Memorable Connections providing subsidized senior care this summer

Memorable Moments Senior Care Services is now providing subsidized programming for its non-profit division Memorable Connections for the summer, thanks to fundraisers like the annual hockey tournament and donors.

Memorable Connections provides dementia care through recreation for seniors with dementia and their families. The community outing and the all-day Thursday option, brunch and baking programs will offer lower costs for June to August. It will be $35 per session to participate in the baking program, $5 per session for the brunch program, $20 per outing and $25 per session for the all-day outing group.

Executive director Erin Kloot said that being able to provide subsidized programming through a non-profit model has been a goal of hers, especially since she knows the cost through running a for-profit service as well.

"I understand how expensive senior care can get, especially for this vulnerable population and just the way the economy is right now just in general for everybody, it's hard,” she said. “So, to be able to offer a subsidized program where it just allows them to be able to afford to get out is really nice.”

The groups are small and always have a waitlist, but there’s lots of community building through the activities and outings. Kloot noticed that her clients are typically happier after participating in one of the groups.

“It allows everyone to form a close community and it allows everyone to participate fully. It allows us staff to be able to give more attention to everyone as well and ensure that everybody's participating,” she said.

The outings range from a variety of activities including trips to Black Creek Flower Farm, the Boathouse Stratford and enjoying a meal by the Avon River. There are also spontaneous outings depending on weather and staff availability.

"For example, today we had KFC at the river just because the group wanted to so we can always offer some extra programs that might not be our formalized scheduled programs,” Kloot said.

For more information about the programs, either call 519-275-4902 or send an email to memorableconnections@outlook.com.