Toronto, ON – December. 11, 2018 – Did you know, according to recent Statistics Canada data, as many as 1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely?[1] Each year, these seniors have fewer family members and friends to provide company and care to them, which often can lead to social isolation. The holidays can be especially hard for those who are living independently and may feel lonely.
That’s why the Home Instead Senior Care® Office serving Toronto West is inviting the community to come together to provide gifts and holiday cheer to seniors who may be isolated from friends or family this holiday season through its Be a Santa to a Senior® program. In the 15 years since the program’s creation, more than 2 million gifts have been provided across North America to over 750,000 seniors in need.
“Be a Santa to a Senior” helps bring comfort and a smile to many seniors. It shows them that people care about them and see them as an important part of the community,” said Mark MacLean of the Toronto West Home Instead Senior Care office. “Social isolation is a concern among seniors and the holidays often intensify feelings of distance and loneliness. When we deliver the gifts and spend quality time with them, it makes a big difference.”
Be a Santa to a Senior is a true community program, getting generous support from Toronto West businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community. The local Home Instead Senior Care office has partnered with RBC, Castleview Wychwood Towers, Toronto Western Hospital, Accenture, Albourne Partners Ltd., and Hillcrest Community School to help with gift collection and distribution.
“We’re always excited to see how much Be a Santa to a Senior boosts seniors’ spirits during the holiday season,” said MacLean. “And we are grateful to be a part of a community that comes together to make this happen.”
For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.ca or call 416-531-6881.
For more information about how you can help seniors in isolation in your community, visit imreadytocare.ca
[1] Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Catalogue 82-003- X2016:Vol.24,No 3
ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 60 million hours of care throughout Canada and 11 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 70,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network partners with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.
Contact: Lauren Treadgold
Telephone: 416-645-8183