Quesnel’s Better at Home program is up and running. The program is designed to offer non-medical services to seniors (65+) to help them maintain themselves in their homes. Better at Home is a United Way program delivered by local non-profit agencies and staffed by a mix of paid and volunteer workers. Funded by the B.C. Government and managed by United Way of the Lower Mainland, Quesnel’s program is offered through coordinator Brenda Gardiner from an office at 275 Reid Street.
A range of services can be provided to seniors such as friendly visiting, transportation to appointments, light yard work, snow shoveling, minor home repairs, grocery shopping and light housekeeping.
Gardiner has already fielded requests from seniors for such tasks as assistance with bringing dahlia bulbs up from the basement and moving a quantity of dirt.
“We already have 10 requests from seniors and some volunteers and contractors signed up,” Gardiner said.
“However, we’re still looking for more volunteers and contractors to commit to the program.”
Volunteers need only drop by the office and fill out an intake form. This will provide information on the number of hours they can commit, the type of assistance they are prepared to provide and reference checks.
Contractors can also contact Gardiner, 250-992-9156 or drop by the office, fill out the intake form and have a criminal record check.
“We’re looking for contractors that can perform odd jobs, maintenance-type work,” she said.
“We need to know availability and skill levels.”
Seniors requiring contractor work will be required to pay based on their household income. For those on minimum income, these services could be free.
When Quesnel Community Living Association’s interim executive director Wylie Bystedt heard about Better at Home, she instantly thought this might be a program suitable for QCLA clients.
“I was excited about QCLA getting involved,” she said.
She explained their supported working program has a crew of clients who would be well-suited to working with seniors.
“It would get them out in the community; they’d gain skills and best of all could help other people.”
She added QCLA resources are designed to support their clients and if they can provide them with an opportunity to help others, thats a win/win.
As with any volunteers, QCLA clients have signed up and provided information about their abilities and choice of activities, but Bystedt said they are very capable and can see a wide range of tasks they would be suited for.
“We share the goal for both QCLA clients and Better at Home seniors to be as involved with the community as possible,” she said.
“Getting out and interacting with people is important for all people regardless of age or ability.”
Gardiner said this program could also be suitable for youth to participate, of course with supervision, and she has plans to speak with the schools in the area as volunteer work earns students credits.
She added some training will be offered to all volunteers.
With the program now underway, Gardiner said funding is available for the next 30 months or so. She encourages seniors, volunteers and contractors to call or drop by the office.
“This is such a positive program and it benefits the community in so many ways,” Gardiner said.
“It’s a seniors-focused, senior-friendly program.”
To contact Gardiner, call 250-992-9156 or email gardener@longname.ca.
