The current COVID situation has had a tremendous impact on everyone, yet seniors are even more affected and isolated because of it. Many seniors’ residences, and particularly long-term care homes, have had to implement strict visitation policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This has been exceedingly difficult on seniors living in residences and equally difficult for family members who are unable to see their loved ones. There has been a surge of video conferencing to bridge the gap and to help with increasing isolation and loneliness.
In less than a month, “iPads for Seniors’ Residences” campaign created and lead by Lianas Senior Transition Support, in collaboration with West Island Community Shares, fundraised over $14,000. This has enabled us to supply 22 CHSLD's and seniors residences with free iPads and accompanying stands. The iPads will assist frontline workers in their efforts to improve the quality of life of senior residents and their families.
Today’s distribution at the Bayview CHSLD as well as residents from other seniors’ residences already using the iPads."
“We would like to thank all the generous individuals and anonymous donors who contributed to this campaign. We would also like to thank our senior living communities for all their efforts to support our seniors in these unprecedented times. We trust the iPads will play a small yet important role in the enhancement and quality of life for the residents and their families and friends. We want to ensure that iPads are put to good use in enhancing the lives of the seniors and their families through video conferencing and the many apps available to improve health and wellbeing.” - Matt Del Vecchio and Stefanie Cadou, Lianas Senior Transition Support
“We strongly believe that this campaign has all the key elements to have a real impact in the lives of our seniors on the West Island. We are proud to collaborate with Matt Del Vecchio and Stefanie Cadou from Lianas Senior Transition Support. West Island Community Shares supports services provided to isolated seniors and this amazing initiative is one of the many projects we are happy to be involved with. In the near future, when possible and while respecting all public health guidelines, we plan to pair seniors with young volunteers, to teach them one-on-one how to use the iPads, play games, have fun while stimulating brain activity, keep them busy and break isolation by interacting with young people," said Sophie McCann, Executive Director, West Island Community Shares.
About Matt Del Vecchio and Stefanie Cadou, Lianas Senior Transition Support: Matt is the owner of Lianas Services Senior Transition Support. He is also co-host of a weekly radio show called “Life Unrehearsed” on CJAD800 in Montreal. He is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA). Matt’s spouse, Stefanie is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES Certified) and residential real estate broker with Royal Lepage Village. Her specialty is Seniors in Transition and she was the recent recipient of the Royal Lepage Platinum Award recognizing their top brokers in Quebec. Stefanie works closely with families throughout the process of downsizing, moving, and maximizing the value and sale of the family home. They have been featured on Global Television, BNN, CJAD, Westmount Neighbours Magazine, The Suburban, Senior Times and the Montreal Gazette to discuss the ever-evolving trend of seniors in transition.
About West Island Community Shares
West Island Community Shares is a unique charitable organization dedicated to building a strong, inclusive, peaceful and healthy community. They do this by raising crucial funds for 40 local community groups which focus on developing strong and resilient children, creating bridges to support vulnerable populations, empowering women to reach their full potential for themselves and their families, and providing basic necessities to West Islanders in need. For more information: CommunityShares.ca.
As more and more fundraising events are being cancelled, and knowing that all of the community organizations will be financially impacted by COVID-19, they are setting up a WEST ISLAND SOLIDARITY FUND to support those adversely affected. Most of the 41 community organizations supported by Community Shares, have little resources to fundraise, and even less to fundraise during these difficult times. Community Shares wants to make sure that crucial services are available for those who need it. Please consider donating now!
