For the last decade, the Oasis program has been helping Kingston seniors live independently in their homes longer, by providing them a space to be social, get active and enjoy a meal.
When it comes to her morning coffee, Katherine Kroff likes a few laughs with her cream and sugar.
The 94-year-old lives alone, but she doesn’t have to travel far to be social.
That’s because Kroff is part of the Oasis Senior Supportive Living Inc. program with Providence Care.
Katherine Kroff said she never misses morning coffee. The 94-year-old has been with the Oasis program since it began a decade ago.
The Oasis program helps Kingston seniors live independently in their homes longer, by providing them a space to be social, get active and enjoy a meal.
The program was created by Christine McMillan, a senior herself, while doing research with the Kingston Council on Aging.
It began in Homestead Landholdings’ Bowling Green apartment complex, a decade ago.
That’s where Kroff lives.
“I’m having a fabulous time,” Kroff beamed. “I come down here every morning and have coffee, never miss it and there’s all these people to talk to, what could be better?”
Pearl Larsen agreed. The 80-year-old, affectionately known as the ‘young one’ by her peers, said the program not only gives seniors activities to do, but it’s also creating bonds.
“We all care about each other,” Larsen explained. “It’s not like living in one of the other apartments where you feel lost. Here you don’t, because someone is always smiling or asking ‘how are you doing today?’’
Both Kroff and Larsen have been with the program since the start, but Ada Gropp is the new ‘kid’ on the block.
The 90-year-old signed up a year ago, and said her experience has been extremely positive.
“I think it’s the best thing since sliced bread,” Gropp exclaimed. “I really think at this stage of life, loneliness is a real problem. Our families are all over, so we’ve created a new family here.”
When new tenants move into the building, they’re given an Oasis welcome handbook that outlines the program.
Funded by the South East Local Health Integration Network, it’s free to join for people 65 years of age or older. People under 65 who live with a disability can also sign up.
It runs Mondays to Fridays. There are daily activities, exercise and fall prevention classes, and three times a week there are catered meals, at a subsidized cost.
In addition to daily activities, seniors can also take part in exercise and fall prevention classes.
The seniors get full say on what activities are offered and if they wish to participate.
“It’s a very simplistic program, that really wants to keep seniors out of a nursing home,” Tina Carson, Program Manager said.
“Seniors have a right to stay in their own homes, and they have a right to good health. The program opens up a whole new world for them. They feel like they’re a large family and do not feel scared or alone. Feelings of depression, illness, and loneliness are greatly reduced by being part of this community.”
Carson also does health checks and if necessary makes referrals.
The Oasis Board teamed up with Providence Care last fall to not only be a service provider, but also to help expand the program within the region and across Ontario.
“Since Oasis is a very small organization reliant on a volunteer board, it has been a great weight off the Board’s shoulders to know that we can rely on the professional expertise of Providence Care,” Helen Cooper, Oasis Board President said.
“It really does feel like a community within a community,” Ben Gooch, Regional Director of Community Support Programs, added.
“We’re a leading provider of care in aging, mental health and rehabilitation in the region, and that really is the nexus of what Oasis does for people. It allows people to age in place, in the community of their choosing and it’s a really great fit with Providence Care.”
Queen’s University is also involved with the expansion. It recently secured three provincial grants, totaling more than $1 million dollars, to study the Oasis model.
“From what anecdotal evidence we do have at this point, our Board is convinced that Oasis is making a difference in people’s lives by deferring or eliminating the need for institutional long- term care and emergency health services,” Cooper said.
So far, there are plans to start up three new Oasis programs in Kingston and one in Belleville.
With help from McMaster and Western Universities, two more Oasis locations will open in Hamilton and London.
Kroff and Larsen say the Oasis program has changed their lives.
Back at the Bowling Green, Kroff credits the program for changing her life.
“When you come down here, you just feel it in the air, the happiness that’s here. I am so happy, I am so grateful and I am so thankful every day.”
Programs for seniors are absolutely valuable
To continue to stimulate, socialize, and gain and maintain relationship
In any age group but especially seniors is vital.
As they grow older there are many losses.
Whether it be a significant partner, friends or family and
Also things we take for granted, driving, sight, mobility etc
These all play a role on overall health and well being.
Groups like this give back, support and give meaning to life for many seniors.
Our society has changed through the decades where community and family
Are not the center in many lives any more. We have to bring back
This holistic approach and engage our seniors and
Also engage them within the broad spectrum of age groups.
I’d like to see this more and hope it becomes the norm or core of
Our society. Bringing generations back together is a win win for all
I am a 78yr old widow with limited income wanting a 2 bedroom apt in the Kingston area with the Oasis program. . ie Bowling Green 2.
I am still a registered nurse currently registered in the Province of Ontario.
I would enjoy doing group therapy to help those with age related illnesses.
You would have a resident RN in house if you accepted me as one of your lucky tenants.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely
Linda Jackson
Hi Linda, thanks very much for your email. Are you able to email info@providencecare.ca with the above information? From there I can connect you with the appropriate contact for Oasis.