Spence Bay (Dec 15/03) - The new elders centre in the works for Taloyoak, a community of 850 people, will give elders a more stable home base.

It may even open the door for more community activities, not just for elders, but young people as well.

Leah Lyall has been waiting a long time to see this dream become a reality. Lyall works with elders as a home care worker, and says that even though the building is not brand new (it is an unused government building being renovated), the centre is still a welcome and much needed addition to the community.

"It will be good to have it," said Lyall. "The elders are bounced around all the time. We are looking for a place to gather once a week." Right now elders use the community hall for some events, but, as Lyall said, "it's really huge. There are no proper facilities here for them."

Lyall visits elders regularly and knows their needs well.

She helps clean their houses and makes sure they take their medication and are in good health.

"It is a big job," she said, and it is one she cherishes. But the new elders centre will make things easier for her.

"We wouldn't have to ask for the building to open the door for us. Sometimes the elders are outside waiting," Lyall said of the current arrangement with the community hall.

When the hall is booked, elders will sometimes gather in her office, Lyall said.

But the cramped quarters make it uncomfortable for the 16 or so elders who like to get together.

In the new centre, the group will have their own kitchen, their own space, and essentially more dignity.

"Maybe others, like youth, will be able to use it," Lyall added.

"We can have elders and youth together. It's going to do us good."

The community is hoping to see the centre open before Christmas.

"We could have a Christmas party for them," Lyall added. "We do that every year."