ROSSS helps rural seniors stay at home

Posted Jan 12, 2012 By Dosi Cotroneo

EMC News - Longtime Manotick resident Mary Loftus has had a lot to be happy about this holiday season. After a number of brief stints in hospital, Loftus is settled in at home, living independently with the much appreciated support of the Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS).

"If it wasn't for ROSSS and their wonderful volunteers, I just don't know how I could manage," said Loftus. "It would be utterly impossible for me to remain in my home." ROSSS is a non-profit charitable organization created in the spring of 2011 when the Rideau Community Support Services merged with the Osgoode Home Support Program. Striving to be a centre of excellence in the delivery of rural community support services, ROSSS also advocates and champions the rights of seniors, caregivers, and adults with physical disabilities.

"ROSSS has helped me with the delivery of meals, drives to my doctor's appointments, and in doing so, have alleviated much stress from my life," said Loftus. "I just don't know what I would have done on my own without them." Loftus is one of the hundreds of rural residents who receive support from ROSSS's programs. During the week, ROSSS volunteers deliver hot noon meals through their Meals on Wheels program. This not only provides hot, nutritious meals, but also allows volunteers to check up on the wellness of their clients.

They report to the office if clients are unwell and need assistance or do not respond to a meal delivery.

Meals are also available for special dietary restrictions such as diabetic, low salt and low fat. Often times, ROSSS Meals on Wheels volunteers are the only people some of their clients will come into face-to-face contact with that day.

Whether providing nutritious meals or coordinating transportation, ROSSS's mission is to help seniors and adults with physical disabilities live safely in their own home and community as long as they are able.

Research has shown that people live longer, healthier and happier lives when they can stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by the people and things they love. ROSSS believes that geography shouldn't be a barrier to care.

Programs and services include transportation - individual drives to and from doctor's appointments, and weekly shopping buses into the city. Meal services including Meels onWheels, frozen meals, and a social dining program. House and home help from housekeeping to home maintenance, spring and fall clean up, and snow removal.

Caregiver services and support provides caregiver training and support as well as respite care, friendly visiting and telephone assurance. ROSSS's social recreational programs include trips, men's and women's groups, fitness, card groups, and knitting groups.

Their personal care program offers assistive devices, foot care, hearing aid batteries, driver refresher courses, income tax assistance, and emergency preparedness.

None of these programs would be possible if it wasn't for ROSSS's team of dedicated volunteers who are making all of the difference in the lives of rural residents who want to remain living in their homes. ROSSS is always on the lookout for dependable, energetic volunteers to join their team. Help with fundraising is also always welcome.

ROSSS's funders and faithful donors make it possible for them to serve hundreds of seniors and people who have disabilities every year. ROSSS is supported in its work by the United Way, the City of Ottawa, the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), service clubs, private donations, and fundraising events.

For more information, contact 613-692-4697 or visit the web site at www.rosss.ca.