A program seniors have been relying on to help them age at home is expiring.
Age Well at Home is a federal government pilot project, which ends Aug. 31 in Vernon, Lake Country and across the nation.
"It's been a great program, and weÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ve asked about opportunities to continue it, but weÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ve been advised by our project coordinator that it is doubtful that the program will continue," said Pam Myers, executive director of Vernon's NexusBC, which offers the program locally to seniors.
At Nexus, Age Well provides light housekeeping and transportation free of charge to approximately 170 low-income seniors. It has done so for approximately two years.
"We also provide an information and referral service as part of this program where we provide about 1,000 services every month to seniors," said Myers. "This would have meant the loss of four full-time positions for us; fortunately, we have found additional provincial funds to help us retain two of these employees."
Volunteer driver Sue Slater has made hundreds of trips, taking seniors to appointments or for groceries and would hate to see the program end.
"Think of all those seniors that are unable to drive or don't have a car," Slater said.
Elspeth Manning lives with a number of seniors and was shocked to learn the program is ending.
"Due to low pensions, etc., many of these people, and more, cannot afford $40 an hour for a house keeper, especially with the inflation on food, etc.," said Manning who hears stories from seniors who say a bottle of Vitamin B is more affordable than the food with Vitamin B in it.
"I am at a loss understanding these cuts when most political figures wear suits that would pay for six months plus of keeping a home hygienic, someoneÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s needs taken care of etc. and healthy."
Manning commends Nexus for the "excellent" job it does with the program.
"The only thing of higher value is the pride one feels to have a spotless/functioning living space. Remember most apartments are ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½˜shoe boxes,ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ but that space becomes home," Manning said. "Someday it may be you who cannot carry groceries, who needs help cleaning the top of a fridge etc. LetÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s keep supporting our existing programs that are making a healthy difference."
The Morning Star and Nexus have reached out to Vernon-Monashee MP Scott Anderson, with no response to date.
Former MP Mel Arnold, now the Shuswap MP, has been in contact.
"He and his staff are hoping to bring this situation forward to the House of Commons once they resume, but that may be up to two months from now," said Myers.
There are many Age Well programs across the country providing services for thousands of seniors through more than 100 individual programs.
