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WH]TBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1989, PAGE 25 Program helps elderly with depressive disorders By Julie Parsons A program unique to psychi- atric hospitals in the Metro area began earlier this year at Whitby Psychiatric Hospital. It is desig- ned to help those people over the age of 65 who suffer from depres- sive disorders. About 10 per cent of all elderly people suffer from this type of illness, says Dr. Alastair lint, a geriatrie psychiatrist who is director of the day program. About three per cent of those people have severe depression. Such patients may have depres- sive moods and a lack of energy, as well as sleep and food dis- Museum sponsors .. .«4 www9U9uÀ%0 w9 orders. They become apathetic, losing interest in things they once enjoyed, and they may experience suicidal thoughts. Flint was interested in work- ing on a program of this nature since he came to the hospital 15 months ago, and began it in April this year. The three-day-a-week program is not a long-term, day care operation, but is rather designed as a six-month program after' which patients are referred back to their referring source. new program. However, staff hope to provide a mini-van in the future. Providing multidisciplinary assessment and management, the program offers a variety of individual an.d group activities. The hospital has managed to provide the therapeutic program with existing hospital staff and funds. Staff for the day hospital con- sist of doctors, nurses, psychiatr- ists, and occupational therapists. They have already been abe to see success. "We have seen an improve- ment in their capacity to fil tieir days in constructive ways," says Flint. Whitby Psych Hospital trip t UWL On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Bowmanville Museum is sponsoring a trip to the Hillebrand Estates Winery. The bus will leave the museum at 9 a.m. and return about 7 p.m. The outing will include the special 'Vintage Tour" of the winery. It is specifically designed for those interested in understanding and appreciating fine wines. A video presentation and walking tour is followed by an indepth tasting session with various wines and a generous assortment of cheese and crackers. A complimentary GST FROM PAGE 16 to what prices should be. There will also be an information hot- Une consumers can call if they have questions or feel a particu- lar business is charging too much. Hockin pointed out that in New Zealand- and the U.K. the É benefits of the tax are passed on to the consumer, yet he said that it is one of the most frequent concerns about the tax. "Consumers should be tough as nails," he said. "Monitor it, make sure it works." Another audience member took optimism about the tax one step further. "In 1995, when we reach Uto- pia where will tax cuts come?" "It will be a fiscal flexibility we haven't had in 10 years," said Hockins . "We would consult with the Canadian people and get an assessment. We would also look at competitive situa- tions." Soetens said that he'd like to see a sales tax, rather than an income tax credit. "The wealthy of this country are paying their way. With sales tax, all Canadians who share in the benefit of Canada pay for it." Many questions were answered during the three-hour seminar, and several in the audience, it seemed, accepted the tax. "I have a little more under- standing of the tax, but it won't stop here," said Lisa Storey, manager of Minacs & Associates. "They adequately answered my question of 'why a straight six per cent tax.' I'd feel guilty tak- ng it away from other areas." "It's not going to be comfor- table for Canadians for a long time," said Lynn Flannagan, general manager of Bedwell Moving Systems. "I think Cana- dians will accept it once it is implemented. We do have better services for Canadian people. We must maintain them by paying for them." Andy Roddau of Durham Busi- ness Machines was most enthu- siastic about the tax. "From the retailer's p oint of view, the tax is complex. But I like the tax, I'm going to make a killing." Hockin said the initiai panic about the tax was due to lack of understanding of it. "Most people thought it was an additional tax. When they find out it's not, it calms a lot of people down." In fact, he said, "people on fixed incomes will be ahead~ because the credit will be fai more than they pay on the tax." Te day hospitai now has arco e ~ ro a e .1111ery seven ~~~patients, from the area of crco e b ro a e Pickering to Newcastle, al Hiebrand tasting glass b patients having a history of given to each guest. e dpression. Margaret Jothergill, unit held from 6:30 to 8:30 .m. at the give toeachgues. Flint feels the program is director of the schizophrenia Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, The rest of the day will be nreded to reduce the number of treatment and education pro- 250 College St. spent at historic Niagara-on-the- depressed elderiy people who gram at Whitby Psychiatric Hos- The forum is part of the 'Rela- Lake. The cost is $30 per person were constantiy being re-admit- pital, wiil be a member of the tives and FriendsPrograr.' ($28 for museum members). ted to the ospitai panel at an Oct. 4 public forum For more information cali E. Contact the museum for more Whitby Psychiatric Hospital is in Toronto about schizophrenia. Plummer at 979-6845 (ext. 2217) information or to register now unabie to provide transpor- The forum, 'Living and Work- or E. Saye at 979-6845 (ext. (623-2734). tation for the patients of this ing with Schizophrenia,' weia be 2481).