Better at Home - Lower Mainland (Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing)

Volunteers assist Deaf and Hard of Hearing seniors age 55 and over who are in general good health, but require help with non-medical daily tasks to maintain independent living within their homes and remain connected to their communities. Services include light housekeeping, grocery shopping, friendly visits and transportation (details below). Fees are on a sliding scale based on income. Serves the Lower Mainland. Program hours vary; office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Funded by Ministry of Health (MOH) and managed by United Way British Columbia (UWBC).

Provides transportation to individuals ages 55 and over who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing in the Lower Mainland for non-medical appointments only. Accompanied transportation is available for shopping or social excursions. Individuals must be a resident of the Lower Mainland, and may be a government assistance recipient. Can accommodate a walker or service animal, depending on vehicle. Serves Abbotsford, Agassiz, Anmore, Burnaby, Belcarra, Boston Bar, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, North Bend, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver, White Rock, and Yale. Service hours vary, depending on client needs. Volunteers provide transportation with their own car or accompaniment through ride providers like Uber, Lyft, or on public transportation. Booking is required at least one week in advance of trip; booking hours are 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Multiple appointments may be booked in one trip. Booking of regular trips is permitted. One to three days notice is required to cancel a trip. Membership and pre-registration is required. Cost to client is sliding scale based on income, with subsidy available; clients pay directly for each trip. Cost is free for government assistance recipients; the Ministry of Health (MOH) is invoiced monthly for clients who receive coverage for transportation. Service provided in American Sign Language (ASL) and English; interpretation service is available. Waitlist is maintained.