Thank you to all the workers and volunteers who are making a difference for seniors isolating at home during COVID-19.
Better at Home is a non-medical service that provides support for senior’s independence, delivered by OneSky Community Resources and the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society. While in-home services have been suspended to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, staff and volunteers have been working hard to respond in any way they can.
A new initiative – Safe Seniors, Strong Communities – also addresses this urgent province-wide need, developed in partnership between the BC Ministry of Health, bc211 and the United Way of the Lower Mainland.
Grocery shopping and delivery has been the main request, with four times the volume of the previous year. Staff and volunteers have also been conducting phone check-ins and virtual visits, and even a bit of yard work or dog walking.
A new service aimed to deliver healthy meals to seniors who are self-isolating – developed in partnership with OneSky and Penticton Seniors’ Drop In Centre Society – sold out in just a few hours. They will have updates involving the project in the coming weeks.
“The volunteers have been fantastic. It’s been so great to see the displays of humanity with people coming forward and wanting to help,” says Myrna Tischer, coordinator for Better at Home.
Seeking Volunteers
A need for helping hands persists.
“We know there’s a huge need throughout the South Okanagan-Similkameen region,” says Tischer. “We have a lot of seniors living in this region so we can always use volunteers to help out. Also, there’s a chronic shortage of people who want to work in the area of seniors’ care. If you’re interested in making a difference, there are many ways you can get involved.”
To volunteer, call 211 or visit the BC211 website at bc211.ca or call 250-487-7455.
Are you a senior seeking help?
Seniors can simply dial 211 or complete the request online at bc211.ca to be connected to an agency in your area. The local Better at Home program can be reached at 250-487-3376 or 250-487-7455 between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.