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Krista Pederson settles into SAIL

Westman communities have services to help seniors enjoy independence.

Virden’s Seniors Access to Independent Living (S.A.I.L.) has a new coordinator. Krista Pederson had been working part-time with Leona Joseph. When, after 25 years with SAIL, Joseph was ready for retirement late in 2022, Pederson was ready and able to step up to the full-time role as SAIL Coordinator.

SAIL is a program that provides assistance to seniors in Virden, Elkhorn, and Oak Lake areas. The virden office also serves the rural area and Kola and supports other SAIL offices in Elkhorn, and Oak Lake where Tanis Podobni is the coordinator.

Pederson has seen several sides of the work to support seniors. Initially she was hired to cook in the Elkhorn SAIL kitchen, where congregate meals are served to Elkview Lodge and community members.

There have been several staff changes at SAIL over recent years. When the coordinator for Elkhorn SAIL, Sonya Cameron, moved to a different job, then Pederson stepped in to coordinate the services until Kali Sanheim was hired as the new SAIL Coordinator in Elkhorn.

Another of the recent staff changes in Virden includes a new cook in Princess Lodge after Lisa Verhaeghe retired at the end of September. Cheryl Wilkinson is now the kitchen coordinator there. She and her assistants serve between 20 and 50 meals on weekdays. Previously, Wilkinson worked as a program coordinator in care homes. She says of her position at Princess Lodge kitchen, “I love my job and the people I serve there.”

WHAT DOES SAIL DO?

Pederson says SAIL’s role is vast and varied, helping seniors who live in their own residences or apartments. Congregate meals within Princess Lodge, and meals on wheels and a number of other services can be arranged through the SAIL office.

“We’re the in-between bit, where a person needs a little bit of help to stay in their home. Perhaps they’ve just lost a spouse and they need a meal here or there, or maybe they need company or a reason to get out and walk,” says Pederson.

SAIL is always looking for volunteers to partner with, to assist their clients. Sometimes that means paying someone a visit. Some people need transportation. The office has a list of volunteer drivers. “We have set rates for them. Their hours are volunteer, but you do get paid for gas and (mileage).” Pederson adds, “So if there’s an extra tip, that’s a really nice thing.”

The handivan in Virden is not coordinated through SAIL, but Elkhorn’s SAIL office does schedule the Elkhorn handivan.

From housecleaning to foot care, SAIL can point the way to help. While SAIL is a non-profit, those hired to provide services do charge.

Lifeline is another important service offered through the SAIL office. Lifeline technology has continued to evolve with an auto-alert that can automatically detect 95% of falls. Besides the in-home device, there’s also a go-safe model that will work on cellular technology for those who are out and about. “Push the button and they can find you,” says Pederson. She adds, “If you’re out and about, that go-safe is really nice, but it does depend upon cell service.”

SAIL recommends the Emergency Response Information Kit (E.R.I.K.) with a form to fill out providing health and contact information and a red sticker to identify that the ERIK information is available.

“We think everybody should have one, says Pederson, adding, “but we’re definitely taking them to our seniors. The red sticker goes on your front door. Then, EMS, if they are called, see that sticker and they know that this (ERIK form) is stuck to the side of your fridge and it’s got all of your medical information. There’s also an advanced care plan – a healthcare directive, so they would know who is your proxy.”

Some may want to have an extra ERIK kit. “Maybe you want to have an extra one in your car with a sticker on your glove box. It’s a visual cue for EMS so they can help you better.”

SAIL helps families who want to help their loved ones. Pederson says, “Often it is family members who call SAIL on behalf of their senior relative. They may have questions about homecare and SAIL refers to the homecare office.”

She says that even when people don’t know exactly what to ask for, a call to SAIL is a good place to start.

SERVING COMMUNITIES

Seniors’ services are available throughout our communities.

Virden’s Evergreen Place and Princess Lodge have their own service. Support to Seniors in Group Living (SSGL) offices at Princess Lodge and Evergreen Place are coordinated by Audrey Watters.

Karen Anderson is Woodworth Senior Services Resource Coordinator for Kenton area.

In the Seniors Helping Hands office in Reston, Kathy Reid and Keri Vinck share the resource coordinator position serving the RM of Pipestone, the north quarter of the RM of Two Borders and into the eastern side of the RM of Sifton.

The Miniota Municipal Office for Seniors coordinator is Adrienne Bryant. She can be reached at 204-567-8888.

Virden SAIL office is located within Virden Health Services and can be reached at 204-748-2323.

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