy volunteering at local churches and helping his family and friends with odd jobs.

He enlisted in WW2 as a mechanic and travelled to places like Amsterdam and France fixing equipment along the way.

He believes the reason he is still able to live on his own, drive and work is thanks to the healthy habits he followed his whole life. In his 100 years of life Allison has never drank or smoked, quite a feat for someone that endured WW2.

Allison says he used to sell his rationed cigarettes to other soldiers and use the money to buy chocolates.

@ptbo_canada 100 years and he’s still got it! Join us in wishing Fred Allison a Happy 100th Birthday 🎉 #Veteran #WWII #WWIIVet #100thBirthday #HappyBirthday #PTBOCanada ♬ Up - Movie Theme - Giampaolo Pasquile

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Family Rallies Around Local Senior Who Fell Victim To $10,000 Scam

After a local senior fell victim to a scam that took $10,000 from him, his family is hoping to fundraise enough to restore his finances.

Photo courtesy of Tania Lamond.

In March, Darrell Lamond, 86, received a phone call from someone pretending to be his grandson crying and asking for money to cover a bails bond of $10,000 cash, according to family members.

Lamond’s grandson Carson was out of town for March break, so he thought he was in trouble and needed his help.

According to Lamond and his family the person on the phone sounded young and upset. The scammers informed him that on the drive the police had pulled them over on the way home and drugs had been found in the car. They said they needed the money to bail the friend out of jail and to keep Carson safe. The thieves convinced him that he was speaking with RCMP officers, and he was directed to go to his bank and get the money in cash and not tell anyone because there was a gag order in place.

A young black male came to Lamond’s residence to pick up the money and told him he would get his money back in a few days. When they did not return Lamond tried to phone them, with no answer.

The police have been notified, though it is believed scammers may have left town.

In hopes to recoup some funds lost during the scam Carson will be selling "I Love My Grandpa" t-shirts for $20 each, with proceeds from the t-shirts to help support his Grandpa Lamond.

To order a shirt email Carson Lamocars@gmail.com the t-shirt size (XS to 2XL), name, phone number and e transfer payment. Deadline for orders is April 9.

The family has also started a GoFundMe to help with funds.

Lamond’s daughter, Tania, notes that since his wife’s recent passing, his mind has been stressed and she believes that played a part in him falling prey.

In addition to the stress an heartache of loosing his wife, Lamond lives on a limited pension, has just paid for funeral expenses and is now out $10,000 in savings.

She hopes that in addition to easing the financial stress her father is going through, this GoFundMe will raise awareness of this scam and others like it, and encourage people to talk to seniors they know about how to protect themselves.

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Property Tax Relief For Low Income Seniors And Low Income Persons With Disabilities In County Of Peterborough

Peterborough County Council passed a by-law to allow for relief of a residential tax increase in 2022, 2023 or 2024 for Low Income Seniors and Low Income Persons with Disabilities.

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A Low Income Person with a Disability must submit an application with evidence of the receipt of benefits being paid under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, or a disability amount paid under the Family Benefits Act (Ontario) or a person receiving a Canada Pension Plan Disabilities Pension, and be eligible to claim a disability amount as defined under the Income Tax Act (Canada).

A Low Income Senior who is 65 years of age or older as of December 31st of the previous year and is in receipt of benefits paid under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), as established under the Old Age Security Act (Canada).

Applications may be filed by an eligible person to the Treasurer of one of the Lower-Tier municipalities for the purpose of receiving relief of a tax increase in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The owner or spouse of the owner or both must occupy the property as their principal residence for which the application for tax relief is made.

Applications may be filed by eligible individuals with the Treasurer of the applicants local municipality by Nov. 15, 2022 for tax relief in 2022.

Eligible property owners are entitled to tax relief provided that the said tax increase for any single year exceeds $50.00 to a maximum relief of up to $200.00 in any given year, which the Municipal Treasurer may approve or deny.

