Books for homebound seniors program on hold, but not the connections made

Under normal circumstances, a volunteer program to drop off books for homebound seniors provided both parties with a friendly hello, a chance to chat, and something on the calendar to look forward to on the calendar.

Now, the connections made in better times are providing all those seemingly little things that now seem so necessary — even though the physical delivery of books was temporarily halted last week.

Phone calls and simple check-ins with those who access the service — typically seniors with mobility issues — are still happening as volunteers stay in touch during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s absolutely necessary and important,” said volunteer Terry Lawson, who began delivering for the program two years ago after she herself retired.

She saw it as a way to stay busy and make a difference dedicating a couple hours every few weeks to pick some books and drop them off with her client “June.”

Eventually however,

Lawson had to build a computer spreadsheet to keep track of what had been delivered and returned, and also avoid repeats.

Despite being legally blind, “June” has a voracious appetite for audio-books — up to two per day — but Lawson didn’t mind, and the importance of the relationship came into full view two weeks ago.

With health restrictions mounting, she dropped off 50 titles and had to say that she didn’t know when she would return.

“She was devastated,” said Lawson. “I feel like I’ve kind of been a lifeline since the day we met.”

Until they can meet again, the pair, like many volunteerclient pairs, have maintained contact with phone calls, a friendly check-in here and there to ease concern or make the days pass more easily.

There’s no official requirement to do so, or official duties to perform or information to give, but is happening as an outcropping of friendships and relationships that have built up over time.

Volunteers told the News on Monday that it’s just the neighbourly thing to do, especially in stressful times and for seniors and those with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk from the respiratory virus.

Rosemary Braat is a coordinator for the program that not only pairs volunteers and clients but delivers books in larger shipments to 12 nursing homes in Medicine Hat.

While pickup services in continuing at the library for the general public continues, both aspects of senior service are on hold until it’s deemed safe to proceed as facilities go into a sort of lockdown with only essential supplies going in.

“These are our most-loved clients, and our No. 1 priority is keeping them safe,” she said on Monday.

“The patrons love the service as it’s one of the only ways for them to have a visit, a bit of conversation and something to look forward to,” said Braat.

Seniors sign up for the program in the first place because they have few relatives or local connections, she said.

Reading is a way to fend off restlessness, and deliveries and phone calls from a routine and connection to others in a time of isolation.