Seniors program gets $2 million more in funding

NEWS —The United Way’s Better at Home program will get an additional $2 million in provincial funding, Health Minister Terry Lake announced Friday.

The program provides non-medical supports to help seniors remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. Lake made the announcement at a seniors symposium organized by OnCore, a Better at Home service provider in Kamloops.

“Seniors have given so much to our lives and our communities and government is committed to supporting them to remain in their homes and out of hospital as long as possible,” said Lake.

To date, government has provided $22 million for the program, which operates in 60 communities.

“Most seniors want to help themselves and others,” said seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie, who was the keynote speaker at the symposium. “It is all of our responsibility to ensure they have the tools, supports and services to realize their full potential.”

Better at Home services include friendly visits, light yard work, minor home repair, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and transportation to appointments.