Stacy Little, the program manager with Better at Home. (Richard McGuire photo)
A provincial program designed to allow B.C. seniors to be able to live in their own homes looks like it’s going to be around for a very long time.
And that’s great news for seniors in Osoyoos, Oliver and across the South Okanagan, said Stacy Little, program manager of Better at Home.
The provincial government recently announced a $2 million infusion to the Better at Home program across the province, raising its annual budget from $8 million to $10 million, which is very encouraging for those people running the programs and the seniors they assist, said Little.
“I was in Kamloops at a seniors symposium when the government made the announcement at the same symposium,” said Little. “I received an email about the news release … and found out about the new commitment from the government, which is pretty exciting.”
The origins of the Better at Home program date back to 2010 with a pilot project in Osoyoos called Community Action for Seniors’ Independence (CASI) Osoyoos, which was one of five pilot projects across the province, said Little.
The provincial government switched the name of the program to Better at Home last April and there are now almost 70 programs spread across the province, with more communities getting on board with each passing month, said Little.
The Osoyoos Seniors Centre Association sponsored CASI Osoyoos until last spring, when the Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre became the lead association.
A big part of Little’s job over the past 14 months has been trying to get more clients in the Oliver and Keremeos region.
“Raising the budget from $8 million to $10 million for 2014-15 is big news because it shows everyone that the government is committed to the program and its long-term future,” she said.
While she’s not sure of how much the funding increase will affect local services, Little said she believes most of the additional funding will be directed to allowing her to access assistance for clients in the Keremeos region in the coming months.
“We would like to be able to cover Keremeos and help seniors there as much as we currently help them in Osoyoos and Oliver,” she said. “There’s a real gap in service in Keremeos and hopefully this additional funding will allow us to change that.”
Health Minister Terry Lake announced the extra $2 million in funding for United Way’s Better at Home program a couple of weeks ago.
The program provides non-medical support to help seniors remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.
“Seniors have given so much to our lives and our communities and government is committed to supporting them to remain in their homes and out of hospital as long as possible,” said Lake, who made the announcement at a symposium for seniors organized by ONCORE, a Better at Home service provider. “The services provided by the Better at Home program reflect the ministry’s strategic focus on strengthening home and community care.”
To date, government has provided $22 million in funding to enhance and support the operations of the Better at Home program, which now operates in 60 communities throughout B.C.
“Most seniors want to help themselves and others,” said seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie. “It is all of our responsibility to ensure they have the tools, supports and services to realize their full potential.”
Managed by United Way of the Lower Mainland, the Better at Home program services vary from community to community and are selected, along with service providers, through an engagement process that includes local seniors. Examples of Better at Home services include friendly visits, light yard work, minor home repair, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and transportation to appointments.
“Our mandate is to help seniors remain independent and active in their communities,” said United Way of the Lower Mainland president Michael McKnight.
“We look forward to continuing to expand the Better at Home program.”
Better at Home is a key component of B.C.’s Seniors Action Plan, which commits to ensuring improved access to non-medical supports to help seniors stay in their own homes.
“The focus of today’s senior symposium is on age-friendly cities and ruralcommunities and how we can all better support seniors where they live,” said ONCORE executive director Suzan Goguen.
“As a service provider, we see first hand the difference the Better at Home program makes in people’s lives and with this increase in funding, it is evident that government understands the importance of allowing seniors to maintain their independence.”
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
