Better at Home Better at Emergencies
By Barbra Fairclough
In March 2023 the Shuswap Better at Home program was granted $25,000 from United Way British Columbia to develop emergency preparedness support. The grant serves to support BaH coordinators to connect participants with local government, volunteer organizations and service agencies to assist clients to better prepare themselves for emergencies. Regional Coordinator Heather O’Brien says, “This is a one-on-one connection that is a more accessible way for people to look at their emergency preparedness.”
The Better at Home Program is delivered in 260 communities across the province, by over 85 non-profit organizations. It helps with non-medical needs for those living independently at home. In the Shuswap Region nearly 200 clients are currently being served. Heather confirms that, in addition to providing numerous services, the program has evolved to supporting clients with referrals to different community agencies whose services fill a need.
Funding for BaH is provided by the Government of BC and managed by United Way British Columbia Healthy Aging. There has been acknowledgement by United Way that BaH is now moving towards serving people who have more complex needs.
This grant has facilitated the development of a revised intake questionnaire that answers questions on emergency preparedness and response. In the client intake interview the BaH coordinator can assist in uncovering client needs during an emergency before an emergency occurs. Sometimes the need for refrigeration for medicines or power for oxygen for example can be identified in advance and provisions can be anticipated prior to an emergency event.
Clients may otherwise have limited access to information and by reviewing the questions BaH becomes informed on client needs and can refer or direct the client to information that will support their individual emergency preparedness requirements.
The program developed a two-page concise laminated form for local emergency information and the emergency items you should consider packing.
Considerations for Community Care and an emergency buddy are all noted. People with a decreased capacity to respond in emergencies will likely require added assistance with special considerations. Heather indicates that sometimes clients call with a question and BaH can find the information for them. “We are happy to look up information for them or help look it up. It can be a difference maker.”
It also summarizes some essential information about evacuation stages. Emergency kit supply list and other considerations like whether the client can move the emergency kit from the house to the car. Heather notes that a senior who is still driving and is capable of driving daily may find driving under evacuation order a bit more taxing and may need assistance.
Small but important considerations for emergency response can make a big difference in outcomes.
Heather confirms that the initial project concludes in the Fall, but the changes to the intake will remain. The Provincial Better at Home program has recently had an external review, results will be published sometime in the fall.
The Eagle Valley Community Support Society is the host agency for the Shuswap Better at Home program. In September, they were invited to apply for Wildfire Relief funds through United Way BC. The staff will be collaborating with North Shuswap community groups and other agencies to provide support to the affected community members.
The staff and volunteers at Better at Home are knowledgeable and helpful and anyone interested in signing up or volunteering for the program in the Shuswap, Enderby, or Chase can contact Heather at sbahintake@outlook.com of phone 250 253 2749.