Application forms are available on the County website at http://ptbocounty.ca or by contacting your Municipal Treasurer at the local municipal office below:

• Township of Asphodel-Norwood 705-639-5343

• Township of Cavan Monaghan 705-932-2929

• Township of Douro-Dummer 705-652-8392

• Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen 705-778-2308

• Township of North Kawartha 705-656-4445

• Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan 705-295-6852

• Township of Selwyn 705-292-9507

• Municipality of Trent Lakes 705-738-3800

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Applications for Property Tax Assistance Program for Seniors now open

Applications are now available for the City of Peterborough Property Tax Assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities on low incomes.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Qualifying applicants will receive a $400 tax credit on their tax accounts which will be applied to the February 2022 interim tax bill. Applicants who previously received more than a $400 credit will be grandfathered in at their higher credit amount.

Applicants can apply under one of the following qualifications:

1. Low-income senior aged 65 years or older receiving benefits under the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Guaranteed Annual Income System.

2. Low-income senior aged 55-64 years of age with a combined taxable income of less than $30,000 per year.

3. A person with a disability on a low income receiving benefits under the ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)

Applications are available on the City’s website at www.peterborough.ca/TaxAssistance or at the City Hall Tax Office, 500 George St. N. Residents that received tax credits in 2021 will automatically receive a 2022 Property Tax Assistance application in the mail.

The deadline for submitting this application is February 11, 2022.

For further information refer to the City’s Property Tax Assistance Program on the City of Peterborough website or call the Tax Office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865.

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Ontario Expands Paramedicine for Long-Term Care Program For Peterborough and Surrounding Area

The province’s community paramedicine for long-term care program is being expanded announced by the Ontario Government at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics on Thursday.

As of June 2021, more than 38,000 people were on the waitlist to access a long-term care bed in Ontario. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Seniors in our community deserve a patient-centred health care system; one that offers excellent, high-quality care in their homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This new program will enable offer health care services in their homes, reduce emergency room visits and improve quality of life before they find a spot in long-term care.”

The program is already operational across 33 Ontario communities. It is being expanded to an additional 22 communities including Northumberland County, Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes. The program was first piloted across five communities in October 2020.

The program works alongside primary care and home and community care to provide the following services to eligible seniors: 

• Access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online supports

• Non-emergency home visits and in-home testing procedures

• Ongoing monitoring of vital signs to prevent escalation of chronic medical conditions

• Assessments, referrals, diagnostic procedures and point-of-care testing

“To have this program be fully funded is great news”, said Warden, J. Murray Jones. “We have been strongly supporting this for a very long time. Our seniors community are our family members, our parents, our grandparents, and they deserve the best. We have the talent and skill and infrastructure that can provide access to 24-7 healthcare service that is second to none. Our seniors deserve to be able to stay home and have access to a health care system that puts them first.”

Early feedback from participating communities indicates a reduction in rates of hospital admissions and an increased integration with primary care according to the press release.

The program is fully funded by the provincial government and is operated in partnership with municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards.

“Community Paramedic programs have demonstrated that they are scalable and sustainable solutions which bridge identified gaps in care locally,” said Paramedic Chief Randy Mellow. “This investment will support seniors by providing quality care and service needed to live longer and in the comfort of their homes. It will provide our seniors, their families and caregivers comfort and peace of mind they deserve while potentially delaying the need for long-term care.”

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Ontario Invests Millions In Staff For Long-Term Care Homes

The Ontario Government will provide up to $270 million this year to long-term care homes across the province to increase staffing levels, leading to more direct care for residents announced by MPP Dave Smith at Fairhaven Home on Wednesday.

(left to right) MPP Dave Smith; Mary Anne Greco, Riverview Manor Administrator; Carol Rodd, CEO St Joseph’s at Fleming; Dawn Baldwin, Extendicare administrator and Lionel Towns, Fairhaven Executive Director. Each member made speeches regarding the government funding for more healthcare staff. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This includes $3,120,446 for long-term care homes in Peterborough-Kawartha this year. By 2024, the total average increase of permanent annualized funding for long-term care homes in Peterborough-Kawartha will be $18,043,200 more than what they would receive.

