Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 1st June 2025
Ester
Last month the BC’s Ministry of Health announced a five-year agreement with United Way BC to support seniors to age at home, in community, by improving and expanding Healthy Aging programs and services in BC! The Better at Home programs in BC are part of this 5 year agreement. 🙌
Quick Facts:
• In 2023-24, United Way BC’s Healthy Aging programs delivered more than 579,000 services to more than 36,000 older adults and engaged 4,301 volunteers dedicated to supporting seniors.
• In 2023-24, there were 94 Better at Home programs that provided 336,415 services to 15,859 seniors in their communities.
Read the full article here.
The Better at Home program on Cortes is brought to you by the Support Our Seniors Society.
Better at Home Cortes 2025-2026
Our program runs from April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 We offer a variety of hours for each service per month. We have a waiting list for some services.
Food Security
Meals on Wheels – Veggie Bags – Community Lunches
We offer 3 meals a month through our Meals on Wheels program that we run with Sunflower Foods. Free holiday dinner is additional. We also offer in-home food prep support & a limited supply of veggie boxes (July & August) from Big Fir Farm. In the spring, fall and winter we have regular free community lunches we organize together with other organizations.
Klahoose Bus - Free
We offer free trips with the Klahoose Health Bus for every client.
Bookings must be made by 8:00 AM, the day on which you’d like to ride. It leaves every Tuesday and Thursday. For booking, call/text or email the lovely driver, Ian Ross (250)203-8360 or email ianrossklahoose.org Please mention to Ian you are a Better at Home clients when you book your seat.
Seniors Helping Seniors
We offer rides for seniors on and off island with volunteers (reimbursement for mileage is covered). Carina Verhoeve is our SHS coordinator. You can call her Monday-Friday between 10& 5 at 250-935-6793
Taxi & Quadra Shuttle
If you have a medical appointment in Campbell River and it is not on a Klahoose Bus day and if there are no volunteer drivers available, you might be eligible to take the Quadra shuttle and a taxi in Campbell River. Contact Ester for details. This service will expand when the ferry dock is getting replaced in early 2026.
Friendly visits
If you would like someone to visit with you please let us know. Happy to drop by for a cup of tea, a game of scrabble or going through your photo albums with you, bring back memories and listen to your stories.
Respite - Free
If your partner has dementia, we can give you a little break and someone will come and take them shopping, to an appointment, have some lunch, visit a friend or go to the museum. A few hours of time for yourself.
Gardening
Light help in the garden to prepare it for each season.
Outdoor help
Help around your home like clearing branches from driveways, wood stacking - projects that are not too heavy but also do not fall under light gardening.
Housekeeping
Bi-weekly light housekeeping
Small home repairs
Our handy person Holger can come to your home and fix things, add railing etc. to make sure your home is a healthy & safe environment.
Tool repairs
Michale Hollier can come to your home and service your generator, lawn mower etc.
Tech Support
We offer in home tech support with Joel and can help you with any digital/technical questions – from ipad settings to printer connections, program updates on your desktop, mobile phone apps, fraud prevention and general trouble shooting.
Device Help
Joel can help you with a second hand phone, compute or device. We have a form available to fill out and he will be in touch with you directly.
Heat Pumps
We will be working with Ecotrust Canada & the Clean BC Better Homes Energy Program to get heat pumps installed in seniors homes this fall. There will be a June 12 info session in the Pioneer Room at 1pm.
Foot Care
Isabelle Laplante offers foot care at the clinic - home visits by exception if you are not mobile.
Better at Home Rates
Your cost for services/meals etc depend on the category you are in which is based on your total household income of 2025. The Klahoose Bus, the holiday meals with Sunflower Foods, Second Hand Devices + support and respite visits are free for everyone.
Who is this program for?
The program is for residents of Cortes Island that are
• 65 years of age or older
• Between 60 & 65 with mobility or health challenges
FAQ
Can anyone become a BAH client?
You can become a client if you are a resident of Cortes and 65 years of age or older or between 60 & 65 with mobility or health challenges.
How do I sign up?
If you are interested in signing up to be a client, you can call 250-204-2116 to sign up over the phone. We can also email you an application (betterathomecortesgmail.com) or mail you a hard copy if you prefer.
Is it free?
It is free for low income seniors, and market rate for seniors with an income above the BC average. The service is offered on a sliding scale, so you may pay a fee based on your income. (Cortes Island’s median household income is nearly $30,000 less than the provincial average.)
Where does the money come from?
The Government of BC, through the Ministry of Health, provides funding to the United Way to manage the Better at Home program across BC. The Support Our Seniors Society runs the program.
We also accept donations:
Non Taxable Donations:
- Send an etransfer to sos.society.cortesgmail.com
- Send a cheque to the Support Our Seniors Society, PO Box 97, Mansons Landing VoP1Ko (memo: donation)
Tax-deductible Donations:
- Donate to us via the Cortes Foundation
Visit https://cortesfoundation.ca/donate-now and choose Better at Home - Pay it Forward in the drop down menu.
