Words & Photos Mount Newton Centre Society
The Mount Newton Centre Society is a registered non-profit that helps Peninsula seniors live independently at home as long as possible.
As we recognize International Women’s Day, the Mount Newton Centre Society has a dedicated group of women to honour as its founders. In 1977, Physiotherapist Pat Paterson became concerned that many elderly people were being placed in long-term care when there might be an alternative.
Pat, along with Ann Spicer, had an idea that an old farmhouse adjacent to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital could work as a place to run a day care centre that would combat isolation and contribute to a high level of individual independence for clients and give some relief to their caregivers at the same time.
Kay Clark, a social worker, joined this vision and it was realized in 1978 when they opened the Old John Farmhouse and the Mount Newton Society for the Elderly.
Registered Nurse, Patsy Berger-North, was hired as the Society’s first Executive Director. She dedicated herself to growing and sustaining the Centre until her retirement in 2016.
“Now, along with the Adult Day Program, we provide a Community Bathing Program for those who can no longer safely bathe at home; a Foot Care Nurse; and a Health Equipment Lending Program – our Loan Cupboard,” says Executive Director Laura Lavin. “While our Adult Day Program receives some funding from Island Health, our Bathing Program and Loan Cupboard are primarily funded by donations from our community.”
The Loan Cupboard supports Peninsula residents by providing health equipment to those who need it. People can borrow crutches, canes or commodes to help them recover from surgery or an accident, and things like walkers and bedrails to help keep them safe in their home.
The Loan Cupboard started in a little garage with two wheelchairs and a pair of wooden crutches, these days a person recovering from joint surgery could need up to 20 pieces of equipment for recovery. “Our plans include increasing the size of the Loan Cupboard to enlarge our cleaning and drying area,” says Laura.
“I can explain that we provide a therapeutic health program that includes games and activities that stimulate cognitive abilities and physical activation in vulnerable seniors, but more than that, the Mount Newton Centre provides seniors an outing to look forward to; a place to meet new people and share stories; the chance to sing and dance, try a new activity or game – and above all, the opportunity to make new friends and forge real connections that many of our seniors would not be able to otherwise.”
For more information phone 250-652-3432 or visit www.mountnewtoncentre.org.
