Robson Valley Support Society McBride Office.
Robson Valley Support Society McBride Office.

Submitted by BC Gov Communications

Four communities in the Robson Valley have now joined the Better At Home program thanks to $49,500 in funding from the B.C. government.

The Robson Valley is one of six new rural and remote areas receiving funding. The Better at Home program aims to be ready to assist clients this summer in Valemount, McBride, Dunster and Tete Jaune Cache.

This funding is part of a $4 million contribution from the B.C. government and is distributed through United Way of the Lower Mainland. The funding will help provide non-medical support to help seniors remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. Program services can vary between communities, but include friendly visiting, light yard work, minor home repairs, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and transportation to appointments.

“Seniors living in rural areas of our province can face unique challenges accessing supports when they want to live independently and in their homes as long as possible,” Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond said. “Providing assistance with simple services like grocery shopping and transportation will help seniors in the Robson Valley and I am very glad that our region is now included in this important program.”

This Better at Home pilot project recognizes that seniors’ independence in rural and remote communities can be affected by factors such as geographic isolation, smaller population density and less infrastructure development.

All seniors living in a Better at Home community can apply for services. The Better at Home service provider will assist the applicant in deciding which services are right for their circumstances.

To date, the B.C. government has provided $26 million in funding to enhance and support the operations of the Better at Home program.

For more information about the Better at Home program, please visit: betterathome.ca