Better at Home - Richmond

Provides three key services to Richmond seniors age 65 and over, or age 55 to 64 who have a disability or chronic health issue. Open referral for all services, although intake and registration are required. Various languages may be available depending on volunteer availability. The free Friendly Visiting service helps ensure that seniors living alone don't have to feel alone. Volunteers visit clients at their homes, offering a listening ear and a friendly face; hours vary. The Light Housekeeping service helps seniors with household tasks they can't complete on their own. Clients may schedule the service once a month, paying either a full or subsidized fee, depending on their income level. Offered in partnership with a local contractor.

Through the Transportation Service, provides transportation to Richmond seniors ages 65 and over to medical appointments in the lower mainland, and to selected non-medical appointments within Richmond (upon approval by staff). May provide transportation to medical appointments for individuals ages 55 and up who are living with a disability or health condition. Clients must be residents of Richmond. Services include support for clients with dementia (but if client can't manage on their own, they must be accompanied by a caregiver), help with vehicle entry and exit, and space for personal attendant. Can accommodate a walker and a service animal; may be able to accommodate a wheelchair depending on the vehicle, and on if clients can transfer themselves from the wheelchair to the vehicle. Serves Richmond; pick-up locations are limited to Richmond residences; drop-off locations are limited to Richmond, although transportation to medical appointments beyond Richmond may be provided. Service hours are generally 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday; there is some flexibility depending on driver availability. Transportation is by car, with a volunteer driver. Booking is required at least 10 working days before the trip; booking hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Multiple appointments may not be booked in one trip, and booking of regular trips is not permitted. Advance notice is required to cancel a trip. Pre-registration by phone is required. Cost to client is on sliding scale based on income, with subsidy available to low-income clients. Clients are responsible for parking costs; clients pay directly for each trip. Service provided in Cantonese, English, French, Hindi, Mandarin, and Punjabi; interpretation service is not available. A waitlist is maintained; typical wait time before accessing service is approximately three months, depending on the availability of volunteers. Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Run by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, managed by United Way BC, and funded by Ministry of Health.