A new program launched in mid-February is helping people over age 55 live more independently and with dignity.
The Better at Home program is a United Way initiative with 60 branches across B.C., providing affordable non-medical support services for the elderly. About 2,200 seniors in B.C. used the services in the third quarter of 2013, and the numbers have been rising rapidly, says Christien Kaaij, its provincial project manager.
Depending on the branch, these services can include friendly visiting, housekeeping, transportation, grocery shopping, light yard work and home repairs.
The Jewish Family Service Agency, a non-profit social service agency, is the lead site for Better at Home in Kerrisdale, Oakridge and Marpole, says Talia Mastai, the program’s coordinator for this area. Marpole Place Neighbourhood House will be a major partner.
Funded by the provincial government (with funding guaranteed through 2015), the program was expanded in April to cover the Downtown Eastside, Strathcona and Chinatown. There are also branches in Vancouver Hastings-Sunrise, the West End, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano and Renfrew Collingwood. (See betterathome.ca/map for contacts.)
The program requires no membership, and the services are offered on a sliding-fee scale. While the income levels are the same across the province, the service fees vary from branch to branch, partly based on the cost of living in the region. Those in Kerrisdale, Oakridge and Marpole with an income below $15,700 per year are eligible for free aid, while those making over $30,600 would pay the maximum fee of $22 per service.
Volunteers are carefully screened, with interviews, criminal record checks, and a clean driving record. Their ages range from university students in their 20s to one volunteer age 85, says Kaaij. The programmers work with other agencies to see that services are not overlapping, for instance, while Better at Home doesn’t prepare meals, it refers seniors to groups that do such as Meals on Wheels.
Last fall, the United Way of the Lower Mainland did a community needs survey. Residents and service providers were asked to rank their service needs, and affordable housekeeping was tagged as the top priority by both. Seniors also said they would like help on matters such as translation, financial and tax advice, computer aid, figuring out gadgets, laundry, reading to the blind, light physical exercise training, and daily contact checks. In a section on social connectedness, they said “isolation and loneliness make things worse” and “support from family members and community support is a great asset.” The program also assists cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and seniors in early stages of dementia.
For more information, see its website at betterathome.ca. Contact Talia Mastai at 604-257-5151, ext. 275 or email [email protected]
Another local program aids seniors: The Forever Connected Program, offered by Marpole Place Neighbourhood House, helps those over 55 to connect to people and resources in their area. It can provide vouchers to the House’s community meals, van pick up and drop off to its dinners, workshops and activities. If you are interested or want to volunteer, call Jessica at 604-266-5301.
