City's never-ending winter sees increase in senior isolation and sickness

KAMLOOPS — While the city's never-ending snow may be frustrating for many residents, it can be downright dangerous for seniors living alone. 

Dayna Frame, Owner and Care Manager of Nurse Next Door Kamloops, provides care services for up to 100  seniors throughout the city.

She says the minute significant snow hits the ground, they see more seniors hunker down.

"There's been situations where seniors haven't been grocery shopping for months, haven't been able to walk or to get outside of the house," said Frame. "Their health is definitely compromised to the point where sometimes we will actually have to call 911."

With snowfall levels particularly high this year, Frame says they've seen a large spike in seniors with pneumonia or the common cold who haven't received a proper diagnosis from a physician.

Frame says it's important family members stay in touch with loved ones or arrange preventative services throughout the winter to ensure seniors are safe.