Seniors’ Situation Room Edition 8 by Dawn Ford

CFN – I had the opportunity to speak with Gary R. Easton, D. Ch. of FootMed, a Chiropody Clinic. I asked him if some needy seniors had problems financially having foot care. He told me that he has clients who have financial difficulties, including seniors who are of great concern to him. And, although he gets referrals from the Diabetic Clinic and other agencies for seniors who are in need, he is careful to makes sure that they have access to foot care regardless of having to lower his fees or help them in any way he can. We talked about how important looking after our feet is to our general health. Dr. Easton was adamant about helping people who, regardless of financial restraints, were in dire need of care for their feet. When I left his office, I felt that I had been in the presence of a caring health professional who was also a very nice human being.

As you probably know by now the results are in from the Cornwall Transit Survey. It was to their satisfaction to read of the praise of the service and bus drivers by those who completed it, I am sure. Everyone I have talked to applauded Cornwall Transit for their efforts to provide the best bus service possible. The results show that they have done an excellent job. I was also delighted to see that they are considering service on Sundays for a seven day bus run but, the big factor will be the cost involved. No mention of holiday service, but one step at a time. We will be waiting to see if we get Sunday service which will make life more pleasant and easier for so many people . One lady who is excited about it told me that if we get Sunday service she is going back to church. It is nice for those who want to use it on Sunday to be able to make plans for Sundays. We will hope and pray that, somehow, Sunday bus service will be starting as soon as the planning is completed.

Thi summer Zoomer Magazine (CARP) published some findings on the percentages of seniors living in poverty in Ontario, which sparked my interest to know what percentages are in this area. I called our local M.P.P. Jim McDonnell’s office and spoke to David Murphy. Within a short time, David had sent to me the EOHU website which showed a graph of the SD&G area. It is a 2005 graft which is seven years old but appears to be the latest we can find. I have to assume that the percentage is probably even higher today. No wonder we have seniors who cannot afford hearing aids, glasses and dental work. I have been told that the last week before ‘pay day’ when the pension checks come out is financially a pretty tight one for some of our seniors who can not even afford to go for a coffee and doughnut at Tim’s or bus fare to get there. Looking at the graph you can see that apparently many are living at or below the poverty line.

Prevalence of Low Income Before Tax in 2005 for Total Person

In visiting my friend at the Villa, we sometimes eat in the cafeteria where two lovely ladies, Audrey and Linda , are on duty at any given time to serve us. Both of them go out of their way to be kind and make us feel at home . Kudos Linda and Audrey for being extra special.

There may be some news in the future on the availability of recycling used hearing aids and glasses. Two wonderful ladies, Sharon and Sue, are presently working on it. I will keep you posted as information becomes available.

Some years ago I went to the Galaxy Cinema for the first time to see the movie “Sea Biscuit.” I couldn’t believe how loud it was. I remember turning my hearing aids off and worrying about the hearing of the people, especially the children in the theater. I called Dr. Bourdeau’s office at the Health Unit to complain and voice my concerns, but I was told that ‘hearing’ didn’t come under the jurisdiction of the Health Unit. I thought sickness prevention did. I went to see the latest James Bond movie last night and the noise pollution was terrible. I didn’t like the awful violence and inhumanity anyway, but the many explosions and other big booms were so loud and overwhelming and I felt tired after I left. I cannot believe that level of noise is good for anyone. Why does it have to be so loud?? Can’t anyone change that to protect our hearing and that of our children?

It’s always fun to go to the Family Restaurant at any holiday time because Henry decorates the restaurant with beautiful and interesting things for young and old. This Christmas is no exception. The other thing I like about this restaurant is the fact that the washrooms are immaculate at all times. It must be the cleanest in town. It must be checked every ten minutes or so because any time you go in, day or evening, they are clean, clean, clean. Kudos.

When you stop believing in Santa Claus is when you start getting clothes for Christmas.

A little girl climbed onto Santa’s lap. Santa asked the usual, “And what would you like for Christmas?” The child stared at him open-mouthed and horrified for a moment, then gasped: ” Didn’t you get my e-mail?”

Have a good week, Dawn

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