Nancy Kendall, program coordinator for Ashcroft and Cache Creek Better at Home, was thrilled to receive another generous donation from the Ashcroft and District Health Care Auxiliary on March 6. “It will help us continue to provide services within our communities,” she says.
The Auxiliary, through its Thrift Store in Ashcroft at 601 Bancroft Street, raises funds which go to benefit health-care and health-related organizations in our local communities and the surrounding areas. The Auxiliary acknowledges that it could not provide these funds without the extraordinary generosity of those who donate to the store, and who support it by shopping there.
Better at Home provides simple, non-medical support to allow seniors to continue living independently in their own homes. The program is funded by the Government of British Columbia and designed and managed by the United Way of the Lower Mainland.
The program is designed on the premise that seniors are an important and growing part of our communities, and that their active involvement enriches everyone’s lives.
However, to ensure that seniors continue to play an active part in their communities, they often need support to live independently in their own homes, surrounded by friends, family, and neighbours.
Better at Home does not perform tasks that seniors are still capable of doing, as this would erode independence. They are able to provide local transportation, light housekeeping and yard work, volunteer snow removal, assisted grocery shopping, and friendly visiting.
Eligible residents are those aged 65 and older who live independently in Ashcroft or Cache Creek. Kendall meets with residents to speak with them, assess their needs, and suggest services that might be of interest. Fees for Better at Home services are determined on a sliding scale based on income, and some seniors may qualify for a full or partial subsidy.
Seniors interested in learning more about Better at Home are encouraged to contact Kendall, as are family members who think a loved one might benefit from the program. Volunteers are always needed, encouraged, and greatly appreciated.
For more information about Better at Home, or to find out more about volunteering to help with grocery shopping, transportation, being a snow angel, or providing friendly visits (games, reading, walks), contact Kendall at (250) 457-1019. The Better at Home office is located in the Ashcroft HUB.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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