The Nelson and District Seniors Coordinating Society has been providing services to Nelson and area since 1998. It is the umbrella organization that encompasses the Seniors Resource Centre, Home Help Services, Seniors Counselling and Advocacy as well as the Contact Line and the Intergenerational Project for 2008.

The Society’s mandate is to operate as a nonprofit society. Services for Nelson and area are provided by a board of directors, staff and volunteers, and are directed toward older adults, although some services are available to people of all ages. The mission of the Nelson and District Seniors Coordinating Society is to provide an organized approach toward creating a society that will:

• Enhance the well being of senior residents in Nelson and area
• Gather and disseminate information relevant to Nelson seniors
• Identify gaps in service to appropriate authorities
• Establish stable and continuing funding for the programs.

The society offers a variety of services, including the following:

Seniors Resource Centre

• Income tax assistance for seniors and people with a low income
• Seniors counsellors to assist with accessing government programs
• Information and referral service
• ‘Grocery Run’ bus service
• Contact Service: volunteers call home-bound seniors regularly
• Social events
• Intergenerational Project, connecting seniors and school children

Home Help Services

Home Help Service is available to anyone requiring assistance with everyday living at an affordable price. This non-profit service is provided by experienced and qualified staff and will be expanding services as it develops. Quality control is ensured by criminal record checks, health and safety standards, and supervision.

• Cleaning and laundry
• Shopping and cooking
• Other support services

Community Education

Did you know?

• 40% of those aged 75+ fall at least once a year.

• Women are 3 times more likely than men to be hospitalized for a fall-related injury.
• 40% of hospitalizations for seniors involve hip fractures.
• Half of long-term care admissions are fall-related.
• $3 billion is spent each year on Canadian senior’s fall-related injuries.
• Other costs include pain and suffering, limited activities, fear of falling, and reduced quality of life.

To address these issues, the Society runs a falls prevention program which includes home safety checks and a winter exercise program. Trained volunteers do free home safety checks for seniors and suggest ways to prevent a fall and make the home safer. The Society also runs an indoor walking program in the winter months so that seniors can stay active without the risk of falling on icy streets.

The Society also offers workshops on health and safety issues and volunteer training for senior-focused programs.

Get Involved

The Society encourages people of all ages in the community to volunteer, as many of our services do not have the funds to be run by paid staff. The Society offers volunteer training to help volunteers develop skills for working with seniors who may be vulnerable.

To contact the Seniors Coordinating Society phone 352-6008 or email sencoord@netidea.com. Visit the website at http://www.seniors.kics.bc.ca