WHAT IS TAPS?
Funded by the United Way Healthy Aging program, the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors, commonly known as TAPS, is a wellness program located in Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls. The program primarily supports isolated seniors who want more social interaction in their lives. TAPS works with older adults focuses more on health promotion, wellness, and socialization. In addition, while TAPS’ participants may have cognitive impairments or health conditions, they generally have lower healthcare needs than those in traditional adult day services.
The TAPS program connects isolated seniors who face challenges accessing programs and services on their own. The program enables seniors to access activities, nutritious meals and social support, and to get connected to other community services. For some participants, the program may be their only weekly activity and the program has been shown to provide seniors with inspiration and motivation for living a full life. The program creates a sense of community for the seniors – it provides participants with opportunities to connect with, and support, each other.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Currently the TAPS program offers programming in Osoyoos on Mondays and in Oliver Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. TAPS calls participants who are unable to attend weekly to check-in with them, to see how they are doing. Activities include, walking, chair yoga, cooking and computer lesion, needlework, crib, arts and crafts, party bingo, lunch, movies and coffee chats. Covid-19 restrictions are followed and dictate the number of participants. We have a Tablet Lending Library with classes, held on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Oliver with a maximum of 4 participants per session.
The program is free to participants however there is an intake process. Participants can choose the activities they want to attend. Coffee chats and lunch are provided every day where the programs are held and along with the movie at the Oliver Theatre are subsidized, and there is a minimal cost to participants. Anyone is able to refer someone to the TAPS program; all applicants are interviewed to see if they are a fit for the program.
“My Life So Far” stories are also a part of the program and give participants the opportunity to record their life history for future generations.
Two staff members work for TAPS. TAPS gives seniors an opportunity to volunteer and create peer connections, and training is provided. As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, we are planning on expanding our programing to include additional days, and additional activities such as; crafts, theatre arts and cooking classes. Watch this space!
Contact: Bonnie Dancey, TAPS Coordinator 250.408.4128 or bonnie@desertsun.ca
