Written by Toni Lavigne-Conway | Special to the Valley Gazette
As people age, they face unique challenges, including health issues, social isolation, and limited financial resources. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to afford necessary care or services. Local nonprofit organizations, like Barry’s Bay and Area Senior Citizens Home Support (BBAHS), strive to fill these gaps by offering affordable or free programs tailored to meet these needs.
Diane Coulas, Executive Director for the BBAHS states the agency’s mission is to improve the quality of life for seniors living at home in its rural catchment area, which includes the townships of Madawaska Valley, Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards, Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan, and South Algonquin. Their goal is to enhance and expand services that allow seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
Uniquely governed by what is called a Mirror Board (governance shared with Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care since 2018) BBAHS Board Chair John Campbell explains that this “made in the Madawaska Valley model allows for both organizations to operate individually but also decreases duplication, and leverages the strengths and knowledge from both organizations.” He goes on to assure the community that “BBAHS will continue to strive to improve and grow our services while working with our community partners.”
Access to all their programs is open to anyone without a referral, with the exception of their Assisted Living Program, which requires eligibility criteria to be met through an assessment process.
If you’re unfamiliar with their services, this article highlights BBAHS’s key supports and how they can be accessed.
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