To address the real need for a service that would educate and support seniors in the Westshore instead of them having to come into Victoria, the Westshore Seniors Networking Group has come together in the last year with the help of founder Nicole Donaldson.
Typically, the senior population isn’t always keen on venturing significantly far from home. Recent statistics show that the senior population in the Westshore has increased by over 54% in the last year alone.
The group is a non-profit organization made up of 40 businesses that support seniors in the Westshore area (View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, Sooke and Highlands). The businesses are either located in the Westshore or they are mobile. The supports and services range anywhere from housekeeping, companionship and homecare to financial planning, moving/downsizing and funeral planning.
As a group, we hold monthly meetings, Senior Forums, attend local fairs and have a Westshore Seniors Directory and Website in the works. We recently had a booth at the “Return to Health” fair at the Royal Jubilee Hospital and had a great turnout. We have a table at the Metchosin Wellness Fair this Saturday, October 20th, and a table at the “Return to Health” fair at the Victoria General Hospital on Monday, November 19th.
The group is currrently exploring a volunteer program. Details should be available in the new year.
Classic LifeCare is an active member of the group focusing on assisting seniors in taking full advantage of the moments that matter most to them.
Brandi Harrison is the Victoria Branch Manager for Classic LifeCare. She joined the Westshore Seniors Networking Group this year.
