Seniors on Salt Spring Island will now be better supported to age in place, at home, thanks to expanding services for seniors out of Island Community Services.
With new funding from the provincial Ministry of Health, seniors’ programming will expand to include a ‘Community Connector’ position as well as a range of enhanced services offered through the Better at Home program that has been running for over a decade on the island.
Better at Home, a community-based program funded by the provincial government and managed by United Way BC, provides seniors with access to non-medical home support services by way of volunteers and contractors and is coordinated by Island Community Services. It includes supports such as grocery shopping, light housekeeping, light yard work, snow shovelling, minor home repairs, transportation to appointments and friendly visiting. The program has the dual aims of helping people to stay independent in their own homes, and avoiding social isolation by staying connected to their communities.
The Community Connector is a new position that aims to help seniors achieve wellness in their lives by aiding them to bridge the gaps in whatever deficits they may face with an emphasis on social connection. Social isolation is recognized as a top contributor to the decline of seniors, particularly those living alone. Other aspects of life that may require supports include financial management, mental health and addictions management and nutrition.
The Connector works with individuals on highly individualized planning to achieve wellness, connecting them to resources and supports to aid an action plan and providing opportunities for group activities, social meals and enhanced housekeeping which includes a social visit component.
For more information please contact the Seniors Community Connector at (250) 221-9719.