What financial information do you need when I apply?
Service fees are determined by Line 15000 (Total Income) on your Canada Revenue Agency income tax Notice of Assessment. These fees-for-service are fed back into the local program in order to serve more seniors. When you fill in the 2025-2026 application we will need line 15000 of your most recent tax return. Once you complete the application we confirm that you are eligible for the program. You then receive an agreement with the specific Category of subsidy.
Does it go on forever?
We have to re-apply every year and we have to apply for each service. The program runs from April 1, 2025-March 31,2026 . However, this 5 year announcement is a big change - we will still need to apply but at least we now know the programs are funded for the next 5 years.
If I sign up, do I need to use all programs?
No, some clients have housekeeping help (BAH Home Support), some join the Meals on Wheels program (BAH Food Security), some use every service we offer and others signed up so they can receive the FREE Emergency Kit (BAH Emergency Preparedness).
Is there a waiting list?
For some services; yes. We recommend that you fill in the application and we will be able to tell you what we can start with and what has a waiting list.
Can I change my mind?
Of course, any time. If you said no to Meals on Wheels on your original application and 6 months down the road you realize you would benefit from having a nutritious delicious homemade meal on a regular basis, or some help with light housekeeping, you can just call or email and we will make those changes.
Is BAH Home Support the same as Augmented Home Care?
No, we compliment each other. AGH provides in-home services to people of all ages experiencing long or short term medical challenges which prevent them from managing some aspects of daily living.
Do you have enough staff/contractors?
No, we never do. We are always looking for additional:
- housekeepers
- someone to help with outdoor chores
- wood stacker/splitter
We require you to sign a confidentiality agreement, submit a criminal record check (easy online application) and we pay $30/hr + mileage.
Interested to become a client?
Send an email to Ester: betterathomecortesgmail.com and I will send you an intake form (confidential) to fill in. Or call 250-204-2116 and I can help you fill in the form over the phone or take down your address so I can mail you a hard copy. It is also attached to this article.
Do you know somebody who could use this service?
Please tell them about this program or let us know and we can check in with them.
Who administers this program?
The Support Our Seniors Society holds a letter of agreement with United Way.
Board of Directors: Myrna Kerr. Jude Marentette, Denise Elo, Dancing Wolf, Andrea Fisher & Mary Gordon
Better at Home ~ Cortes Island
Support Our Seniors Society
Coordinator: Ester Strijbos 250-204-2116 or betterathomecortesgmail.com
Quick Facts:
• In 2023-24, United Way BC’s Healthy Aging programs delivered more than 579,000 services to more than 36,000 older adults and engaged 4,301 volunteers dedicated to supporting seniors.
• In 2023-24, there were 94 Better at Home programs that provided 336,415 services to 15,859 seniors in their communities.
Read the full article here.
The Better at Home program on Cortes is brought to you by the Support Our Seniors Society.
Better at Home Cortes 2025-2026
Our program runs from April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 We offer a variety of hours for each service per month. We have a waiting list for some services.
Food Security
Meals on Wheels – Veggie Bags – Community Lunches
We offer 3 meals a month through our Meals on Wheels program that we run with Sunflower Foods. Free holiday dinner is additional. We also offer in-home food prep support & a limited supply of veggie boxes (July & August) from Big Fir Farm. In the spring, fall and winter we have regular free community lunches we organize together with other organizations.
Klahoose Bus - Free
We offer free trips with the Klahoose Health Bus for every client.
Bookings must be made by 8:00 AM, the day on which you’d like to ride. It leaves every Tuesday and Thursday. For booking, call/text or email the lovely driver, Ian Ross (250)203-8360 or email ianrossklahoose.org Please mention to Ian you are a Better at Home clients when you book your seat.
Seniors Helping Seniors
We offer rides for seniors on and off island with volunteers (reimbursement for mileage is covered). Carina Verhoeve is our SHS coordinator. You can call her Monday-Friday between 10& 5 at 250-935-6793
Taxi & Quadra Shuttle
If you have a medical appointment in Campbell River and it is not on a Klahoose Bus day and if there are no volunteer drivers available, you might be eligible to take the Quadra shuttle and a taxi in Campbell River. Contact Ester for details. This service will expand when the ferry dock is getting replaced in early 2026.
Friendly visits
If you would like someone to visit with you please let us know. Happy to drop by for a cup of tea, a game of scrabble or going through your photo albums with you, bring back memories and listen to your stories.
Respite - Free
If your partner has dementia, we can give you a little break and someone will come and take them shopping, to an appointment, have some lunch, visit a friend or go to the museum. A few hours of time for yourself.
Gardening
Light help in the garden to prepare it for each season.
Outdoor help
Help around your home like clearing branches from driveways, wood stacking - projects that are not too heavy but also do not fall under light gardening.
