Dorothy had it right when she said, “There’s no place like home!”
Imagine if you had limitations as you aged that made you think that the only opportunity you had for care was outside of your home. Just the thought of moving causes emotional stress – fear of leaving a home full of memories and of losing contact with neighbours who have become friends. But imagine if it didn’t have to be that way!
That’s where Better at Home comes in. The program is funded by the provincial government, managed by the United Way, and delivered by local non-profit groups. Since 2012, the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS) has delivered the Sunshine Coast Better at Home program. Their website describes it as “a program that helps seniors [over age 60] with simple, non-medical home support services, so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities.” As of May 31, the Pender Harbour Health Centre provides Better at Home services to residents from Halfmoon Bay to Egmont, and the SCCSS provides it to residents from West Sechelt to Port Mellon.
Haida Bolton, program coordinator for Pender Harbour Better at Home, reached out to me recently, asking if I could help spread the word. Services include friendly visits, transportation, grocery delivery, light house cleaning and yard work, and minor home repairs, delivered mostly by volunteers, when available; otherwise, contractors are employed. Fees are based on a sliding scale and each client's ability to pay. Haida told me “Ideally, clients living in the Halfmoon Bay would be assisted by volunteers who live in there. By informing the community about the program, I hope we can attract both clients and volunteers. We also need volunteers! As many as possible who can commit to at least three hours a month.” Can you help, or do you know someone who could benefit from the program? Contact Haida at [email protected] or by phone at 604-212-2232.
A few other newsworthy bits:
- A gigantic shout-out to the organizers and volunteers (I was one of many) of the Halfmoon Bay Elementary School PAC for a stellar “End of the Year” celebration on June 15. I have it on good authority that the fundraiser was immensely successful due to the huge turnout and generosity of the families who attended.
- The Halfmoon Bay Community Association invites HBCA members to purchase tickets to their July 15 Dinner & Dance. The next day, the 55th Halfmoon Bay Fair, presented by 91.7 Coast FM and the HBCA, will be in full swing – all are welcome! Details are on their website.
If you have a topic, a community event, or a story you would like to share, contact me at [email protected].
