WHAT HAVE WE DONE WITH YOUR MONEY?
2006/2007 HIGHLIGHTS

Through our Comforts of Home Campaign launched in the summer/fall of 2006, the Foundation has been raising funds for several project-based upgrades for the Glengarry, Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie and Priory care facilities. These include upgrading the bathing rooms, visiting areas and gardens as well as building new palliative care rooms. Many projects are in the works already, but funds will not be disbursed by the Foundation until they are needed to complete these projects. In addition to those bigger projects, this fiscal year the Foundation was able to provide grants of $217,267 for the following:

Equipment - $145,328

Wheelchairs are always on the Foundation's wish list. In 2006/2007 the Foundation purchased nine specialty wheelchairs to meet the changing needs of our resident population. Included were three bariatric wheelchairs to accommodate larger residents. As you can imagine, when it comes to wheelchairs "one size does not fit all" and a properly sized wheelchair can make all the difference to enhanced comfort and independence.

Physical therapy equipment was purchased to assist our residents in building increased strength and greater mobility. The Foundation also purchased another Motomed exerciser for the residents at Glengarry. The Motomed is like a stationery bicycle trainer that can be used by a person in their wheelchair. The Motomed was so popular at Glengarry that another one was needed to accommodate the number of residents wishing to use it regularly!

Lift Transfer Devices are still a priority for the Foundation as we work to replace older models with current technology to better accommodate comfort and safety for both the residents and staff. This year three new mobile lifts were purchased by the Foundation. One went to the Western Community Adult Day Centre for use in the community bathing program, the second was granted to the Priory's Hiscock Unit and the third is in use at the Hillside Seniors Health Centre's Community Bathing Spa.

Ten specialized shower commode chairs were purchased by the Foundation this past year. Four each for Glengarry and the Piercy Respite Hotel , with the remaining two to Aberdeen.

Through a grant from the TB Vets, the Foundation purchased 8 oxygen concentrators and 8 nebulizers for use at our care facilities. Oxygen concentrators sit at the bedside and provide continuous or intermittent oxygen for residents who are suffering from respiratory disorders. Nebulizers provide a treatment that might be applied several times per day to moisturize the airway or to administer medication to the lungs of individuals who may be suffering from constriction or narrowing of their airway. Each machine could help as many as 20 residents over the period of one year.

Specialty Mattresses are always on our 'wish list' and this year we purchased two AtmosAir therapeutic mattresses at a cost of $3,500 each. These mattresses help reduce skin breakdown, often resulting from time spent confined to bed, and provide comfort for the resident.

Gardens - $2,189

Gardens are a big part of our Comforts of Home Campaign and we have projects planned which we are aiming to complete in time for next summer' enjoyment. This year, the Foundation purchased garden benches and patio furniture for the enclosed Respite garden that is shared by both the residents of Aberdeen and the guests at the Piercy Respite Hotel.

Renovations and Furnishings - $33,363

As funds are raised through our Comforts of Home Campaign projects on our wish list are undertaken. Renovations to the Priory Hiscock's Ashgrove Unit bathing room are currently underway. The Foundation granted $10,000 towards this $28,000 renovation with VIHA paying the balance. The new tub for the Ashgrove bathing room will be purchased by the Foundation this fall along with four more tubs for bathing room projects at Glengarry, Aberdeen and Mt. Tolmie.

The Aberdeen Lobby and the Lansdowne Visiting nook have new furniture thanks to generous donations from our supporters. The Fry visiting area, just off the Aberdeen Lobby, is currently receiving a facelift too thanks to donations to our Comforts of Home Campaign.

Resident Comfort, Entertainment
& Program Support Grants - $22,609

Glengarry, Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie and Priory all received funding for entertainment and outings for the residents this year thanks to grants from the Foundation. As well we were able to provide special treats for the residents throughout the year and Christmas gift bags for those who otherwise would receive no gift on Christmas morning.

Music Therapy is a very important part of the programming at Glengarry, Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie and Priory and is funded entirely through the generous support of the Foundation's donors. Since 2002 when the Foundation first started funding this program at the Priory, Music Therapy has become a valued part of the residents' lives at all our sites. Family members are delighted to see withdrawn loved ones respond to the words of a familiar song or a stroke victim regain communication skills through singing exercises. Staff members find the weekly sessions a wonderful antidote for the constant anxiety of many Alzheimer's patients.

Staff education is an important element in providing enhanced care for our residents. The Foundation is proud to provide funding support to further the education and knowledge of our caring and dedicated staff.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations and service clubs, the Eldercare Foundation was able to provide funding support to the following programs and facilities this past year: Pastoral Care Department, Western Community Adult Day Centre, Community Bathing Program, Piercy Respite Hotel and Yakimovich Wellness Centre. The Foundation's Embrace Aging Month initiative, held in March 2007, received kudos from seniors and their family members. It was a wonderful celebration of positive aging and served to connect people with community resources to assist them in navigating the journey of aging. The Foundation also granted funds for the "Best Friends Approach" conference, which provided education to both staff and family caregivers working with and/or living with people afflicted by dementia.

Our heartfelt thanks is extended to all who have given to the Eldercare Foundation in support of the elderly over this past year. Your compassion and generosity is as inspiring as it is helpful. We will do our utmost to be worthy of the trust yuou place in us to use your gifts wisely.