Each year, Lumacare serves upwards of 3,500 older adults and their families so that they can age independently in the comfort of their homes. This year, we are hit with a very different reality as we navigate how to provide essential care during this unprecedented time. COVID-19 has hit our community hard, and we need to act fast to ensure every senior has the resources required for daily living.
Of the 3,500 clients Lumacare serves on an annual basis, 1500 people are over the age of 70, and half of those individuals are living alone. The government is urging all Canadians over the age of 70 to self-isolate and remain in their homes. This means, that hundreds of our community members living in North York cannot leave their homes, and many do not have someone to provide care for them or funds to keep up with the purchasing demand.
Lumacare is committed to continuing to provide essential services for these individuals, as well as older adults in the community that require support through our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund which has been accepting donations that are going straight back out to community members in need. A big thank you to everyone who has provided cash donations to purchase critical items, as well as physical donations. We are continuing to accept both cash and physical donations during this time of need, and information can be found here.
The average cost to provide care to a senior in need during this pandemic is $20 a day. This includes a couple of hours of support in the community, nutritious meals for the week, as well as staple grocery items delivered once a week to their home. The reality is that to keep a senior safe with the essentials for the month it costs over $500.
The reality of the situation is that it is going to cost an additional $790,000 to provide these critical services to our vulnerable seniors over the next month. This need will only continue to grow as the COVID-19 situation further develops. This is why we need your help.
Now more than ever Lumacare needs your help to come together and support our seniors. With your help, we will be able to continue providing these essential services to make sure that our seniors are being cared for from the safety of their homes.
Please consider making a cash donation so that we can purchase items in bulk and disseminate them to where they are needed the most. Here is an example of what your donation is funding:
$20 – Provides 1 day of care for a senior
$140 – Provides 1 week of care for a senior
$560 – Provides 1 month of care for a senior
We understand these times are tough on everyone, and that it may be a difficult time to donate. We urge you to make whatever donation you are comfortable with at this time. Every dollar makes a difference.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for literally saving lives.
Together, we will get through this.
#PeopleHelpingPeople
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