Two community-based recreation therapists are looking to help seniors in the Drumheller, Hanna, and Three Hills areas get connected with community services and programs after nearly two years of isolation.
Lisa Orton and Kim Larsen started the temporary one-year position in July 2021, working with several organizations in the community, including Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) senior services coordinator Rose Poulson, and nurses with the Big Country Primary Care Network, to help seniors get reconnected.
Although isolation has been felt across all demographics, seniors have been among the most vulnerable and have faced further isolation; many seniors do not have access to technology or have a limited computer and technology literacy. This has also posed additional hurdles as programs and services resume as many seniors are not on social media and are unaware of announcements made online, leaving programs not well attended.
Orton and Larsen have developed a resource guide brochure to help seniors know how and where they can access services and programs, with contact names and numbers for various resources. The brochure is expected to be updated regularly to ensure it is kept up-to-date with current information.
Seniors looking for ways to connect to local groups or programs can contact Orton and Larsen at (403) 820-7297 for more information.
