Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Oct 20/00) - Alfred Thomas got a visit from a couple of caring individuals Monday, a visit he looks forward to every week.

Home-care workers Louisa Moreau and Virginia Sabourin dropped by to take his blood pressure and to chat. Thomas is one of more than 20 clients they tend to in Fort Simpson.

"I enjoy visiting the old people," said Moreau, who has a year on the job.

"They've always got stories to tell. They kid around, they joke around. Sometimes they need people to visit. They get lonely. There's not many people to visit."

Sabourin, a former community health representative, added, "I like this kind of work. We always have fun with them (the clients). They always make us laugh."

In addition to the company they provide for elders, workers play an important role in maintaining clients' health. They take blood pressure, monitor blood sugar levels for diabetics and assist with foot care, nail care and skin care for those in need. As well, they ensure clients are taking their prescribed medication and that they're not running short of pills.

Moreau and Sabourin keep notes from their visits and update their clients' files regularly. If any alarming health problems arise, they inform the community health nurse, said Moreau.

For primary care-givers, home-care workers offer some relief, or "respite care." They will fill in for the mother of a newborn baby or someone caring for a totally dependent family member, giving them some time to themselves.

Leah Keats, home care co-ordinator for the Deh Cho, said the purpose of the program is to keep clients at home, comfortable and independent.

"If it means providing them with a piece of equipment at home then we'll do that," said Keats.

Thomas, who has been making use of the home care service for three years, often relies on a wheelchair to get around. Like most elders in the Deh Cho, Slavey is his first language. Moreau and Sabourin, who are fluent in the Dene language, often listen to elders reflecting on the past.

"What amazes me is all the things they've done in their lives, living off the land," said Moreau. "They were really hard working ... it's just interesting."

The amount of time they spend with an individual client varies, Moreau noted.

"Sometimes it's an hour, sometimes longer. It depends if they need to go to the health centre, or do their banking or shopping," she said.