Another step to making this area a Rural Age Friendly Community was taken by the District of 100 Mile House at the Oct. 27 council meeting, as the South Cariboo Age-Friendly Initiative (SCAFI) is seeking government support to fund its ongoing programs through 2016.
The SCAFI works towards making 100 Mile House and area more accessible to seniors by helping improve things, such as transportation, housing and networking.
“That network of support that's built is hugely important, especially in a small rural community where we may not have as many resources as other communities,” says Lea Smirfitt, SCAFI community co-ordinator.
A recent example of the need and interest for these programs locally was the positive response received at the inaugural Seniors Resource Fair, which saw hundreds of visitors and dozens of service providers of interest to seniors at the 100 Mile Community Hall on Oct. 23.
A resolution was carried at the District of 100 Mile House regular council meeting on Oct. 27 to support the SCAFI steering committee's application for funding for the 2016 fiscal year, an essential step in the grant process.
A maximum of 25 grants of up to $20,000 are available for 2016 through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities' Seniors' Housing & Support Initiative, which was launched in 2004 to assist local governments to prepare for an aging population.
Smirfitt says the SCAFI is also looking at bringing the “Better at Home” program to the community.
The Better at Home program helps seniors with day-to-day tasks, so they can continue to live independently in their own homes. The program is funded by the government of British Columbia, and local non-profit organizations provide the services needed.
“We're trying to lay the groundwork so we can attract that funding in the community,” says Smirfitt.