Moments of connection matter so much to quality of life.
Alan Marrison and his wife Patricia were married for 52 years before she passed away.
“We were inseparable, joined at the hip,” Alan recalls. “When I lost her, I was lost.” Fortunately, when he needed community most, Better Living Health and Community Services was there.
Patricia spent nearly two years residing at Better Living at Thompson House, a 136-bed long-term care home, following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Alan knew his wife was in good hands because her mother had spent nearly 17 years at the residence as well.
“We had lots of experience with Thompson House and there was nowhere else I would have trusted with Patricia,” he says. “She had a great relationship with the staff.” Alan visited her as much as possible, playing her favourite Neil Diamond songs and making the most of their time together.
Beyond the quality health care offered at Thompson House, Alan appreciated the social connections it provided both his mother-in-law and then Patricia. Staff ensured the women were able to participate in games and group meals.
It’s these moments of connection that matter so much to quality of life. Unfortunately, government funding doesn’t cover these aspects of Better Living’s operations. As Vice President of Philanthropy, people are often surprised when I tell them just how critical donor support is to our work!
It’s only with the help of caring people like you that we can provide exceptional long-term care and ensure everyone in our community has a place where they belong.
Alan knows just how important that companionship can be. After Patricia passed away, a bereavement counsellor at Thompson House told Alan about a new group at Better Living called Men’s Shed.
Recognizing that many men’s primary social relationships happen through the workplace, Men’s Shed aims to provide community connection for retired men. Alan started attending in 2019 and has never looked back. He’s now been the group’s leader for several years.
“It’s all about preventing isolation,” he says. “The community you’re building is great. It helps you feel like you’re not alone.”
Men’s Shed is just one example of the 100+ vital programs Better Living Health and Community Services offers seniors every season – programs made possible through donations from the community.
Thousands of community members like Alan depend on Better Living to enhance their quality of life. In addition to compassionate long-term care, you can help deliver programming including:
- Physical activities, seminars, and workshops dedicated to health awareness and overall health maintenance
- Lifelong learning classes and workshops
- Arts and crafts activities
- Social groups like Men’s Shed
- … And so much more!
With the local population aging quickly, we need your help to support more people like Alan and Patricia.
Make a gift today to ensure no one has to navigate the challenges of growing older alone. Every dollar matters when it comes to uplifting seniors in our community!
Please, donate now to support more families like Alan’s.
With thanks,
Jennifer Adams
Vice President, Philanthropy
Better Living Charitable Foundation
P.S. Loneliness has a major impact on the health and wellbeing of seniors. By reaching out today, you can give more people the gift of belonging.