by The Standard | Podcast January 27th, 2022 https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Silver-Lights-seeing-increase-Jan-27th-2022.wav
DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Silver Lights Senior Services has seen an increased need for the services they offer.
“Families don’t want to put their loved ones into long-term care. They want to keep them at home. So, that’s why my services have increased,” business owner Tammy Adams told The Standard.
Some of the services the business offers to seniors in Lindsay, Port Perry, Uxbridge and the surrounding areas include: taking them to medical appointments or out grocery shopping, helping them with linen changes and laundry, and driving them to the airport. They’ve also recently added Personal Support Worker (PSW) services.
The business’ website describes how Silver Lights helps its clients.
“Silver Lights Senior Services was created to help the seniors of Kawartha Lakes and Durham regions maintain their independence, by offering a trusted companion to give you a hand for the things you need. With a focus on companionship and accompanying clients to appointments, errands, and getting groceries, Silver Lights provides the highest level of quality service. Whether you’re with us one time, weekly, or with a friend, we will help you live your best quality of life.”
There’s also been a change to help families afford services.
“I was always approved for the Veterans Association benefit plan. I’ve also been approved for a lot of other ones like Green Shield. There’s a list of them now, which is new, so the families don’t have to fork out all of the money; it can go through the benefits now,” Mrs. Adams said. However, the business has recently struggled to access COVID-19 rapid tests.
“I can’t get a hold of them, and yet I am an essential service. With the government, I can’t get any of them from them,” Mrs. Adams explained. “They’ve said they are not taking any more applications right now. I guess they’re so busy. But, I have tried everywhere. You know, the most important thing about that is, I like to have my staff checked at least two times a week. I want to make sure they’re all clear before they go into a client’s home.”
As Mrs. Adams has witnessed, this pandemic has been hard on seniors.
“I’ve seen a lot of loneliness,” she shared. “Their families either don’t live around the area, so they never get to see them, or some of my clients just don’t have family. But I see a difference in them [when they are provided with these services.] Their personality comes back, having someone there all of the time. They look forward to it.”
For more information on Silver Lights, such as the full list of services they offer, go online, to silverlightsseniorservices.com or call 705-308-1940.