On the chopping block
Jean Martsinkiw and Jan Greenhow reminisce about classes of seniors peer counsellors they've graduated through their program at Century House in New Westminster. But they're worried their current class, which graduates in September, could be their last because of funding cutbacks from Fraser Health.
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Updated: August 27, 2009 9:12 AM
During a time of great stress in Jean Martsinkiw's life she sought out counseling.
Only she didn't receive it, even though her longtime marriage was ending.
Instead she learned how to give it.
Now 73, Martsinkiw has been a counsellor with the Senior Peer Counseling Program, operating out of Century House, for 12 years.
And if she had her way, Martsinkiw, a retired nurse, would continue helping others for another dozen years.
Unfortunately her years of volunteer counselling may be numbered as the program runs out of funding Sept. 30.
The Fraser Health Authority (FHA) is cutting program funding as it tries to meet a budget shortfall of $160 million.
Martsinkiw says cutting the funding is not well thought out.
"For the time I've been involved, I've certainly seen the value in it," said Martsinkiw of the program. "It's a small amount of investment that helps seniors cope with problems."
Martsinkiw has the support of other volunteers.
Without the service many of the senior clients would be a drain on the healthcare system, said Jan Greenhow, another volunteer counsellor and former nurse.
"The program has quite an impact on the health of the senior community. If people are not helped, if they are isolated, they're more likely to get sick and rely on their doctors," she said.
Greenhow, the past president of Century House, also sees the volunteer counsellors influencing other seniors who aren't clients but who come to Century House.
The positive impact they have is "kind of like dropping a pebble in a pool. The ripples keep going out," she said.
Since starting in 1986, the senior peer counselling program has helped more than 2,300 clients with issues like dealing with grief, loneliness, illness, financial strain and moving from a longtime home to a seniors' facility.
An estimated 100 seniors have been trained as counsellors over the years.
It runs on an annual budget of $15,000, with $10,500 coming from the FHA. They fund raise another $5,000.
The budget is spent on a professional counsellor who works with volunteers once a week and part time office staff.
If a senior comes to the peer counselling program with a problem they can't handle, they are referred to the Vital Connections program, which operates out of the same office in Century House.
Operated by Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Vital Connections' funding from FHA also ends Sept. 30.
"Those involved (with Vital Connections) are devastated that the program will end," said Beryl Petty, the professional counsellor for the program.
One client, a 65-year-old woman, said she felt abandoned after hearing the program would be cut.
"By intervening early, which is what Vital Connections does, it's more cost efficient to the health care system," said Petty.
Those involved with Vital Connections and the Senior Peer Counselling Program aren't giving up. They're lobbying the provincial government and Fraser Health to keep the funds flowing. Alternative sources of funding are also being sought.
Heather Whiteford with Family Services of Greater Vancouver thinks seniors were targeted for cutbacks because they tend to be less vocal. But it will cost the health authority in the long run.
"This is a preventative program. In the end it will result in more costs."
mmcquillan@newwestnewsleader.com
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