Better at Home expands to Parksville

Please see the media release and backgrounder for more information on the newest Better at Home sites and service providers across British Columbia.

“One of the things I have heard from B.C. seniors as I have travelled throughout the province, is their desire to live at home, among family and friends, for as long as possible,” said Minister of State for Seniors Ralph Sultan. “As a senior myself, I know that a little help around the house can make life easier, and the Better at Home program reflects our commitment to support seniors’ independence by helping them to live in the community of their choice where they can continue to engage with neighbours and friends.”

A partnership between the government of B.C. and United Way of the Lower Mainland, the Better at Home program is designed to help seniors with day-to-day tasks to help them live independently and remain connected to the community. Services and service providers are selected through a community engagement process that includes seniors.

“The Better at Home program has been developed with the specific needs of seniors in each community in mind,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon. “For many seniors, assistance with simple tasks such as getting to appointments or tidying up around the house can provide the support they need to remain independent in their own homes.”

Seniors may be asked to pay a small fee for services based on their income. The Better at Home program complements existing home support services such as assistance with personal hygiene or medical needs, which are provided through regional health authorities.

“Parksville is home to a growing population of seniors, and we are pleased to be part of the Better at Home program,” said Renate Sutherland, executive director of the Society of Organized Services. “We look forward to supporting local seniors by offering services that help them to live independent, healthy and productive lives.”

For access to an interactive map, which provides a full listing of communities and information on how seniors can access services, please visit our Communities section.

Photo: from L to R: Renate Sutherland, Executive Director, Society of Organized Services (SOS); Ron Cantelon, Parksville-Qualicum MLA; Edith Chamberlayne, local senior and SOS founding member; Ralph Sultan, Minister of State for Seniors; Deborah Irvine, United Way of the Lower Mainland Chief Operating Officer