British Columbians are living longer. That’s the great news. However, the longer we live, the more likely we are to need additional forms of care.
Seniors in the Ashcroft and Cache Creek areas, however, are in good hands. There is a wealth of services and agencies for seniors in this region.
It is my personal belief – and a priority of the B.C. government – that quality of life for seniors is enhanced when they can stay in their communities, in familiar surroundings and close to family and friends.
As we age, there is much truth to the old saying: An ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure.
This means staying active and eating sensibly, for starters. In Ashcroft and Cache Creek, there are several programs and services to help seniors to live well.
Better at Home is a program that helps seniors continue living independently in their own homes and remain connected with their community by providing simple non-medical services. The B.C. government funds the program, United Way of the Lower Mainland manages it, and local non-profit groups provide the services.
Seniors Fit for Life is a fitness program offered in Cache Creek to help area seniors improve their health and fitness. It is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Cache Creek Community Hall.
For seniors who no longer live in their own homes, the Thompson View Manor Society has been providing affordable housing in Ashcroft since 1976. This non-profit society owns and operates the Thompson View Manor, a 15-suite, low-income housing complex for seniors who are able to live independently.
The society’s adjacent Thompson View Lodge is a 10-suite assisted-living complex for seniors who require some support while living on their own.
And of course, for people who have medical appointments in Kamloops, Health Connections Transit Services provides inexpensive transportation from both Ashcroft and Cache Creek.
People are certainly living healthier, longer lives in B.C. The ability to stay in their familiar environment is one of the reasons, and I can assure you as your MLA that I will work hard to make life for our seniors even better. If I can be of assistance please contact my Constituency Office in Ashcroft at 250 453-9726.
JackieTegart
Fraser Nicola MLA