Housekeeping
Bi-weekly light housekeeping
Small home repairs
Our handy person Holger can come to your home and fix things, add railing etc. to make sure your home is a healthy & safe environment.
Tool repairs
Michale Hollier can come to your home and service your generator, lawn mower etc.
Tech Support
We offer in home tech support with Joel and can help you with any digital/technical questions – from ipad settings to printer connections, program updates on your desktop, mobile phone apps, fraud prevention and general trouble shooting.
Device Help
Joel can help you with a second hand phone, compute or device. We have a form available to fill out and he will be in touch with you directly.
Heat Pumps
We will be working with Ecotrust Canada & the Clean BC Better Homes Energy Program to get heat pumps installed in seniors homes this fall. There will be a June 12 info session in the Pioneer Room at 1pm.
Foot Care
Isabelle Laplante offers foot care at the clinic - home visits by exception if you are not mobile.
Better at Home Rates
Your cost for services/meals etc depend on the category you are in which is based on your total household income of 2025. The Klahoose Bus, the holiday meals with Sunflower Foods, Second Hand Devices + support and respite visits are free for everyone.
Who is this program for?
The program is for residents of Cortes Island that are
• 65 years of age or older
• Between 60 & 65 with mobility or health challenges
FAQ
Can anyone become a BAH client?
You can become a client if you are a resident of Cortes and 65 years of age or older or between 60 & 65 with mobility or health challenges.
How do I sign up?
If you are interested in signing up to be a client, you can call 250-204-2116 to sign up over the phone. We can also email you an application (betterathomecortesgmail.com) or mail you a hard copy if you prefer.
Is it free?
It is free for low income seniors, and market rate for seniors with an income above the BC average. The service is offered on a sliding scale, so you may pay a fee based on your income. (Cortes Island’s median household income is nearly $30,000 less than the provincial average.)
Where does the money come from?
The Government of BC, through the Ministry of Health, provides funding to the United Way to manage the Better at Home program across BC. The Support Our Seniors Society runs the program.
We also accept donations:
Non Taxable Donations:
- Send an etransfer to sos.society.cortesgmail.com
- Send a cheque to the Support Our Seniors Society, PO Box 97, Mansons Landing VoP1Ko (memo: donation)
Tax-deductible Donations:
- Donate to us via the Cortes Foundation
Visit https://cortesfoundation.ca/donate-now and choose Better at Home - Pay it Forward in the drop down menu.
What financial information do you need when I apply?
Service fees are determined by Line 15000 (Total Income) on your Canada Revenue Agency income tax Notice of Assessment. These fees-for-service are fed back into the local program in order to serve more seniors. When you fill in the 2025-2026 application we will need line 15000 of your most recent tax return. Once you complete the application we confirm that you are eligible for the program. You then receive an agreement with the specific Category of subsidy.
Does it go on forever?
We have to re-apply every year and we have to apply for each service. The program runs from April 1, 2025-March 31,2026 . However, this 5 year announcement is a big change - we will still need to apply but at least we now know the programs are funded for the next 5 years.
If I sign up, do I need to use all programs?
No, some clients have housekeeping help (BAH Home Support), some join the Meals on Wheels program (BAH Food Security), some use every service we offer and others signed up so they can receive the FREE Emergency Kit (BAH Emergency Preparedness).
Is there a waiting list?
For some services; yes. We recommend that you fill in the application and we will be able to tell you what we can start with and what has a waiting list.
Can I change my mind?
Of course, any time. If you said no to Meals on Wheels on your original application and 6 months down the road you realize you would benefit from having a nutritious delicious homemade meal on a regular basis, or some help with light housekeeping, you can just call or email and we will make those changes.
Is BAH Home Support the same as Augmented Home Care?
No, we compliment each other. AGH provides in-home services to people of all ages experiencing long or short term medical challenges which prevent them from managing some aspects of daily living.
Do you have enough staff/contractors?
No, we never do. We are always looking for additional:
- housekeepers
- someone to help with outdoor chores
- wood stacker/splitter
We require you to sign a confidentiality agreement, submit a criminal record check (easy online application) and we pay $30/hr + mileage.
Interested to become a client?
Send an email to Ester: betterathomecortesgmail.com and I will send you an intake form (confidential) to fill in. Or call 250-204-2116 and I can help you fill in the form over the phone or take down your address so I can mail you a hard copy. It is also attached to this article.
Do you know somebody who could use this service?
Please tell them about this program or let us know and we can check in with them.
Who administers this program?
The Support Our Seniors Society holds a letter of agreement with United Way.
Board of Directors: Myrna Kerr. Jude Marentette, Denise Elo, Dancing Wolf, Andrea Fisher & Mary Gordon
Better at Home ~ Cortes Island
Support Our Seniors Society
Coordinator: Ester Strijbos 250-204-2116 or betterathomecortesgmail.com
(Intake_Form_BAH_2025-2026.pdf)