LAIMA
The Latvian aged-care group LAIMA started with a meeting of Latvian community activists in November 2002.
The ALB LAIMA aged-care program commenced in 2004--funded by the Office of the Ageing and Community Care.
LAIMA is named after Laima Bogans who as an early Latvian immigrant decided that aged care would form an important part of the exactly what the Latvian community would have to provide.
The LAIMA program aims to provide information, advice, referral and advocacy for older Latvian people.
In 2008, approximately 70% of the total population of Adelaide's Latvian community was aged 65 or over.
LAIMA organises social outings,information sessions and its volunteers are trained and supported to provide transport for them.
LAIMA also supports Latvian carers and the senior Rosme group.
Volunteers are highly valued by the community, and provide friendly visits to isolated seniors.
Through the provision of transport, LAIMA members can get to the shops, medical appointments or to church and cultural events.
Where necessary, LAIMA provides access to appropriate residential care.
Members of the ALB Laima Latvian Aged Care Advisory group: left seated Helena Reid (Program Manager); behind in pink, Brigitte Sigure – (Social Program and Information Coordinator); rear, llze Ostrovska - (Admin Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator); striped skirt, Margota Pukitis (Carer Coordinator); in blue, Rita Luters; in white, Vera Petrov; in blue, Ilze Rozentals (both are Advisory Committee members); seated, Inga Perkons-Grauze (Minutes Secretary).
Recently, LAIMA put on a cooking demonstration where Ilze Rozentals and Austra Dukats showed how to make a traditional Klinger.
