Everything was already in place—the Board, the Advisory Committee, and even the funding. What was needed was a team of individuals who could bring the program into existence, initially for Daajing Giids and K’il Kun (Sandspit), with plans to expand throughout Haida Gwaii as the program proved successful.
The program is called Better at Home, and its main goal is to support the non-medical needs of seniors (65+) to help them remain independent. It is funded by the Government of B.C. and managed by the United Way. Better at Home evolved from a pilot project launched in 2009 to test a community-based model (i.e., outside of the health authorities) and involved five test communities. As of April 2023, the provincial initiative supported 92 program sites across 260 communities in the province. The program is delivered by local non-profit organizations, hired workers, contractors, and volunteers.
Funding for the project was granted to the Haida Gwaii Support Services Society in September 2024. The Society advertised and hired a manager to assemble a team and launch the program first in Daajing Giids and K’il Kun. The goal is to establish a successful program that will then expand to other island communities on Haida Gwaii.
The Better at Home services are non-medical in nature and are intended to supplement existing services. Services vary from community to community and are based on the assets and unique needs of local seniors, identified during community engagement events. Some services will be delivered by paid outreach workers. A “basket of services” is offered; however, their delivery will depend on identifying and engaging volunteers to supplement the work.
The idea behind offering these services is to decrease senior isolation and increase socialization. However, before that, these needs must be identified and prioritized. To that end, a tick-box survey has been developed to assess where focus is needed.
Possible services are those not covered by existing programs. Here’s how the program could roll out:
Friendly Visiting: In-person visits, phone calls, or possibly Zoom/computer online connections. These visits can also include wellness checks to ensure seniors are safe and comfortable.
Light Housekeeping: Includes light cleaning in areas such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and/or bedrooms. Indoor window washing and assistance with laundry are included, but exterior cleaning, ladder work, moving furniture, and carpet cleaning are not.
Light Yard Work: Helps with maintaining the yard/lawn.
Minor Home Repairs: Offered by a licensed contractor and/or paid staff. This includes touch-up painting, minor wall repairs, replacing light bulbs, fixing minor leaks, weather stripping, replacing toilet seats, and adjusting/replacing curtain rods, showerheads, and/or grab bars.
Arrangements can be made for checking fire and smoke alarms and replacing batteries. Major repairs requiring professionals are not included.
Grocery Services: Helps seniors who cannot access a store to acquire needed food items, have them delivered, and assist with putting them away in the home. Payment at the store can be arranged.
Prescription Pickup and Delivery.
Transportation Services: Provides rides for seniors to/from local appointments (medical and non-medical), banking services, and/or social activities. These services are typically arranged and delivered by volunteer drivers. The program staff will prioritize transportation for seniors who wish to attend community activities. Each trip includes one back-and-forth service. The program sets acceptable time limits, considering the individual’s physical ability and the program’s capacity constraints.
Group Activities: Connects seniors within the community for social engagement to enhance their well-being and social connectedness. A list of current activities will be compiled (e.g., Tuesday free lunches at Bethel Church, Wellness Wednesdays at the Daajing Giids fire hall, chair yoga, computer support, walking groups, and T’ai Chi) and communicated to those interested.
Other Possible Services: Library book pickup/drop-off or assistance with ordering books online, digital literacy (computer tutorials), technical support, and information and referral services.
Prepared Meals: Preparation and delivery of nutritious, quality meals, possibly frozen, to seniors’ homes. A ‘Souper’ day could also be introduced, providing hot soup with a bun and coffee.
The implementation of some or all of these services will rely on volunteers of any age—community members stepping up to help in any capacity and for whatever duration they can. Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Better at Home program and provide an important opportunity for community members to support local seniors. This will help build community connectedness. Some services could also be delivered by youth or student volunteers, fostering intergenerational connections.
You are encouraged to reach out if you need any of these services once they become available or if you wish to volunteer. Extra liability car insurance may be provided to volunteer drivers by the program, depending on your availability.
A Better at Home outreach worker will compile a list of local seniors and ask which services they would use if available. Soon, an email address, phone number, and Facebook page will be available.
For now, you can contact program manager Lin Armstrong at 778-260-9606 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make our communities stronger.