This is part of the province’s commitment to ensure long-term care residents receive — on average — four hours of direct care per day by 2024-25.

It was also announced that as part of the government’s plan to fix long-term care, it will bring forward legislation that will enshrine its commitment to four hours of care into law.

“For too long, governments of all stripes have neglected and underfunded our long-term care system. We have now seen all too painfully the results of that inaction,” said Smith. “Today, that changes. $18,043,200 more in annual funding will hire thousands of new nurses, personal support workers, attendants and physiotherapists for homes across our community. Our seniors will see four hours of direct care every day by our hardworking health care professionals.”

These funds will increase care for residents at: 

• Extendicare Inc., in Lakefield, will receive up to $356,212 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $2,181,756 annually more than their current funding.  Extendicare Inc., in Peterborough, will receive up to $619,816 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $3,796,272 annually more than their current funding. 

• Fairhaven, in Peterborough, will receive up to $911,908 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $5,585,316 annually more than their current funding. 

• Riverview Manor Nursing Home, in Peterborough, will receive up to $345,530 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $2,116,320 annually more than their current funding. 

• St. Joseph’s at Fleming, in Peterborough, will receive up to $712,434 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $4,363,536 annually more than their current funding.

“We know that more qualified staff means more daily care for residents,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Hiring more staff is part of our government’s plan to fix long-term care and to improve the quality of care residents receive and the quality of life they experience.”

“This historic commitment of funding will have transformative effects on the care provided in Homes, and on the working conditions of our direct care staff,” said Lionel Towns, Executive Director of Fairhaven Long-Term Care Home.

“Our residents, their families, and our entire care team are pleased with the Ontario Government’s commitment to increase funding for Long Term Care. This funding will support a staffing model that will allow an increase in direct care time for each of our residents,” said Carol Rodd, CEO of St. Joseph’s at Fleming.

“Extendicare applauds the Ontario government for taking action on the long-standing staffing challenges that the long-term care sector has been confronting for many years,” said Dawn Baldwin, Administrator at Extendicare Lakefield. “Residents’ care needs have become increasingly complex, and this path to continued funding increases will make a real difference in delivery of safe, quality care for those we serve.”

“OMNI Health Care-Riverview Manor is thankful for the Government’s significant announcement of a $345,530 enhancement to our nursing & personal care funding for the remainder of 2021, and additional funding of $2,116,320 annually by 2024-2025. All of the funding is to be spent directly on nursing, personal care and programs, with any surplus returned to government,” said Mary Anne Greco, Administrator of Riverview Manor Nursing Home.

Residents receive an average of two hours and 45 minutes of direct care from nurses and personal support workers. This funding will increase the daily average to three hours, per resident per day by the end of this fiscal year. This funding also includes $42.8M to homes to increase care by allied health care professionals (such as physiotherapists and social workers) by 10 per cent this year.

The government is investing $4.9 billion over four years to boost direct resident care to an average of four hours daily by increasing care staff by more than 27,000 people. Hiring thousands of new staff at long-term homes and increasing the amount of care they deliver each year will be made possible by annual funding increases to homes: 

• $270 million in 2021-22 

• $673 million in 2022-23 

• $1.25 billion in 2023-24 

• $1.82 billion in 2024-25

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government introduced and had Bill 124 passed in 2019. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the announcements, several healthcare workers — mostly from St. Joseph’s — were present to support Rodd. They voiced their opinions to Smith after the media conference concerning Bill 124 if he would support the repeal.

The Bill caps wage increases to a maximum of one per cent total compensation for three years to healthcare workers.

"We just have to keep pushing forward,” said Rodd. “I think the government is doing the right things, right now. I think they are making the right moves. Giving more money to our sector is a big help. We can't thank our healthcare workers enough.”

Smith remarked that the announcements today have nothing to do Bill 124 and are focused on “increasing the amount of care for seniors.” He spoke with the concerned healthcare workers after the proceedings.

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