Better at Home input requested
As community developers for the United Way, Better at Home program, Sandra Davis and Pat Wray have the task of estimating how many Cranbrook seniors are isolated, vulnerable and require in home non-medical services.
The majority of older adults wish to live independently as long as possible but as the risk of physical and cognitive decline increases with age, the risk of vulnerability also increases. According to B.C. Stats, for the first time, since reporting began, persons 65 years of age and older outnumbered 0-14 year olds in B.C. Cranbrook’s senior are 17.4% of our population in comparison to the national average of 14.8%, this is a trend that will continue to grow over the next 20 to 30 years.
We are living longer and the number of residents over the age of 80 continues to increase. As we age, other risk factors fall into play, such as physical demands, transportation and social isolation as we lose our friends and loved ones.
The vast majority of our seniors are socially dynamic, healthy and capable but we also have others who struggle with day to day tasks that the active take for granted. Life circumstances can very quickly change the picture for any individual and can lead to a significant loss in quality of life.
Cranbrook has an opportunity to launch the new Better At Home program funded by the Ministry of Health to provide non-medical home support services such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation to appointments, simple home repairs, friendly visiting, light yard work and snow shoveling. How many seniors do we have in this community who could successfully maintain their independence at home with a little bit of practical support?
In order for this to happen, we need the support and will of the community to identify priorities and make this program a reality for Cranbrook. Pat and Sandra aim to obtain as much public input as possible in a short period of time.
If you, or someone you know could use these kinds of support, please add your voice. We will be gathering input during February and early March through questionnaire format to seniors and service providers and then wrap up with a community meeting to share the information gathered and provide one last opportunity for area residence to provide input.
Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Days Inn Ballroom on Kootenay Street N (formally Town & Country Inn)
Seniors gathering: 9 a.m. – 12 noon a light lunch provided and transportation can be arranged with advanced notice.
Stakeholders: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Space is limited to 100 so please call early to register 250 464-4889 Pat or 250 489-4593 Sandra or by email: cbkbetterathome@gmail.com
For more information on the Better At Home project or to fill out a survey, feel free to give us a call. Also for full details of what is currently happening around the province go to www.betterathome.ca
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