This website is dedicated to Ida Zifkin, the founder of Spencer House, who passed away in the summer of 1998. Her contribution to Spencer House is unforgettable. Ida's memory will forever be a part of our organization.

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HISTORY

Spencer House Seniors' Centre officially opened on June 23, 1983 by its two founding members Doreen Fraser and Ida Zifkin. Spencer House is a non-profit registered charity that provides services and programs to enable older adults to live independently, contribute to their community and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Spencer House is named after the late Lady Diana Spencer. After a visit by Prince Charles and Princess Diana to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1983, it was decided that the new organization would be named after the Princess in tribute to the royal visit and to express the admiration and affection of the seniors towards the Princess. The Seniors wrote to Earl Spencer, Diana's father, and received permission to use the family name for the new centre

Our goal is to provide support services and information in order to help seniors to continue living in their own homes within the community. We provide programs and services that contribute to their health and well being.

Programs and Services Provided by Spencer House:

Hot Lunch Program
Recreational Activities and Special Events
Information and Referral Service
Community Access Program Site
Spencer House Monthly Blood Pressure Clinic
Weekly Foot Care Clinic
Spencer House Snow Removal Service
Spencer House Grandfriends Program
Spencer House Membership

Spencer House offers a hot lunch program served Monday through Friday at noon. For many seniors, this is their main hot meal of the day; often the only meal they enjoy in the company of their friends. The menu changes daily. All meals are cooked on site by our luncheon co-ordinator with the help of many volunteers. Monthly menus are available at the beginning of each month. Reservations are not required unless we are holding a special holiday luncheon. Price is subject to change for special luncheons. The cost of a hot lunch including beverage and dessert is $5.00 for members and $6.00 for non-members.

Spencer House hosts a variety of events. These include:

Bingo on Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. The cost is $1.00 for a double card. Bus Tours at cost. Special events such as parties, teas and other entertainment. Various Workshops and Courses. Please call 421-6131 for further information.

Spencer House has assembled a variety of information on issues of interest to seniors. You are welcome to drop in and browse through pamphlets and notices, or ask a staff member about a particular concern. We also arrange workshops led by community resource professionals to give information and answer questions on a variety of topics such as health issues, legal concerns, housing options, etc.

Spencer House has become a Community Access Program Site, part of a network of senior centres in the Halifax Regional Municipality to offer public access to the Internet. The Seniors Multiple Point Access Program was officially inaugurated on January 4, 2001 and is now offering computer workshops for seniors on Internet access. Anyone wishing to learn how to use the Internet or to volunteer as an Internet trainer, please contact Spencer House.

The Blood Pressure Clinic takes place on the first Thursday of each month between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00. This service is free and no appointment is necessary.

Our Foot Care Clinic is held at Spencer House each Wednesday. The cost is $25.00 a visit. Please call Spencer House at (902) 421-6131 for an appointment.