Candies are sweet, yes? They trigger memories throughout our lives and are metaphors for qualities we value. We give them as gifts out of love or appreciation, recognition or encouragement. This week, the wife of one of our Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors participants brought in several rolls of an old favourite, Life Savers, to distribute to the staff and volunteers as a thank you because, she said, “You have saved my life. You are lifesavers.” This was the second time I’d heard that said in a short time.
One day this month, volunteers, participants, some caregivers, family and staff brainstormed on what TAPS meant to them. They offered a wide range of images, qualities and things they liked and why they come here:
The Awesome People Society; this has saved my life, I have to come here; I feel good when I come; boosts my spirit; loving; songs; food; meals; joy; happy; smiles; it’s like a bee, chickadees, butterfly, swallows, robin, songbirds; free flowing; not bound; free to be; it’s like a pussy cat (a friend), a tiger (power); alive; laughter; feeling of well-being; companionship; it’s a community; it’s like a Christmas cactus; it brightens up the day; it is like a rose; growing old is fun when you come here; you can count on the bus; outings ; community participation; learn new things every time we come; multiple ages, nationalities, personalities; diversity; tolerance; accommodating; freedom from chores (much laughter); activities; enjoyment; getting out; away from four walls; fuels my independence; safe.
Now located on the same grounds as the Creston and District Community Complex, in the lower level of the Rotacrest Hall, you can see the familiar TAPS buses parked outside. The New Horizons Seniors Society continues with its program offerings having relocated to the newly renovated upper level. Their pool room remains on the lower level and we imagine over time there will be more opportunities for shared use.
A surprise addition to our resources is an iPad from Columbia Basin Trust. TAPS participated in an online survey and was a successful winner. Thank you, CBT!
St Patrick’s Day shenanigans with skits, limericks, music and singalongs were a great hit at TAPS, then we moved on to Crest View Village and Swan Valley Lodge to share the fun.
On March 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. you are invited to an open house to celebrate the re-location of TAPS and the launch of the Better At Home program. Ashlene Chadburn is asking for people to RSVP to 250-428-5520 if you think you’ll be there for lunch.
TAPS will be running a program funded by a Columbia Basin Trust social grant starting March 30 for eight weeks. A second eight-week program will be offered in the fall. Moving Along Together is a free program for people and their families affected by memory changes. For more information on the program, how to register and who it would benefit, please contact TAPS at 250-428-5585.
As always, we thank those who have and continue to make this program possible through financial donations, time, partnerships and more.
Maureen Cameron is the community liaison development co-ordinator for the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors, a program run by Valley Community Services.
