Most people don’t want to wave goodbye to their house as they age, Liz Wood says.
Often those able to stay at home live happier and longer lives, the Sea to Sky Community Services’ director of community living services said. And that’s what the society’s new program Better at Home aims to do — help seniors live independently.
“This is a part of that [independent living],” Wood said. “This is hopefully going to address that for seniors.”
The program, run through the society with the help of a provincial grant, aims to match trained volunteers and consultants with seniors who need an extra hand at home or getting to appointments, said program coordinator Jane Ballance. The program will run throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor, from Squamish to Pemberton.
“Transportation was huge in nearly all the communities,” she said, noting volunteers who take additional training will be able to drive seniors to appointments.
The society has been working behind the scenes on the program for a year. The organization met with different seniors groups to gauge what citizens in each community needed. The request ranged from snow shovelling to light housekeeping and minor home repairs.
“People were hearing about [the program]. They were ready to accept the services,” Wood said, noting she had to put people on a waiting list until the volunteers were trained.
So far the program has recruited 19 volunteers, seven of whom have already gone through training. The society is looking for more volunteers and seniors wanting to take part in the program.
“We do have an intensive process for screening because they are going into people’s homes,” Wood said.
The service is offered to anyone 65 years and older. Fees for Better at Home services are determined on a sliding scale based on senior’s income.
To sign up, volunteer or for more information call (604) 892-5796 ext. 403 or email [email protected].
