House cleaners are being asked to come forward in the North Okanagan to help meet the demand so seniors can continue to live and age in place.
NexusBC Community Resource Centre is gearing up to launch a new program that provides support for seniors so they can remain in their homes as they age. This program will offer low-income seniors light housekeeping, rides to appointments, and friendly visits.
“We have a great opportunity here for the right person or team,” said Pam Myers, NexusBC executive director. “We’ve basically created a business for someone; the clients and scheduling are all taken care of.”
By 2031, almost a quarter of Canada’s population will be over the age of 65, but it is already so in Vernon.
A survey conducted in 2010 by the National Institute on Ageing and the Canadian Medical Association found that 96 per cent of those 65 and older will do “everything they can” to avoid moving into a nursing home.
Seniors with moderate to severe physical limitations may struggle with home chores that involve an uncomfortable position such as cleaning a toilet.
“An unclean home is also an unsafe home,” said Myers. “And seniors who persist on doing these chores may be putting themselves at risk of injury.”
NexusBC organized 1,097 house cleans through their Better At Home Program in 2022, and yet the waitlist for cleaning services grows. The new program will serve low-income seniors specifically.
As a helping organization themselves, NexusBC encourages everyone to enjoy the satisfaction that comes with helping others.
And what better way to do that than care for those who once cared for us.
“Cleaners could make a great living out of a program like this,” says Myers. “We will require cleaners in Vernon, Armstrong and Lumby.”
Successful applicant(s) will be required to supply clear RCMP vulnerable sector criminal record checks. The successful applicant(s) will also need to carry commercial insurance, have a current business license and WorkSafeBC coverage.
Learn more at nexusbc.ca.