
Better at Home – A Nanaimo Story
“It helps people in their own home,” says Myrna, “and I think that’s why it’s called Better at Home.”
Myrna is an independent spirit; one who values her ability to remain in the comfort of her home. When she moved to Nanaimo on her own 17 years ago she didn’t know anyone, save for one friend. “I had visited a friend over here for many years and I just felt that the Island would be the place to retire.”
Thanks to United Way BC’s Better at Home, Myrna has lived in the same condo she moved into those many years ago. Today, she is busy preparing to move onto a new adventure to a seniors’ apartment.
Services with Dignity

Operated by Nanaimo Family Life Association with funding through United Way BC, the Better at Home program provides invaluable services to many seniors in the city. “Better at Home is about providing affordable non-medical services to seniors so that they can age in place with dignity,” says Angela Turnbull, Program Coordinator for Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Gabriola.
She continues, “The dignity portion is probably the most important part. We let them dictate what they need instead of us telling them what we think they need.”
A Helping Hand
“I was probably born to help people,” Heather says with a smile.
For community minded people like Heather, helping others comes naturally. She is filled with enthusiasm and love for working with seniors. As a senior herself she hopes that programs like Better at Home are available when she needs it

Heather mentions how clients look forward to her coming because, “It’s somebody different to talk to.” She also notes that often she and one or two other family members are the only people the senior will see over the course of a whole month. Her visits also lead to special connections. “I have a client who is 101. I discovered she wrote poetry so we got into the habit that at the end of my visit, I would get her to read one of her poems to me. It was just so rewarding. She loved it because they meant a lot to her.”
The connections we make can lead to lasting friendships
“When I first moved here, I knew no one. I didn’t have a person to go to coffee with. And now I have quite a few!”

When summarising her experience with Better at Home, Myrna says, “It provided a connection for me beyond the services. That’s important for all seniors, especially when we hear a lot about the loneliness epidemic. I think we get neglected sometimes, but with these services there’s a connection if you’re alone and not an outgoing person.”
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