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Passionate, caregiver connects seniors, services at new expo

Seniors looking for services can head to St. Mary’s church in Metchosin this weekend.
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Paul Corns of Royal Roads University presents Nicole Donaldson with the community service award at the 2013 WestShore Community Awards.

Seniors looking for services can head to St. Mary’s church in Metchosin this weekend.

Nicole Donaldson and her crew at West Shore Senior Services put together a seniors expo in hopes of creating connections and keeping seniors at home longer.

“With the evolution of health care, seniors are staying home … we’re trying to educate and support them,” Donaldson said. “I want seniors to know that they can live a happy, healthy, dignified life.”

Her cumulative work with seniors, 36 years in personal care – earned her the WestShore Chamber of Commerce West Shore Community Award earlier this month.

A licensed practical nurse for the last decade, she loves hands-on care.

She’s also served as a primary nurse on a dementia unit, and watched many a spouse break into tears not knowing what to do next.

“I watched wives come in tears … there was nothing available to just drop their husband off and have a moment to themselves,” she said. “I knew that I had to do something different, so I opened an adult daycare.”

Now the West Shore Senior Services group connects people with services. The group of 50 work in a variety of fields including downsizing, housing, financial, companion and home care.

Dozens of vendors will be on hand, including the availability of flu shots plus a natural alternative, during the seniors expo Oct. 26 at St. Mary’s Anglican Church on Metchosin Road from 10 a.m. 4 p.m.