The ideas for this column often come from people who call the Caregivers Support Network Office for information or who speak to us after presentations. In this case, adult children have expressed concern about the well-being and safety of their parent who is living alone. They are looking for ideas to help reduce the risks while encouraging and respecting the independence of their family member. Here are some suggestions to help establish a network of “guardian angels” to maintain regular contact:

· Determine when contact is most necessary. Contact is more important at some times than at others. For example, your housebound father may need cheering up on the evenings when he formerly visited the Legion hall. Or your mother-in-law may need a phone call reminding her to take her morning medication. In planning a schedule of contact, start with these high-priority times.

· Compile a list of contacts. Do you know who visits or phones your elder regularly? There may be family members and friends. What about neighbours and acquaintances from social clubs or church? Try to determine when and how often each of these individuals contacts your elder.

· Co-ordinate the contacts. Organize the existing contacts into a regular schedule, making sure that critical times are covered. This process doesn’t have to be formal. It can be as simple as deciding that you, your brother and your sister will call your mother on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays respectively.

· Fill in the gaps. If you find yourself in need of more “angels” ask other friends and relatives for help. They won’t all say yes, but you can’t expect others simply to sense your elder’s needs. Accept varying levels of participation. A visit is great. But even the limited involvement of a neighbour who agrees to keep an eye on your elder’s home can contribute to his or her safety and your peace of mind.

· Call on service providers. Look beyond your circle of acquaintances. Most communities (Muskoka & Parry Sound included) have private or government-sponsored home care services provided by friendly visitors, visiting homemakers and nurses. These individuals can add to the contact your elder enjoys. In addition to in-home services, there are commercial and volunteer services that can monitor your elder regularly by phone, either by calling him or her according to a set schedule or by requiring your elder to check in by phone at a particular time.

· Plan for emergencies. Give all guardian angels clear instructions about what to do in an emergency. Everyone involved in the care of your elder should have a list of numbers to call for help, including your own. In addition, consider giving a spare key to a trusted neighbour. Many elders rely on emergency response services which spring into action when they push an alert button.

This plan is based on the simple premise that you can’t weave a safety net from a single strand.

This means that you can contribute more to your elder’s safety and independence by organizing a network of contacts than by becoming a one-person surveillance team. As the demands of caregiving increase, you will find that the band of guardian angels you have organized will sustain your own health and independence as well. (Adapted with the kind permission of Mark Bachmann, Editor, Eldercare Newsletter, Vol 2, No. 4, July/August 1994)

A guardian angel who will be missed.: The sudden death of Allan McLaren on November 25 has caused great sadness amongst those who appreciated his work on behalf of seniors. Allan was the first President of Muskoka Network Against Elder Abuse and up to the time of his death, he worked with dedication and passion to bring awareness about preventing abuse to the whole Muskoka community. His death leaves a huge void; his legacy is the tremendous work he accomplished both locally and provincially. As recently as Nov 14, he worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the community forum held in Huntsville and contributed to the networking day on Nov. 20 hosted by the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in Toronto. Back to Volunteer Recognition

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