Better at Home
Volunteer Cowichan’s Better at Home program provides non-medical, non-urgent support to seniors for day-to-day activities. If you’re at least 65 years old, living in the Cowichan Valley Region, and just need a little support so you can live independently, this could be the program for you! Information is below. Please contact us for more details or fill out the FORM to apply.
Better at Home offers various services including grocery delivery, housekeeping, driving to medical appointments in the central Cowichan Valley region, and friendly visits. Services are delivered by a combination of volunteers, paid staff and contractors depending upon the service required and the capacity of the program to respond. Clients may pay a fee for some services, but others are free. Registration includes a home visit by the program coordinator to assess needs and sign registration forms. We work directly with the person who will be receiving the services to assess their needs and match them directly with the program which will best support them.
Better at Home is part of a province-wide initiative, funded by the Province of BC, managed by United Way, and delivered by Volunteer Cowichan.
Courtesy Rides for Health and Wellness
Courtesy Rides for Health and Wellness is a friendly transportation service for Volunteer Cowichan’s Better at Home clients aged 65+ who cannot drive themselves to medical, health or wellness appointments. Clients must live in the Duncan-area. We are unable to take wheelchairs or walkers.
The service provides volunteer drivers to pick up clients from their homes, take them to their appointment and then return them home safely and free of charge.
Light Housekeeping
Our most popular program, Light housekeeping services are an essential part of supporting seniors in maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment.
Through this service, contractors perform tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and tidying up, ensuring that seniors can enjoy a well-kept home without the strain of heavy cleaning. This support helps clients to maintain a hygienic and pleasant living space, but also provides a sense of companionship and care, making a significant difference in the daily lives of elderly individuals.
Please note we are unable to provide urgent cleaning. We receive year-to-year funding, and we are at capacity for the upcoming year. We can refer you to many paid providers in our region, some of whom work with us and we fully endorse.
Social: Friendly Visits & Phone Calls
Our social program fosters social connections and combats loneliness among seniors.
Through regular friendly visits and phone calls, seniors can experience meaningful interactions and build lasting relationships. These social activities provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging, helping to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for elderly individuals.
Whether it’s a chat over the phone or a face-to-face visit, these simple gestures of kindness play a crucial role in ensuring that seniors feel connected and cared for.
Grocery Shopping
Our grocery program connects seniors to volunteers who can order, shop for, and/or deliver what they need – this is not just a grocery program, it is also a chance to have a friendly social visit.