Join me and become a Silent Guardian
I retired to Nanaimo in 2003. Having spent my career of 38 years in medical imaging it was natural to seek out an opportunity to volunteer and give something back to the field of health care. With my background in a field heavily based on technology, Nanaimo Lifeline was a natural. That was when I became an installer of medical alert systems. In doing so I gained comfort from helping folk in their own homes as well as donating my time and skills to the Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation which owns Nanaimo Lifeline.
In that capacity, I met many individuals who lived on their own but realized the risk of doing so especially when they were disabled or just aging. They welcomed me into their homes and would often offer me the odd cup of tea or perhaps cookies just out of the oven. In many instances, I suspect these individuals were just glad for a bit of company.
Over time I aged too. The time came when I was obliged to give up driving, but Nanaimo Lifeline still allowed me to offer my services at the odd Health Fair which offered the opportunity of seeing some of those clients when they came to visit our table. On the other hand, there were many folk who said they were well aware of Lifeline but were “not ready for that yet”! When my wife fell and fractured her pelvis, I had to admit that I was also one of those reluctant folk who had left it too late. We called 9-1-1 and, acknowledging the reminder we had just been given, the next day became Lifeline clients. Given our earlier procrastination, this was the wisest decision we could have made because we have used the services offered by Lifeline on several occasions since that time.
We are fortunate because we can afford the assurance having Lifeline buttons has given us but there are many individuals who, through no fault of their own, have fallen on hard times. For them, the charge of $47 per month is something they just cannot afford. The rising cost of living and fixed incomes put a medical alert button in the luxury item category. These individuals are just as vulnerable as the rest of us, sometimes more vulnerable. This is where the Silent Guardian Program can help. This program is organized by the Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation and is one to which you can donate When donating to the NDHF please indicate that you wish your donation to be added to the Silent Guardian Program so that it can help someone who cannot otherwise afford it to have the assurance Nanaimo Lifeline can provide.
– Dr Trevor D Cradduck
