Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Montreal has recently implemented a programme to provide companionship for lonely Seniors who live in Cogir- managed Seniors’ residences.  The program is called Par-Aîné and it twins lonely Seniors and volunteers who are committed to bringing sunshine into the lives of Seniors.  Volunteers must undergo a rigorous selection process including interview, questionnaire, criminal record check and training in how to deal with the elderly.   The Quebec Government has given a $30,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters to run the program, and should it be successful it will be applied in other locations as well.

Our beloved federal government has set up a website with pertinent information for Seniors.  Take a look at www.seniors.gc.ca.

A new book that may be of interest has come to my attention.  It is called “Our Turn to Parent:  Shared Experiences and Practical Advice on Caring for Aging Parents in Canada”, by Barbara Dunn and Linda Scott.  It is published by Random House and is available at Chapters or Amazon on-line.