In May, 2018 BTIERA conducted an island-wide census and survey of health needs for full-time Tancook residents. Here is a summary of the results:
Health Day Update
On Sept. 10, we were fortunate to spend the afternoon with three health professionals who shared their knowledge and experiences with us as part of our BTIERA “Age-Friendly Communities” project. We were all so happy with the attendance as the level of interest shown will likely mean that additional workshops and presentations will be offered in the future.
The first presenter and organizer of this event was Jennifer Briand, Western Caregiver Support Coordinator for Caregivers Nova Scotia. Jennifer provided us with an overview of services and programs that are available to all Nova Scotians including an explanation of Continuing Care programs, financial programs available and an overview of the ‘transitions in care’ information from the CaregiversNS website. Transitions in Care
Then Cheryl MacKay from the Alzheimer Society Nova Scotia (ASNS) discussed caring for someone with dementia and she gave an overview of symptom management.
Finally, Robin Philip, Occupational Therapist and member of the “Seniors’ Community Health Team” discussed fall prevention in the home. This team visits seniors in their homes to assess and meet their health care needs. The team includes a Dietician, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Social Worker and a Geriatrician.
Contact information you may find helpful:
Jennifer Briand – Caregiver Support 902.521.5592 western@caregiversNS.org
Cheryl MacKay – Alzheimer Society 902.422-7961
alzheimer@asns.ca
Robin Philip – OT 902.634.7015
BTIERA Fall Dinner
Age-friendly Communities Survey Results
As part of a project funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors under the Age-friendly Communities grant we recently conducted a health needs survey of full-time Tancook residents. To read the results of the survey please click on the link below:
Advance Care Planning for Caregivers Workshop
Community Meeting – June 20
Good News for Tancook
Several months ago, the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors announced their Age-friendly Communities Grant program. We submitted an application to this program through BTIERA and have just been informed that our application was successful. As a result we have been awarded a grant to accomplish the following four goals:
- Survey island residents to assess which health services they currently need or may need in the years ahead.
- Conduct thorough research to determine which health service providers are willing to come to Tancook Island.
- Create a print resource to be made available to all island residents documenting who to contact for specific health services based on the research results.
- Establish a cohort of trained volunteers to help residents age-in-place as long as possible. (This includes palliative care training.)
BTIERA Fall Dinner 2017
Thanks to everyone who attended the BTIERA Fall Dinner. It seemed to be a successful one and we don’t think anyone went away hungry. CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the ticket draw: Verta’s hooked mat – Tony Hirtle, Hetty‘s painted chair – Corey Spidle, Adirondack chairs – Robert Graham, Comforter – Laura Lea Baker and Car care kit – Jacqueline Edwards. A big thanks to everyone who helped in any way — preparing and donating food and prizes, helping to set up and clean up, and lending a hand at the dinner. Photo credit: Susan van Gurp
CHAIR NEEDED FOR BTIERA FUNDRAISER
I would like to donate another painted chair and hooked chair pad for the upcoming BTIERA fundraising dinner on Oct 1 but I need a chair. If you have an old wooden chair (in good condition) that you wish to donate please send an email to tancooknews@gmail.com or phone 902-476-2960.
Thank you, Hetty
BTIERA – Things you might like to know
BTIERA has two divisions — the Medical First Response team (MFR) and the Defensive Fire Service (DFS). DFS receives funds from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg through fire taxes paid by property owners and grants. The MFR division relies on fundraising and donations.
In case of emergency, transportation is by ferry or by LifeFlight. Our LifeFlight field is above the Recreation Centre, surrounded by marking cones. BTIERA kindly requests that people avoid driving on this field to keep it clear and clean. 
Twice a year, BTIERA holds a bottle drive to raise funds. If you have recyclables to donate, let us know so we can pick them up during the bottle drive. Alternatively, you may drop them off yourself anytime at the Recycling Depot building, located beside Patsy Nettles’ home (722 Big Tancook Island Road).
The DFS fire siren is tested on the second Tuesday evening of each month that a regular monthly meeting is held, usually around 6:30pm. 