A Place to Belong: How TAPS is Changing Lives for Burnaby’s Vulnerable Seniors.

It’s a sunny Thursday morning at Burnaby Neighbourhood House’s Community Hall, and Lea Kovalchuk, Seniors Day Program Coordinator, is already in motion – welcoming familiar faces with warm smiles and gentle encouragement. The weekly United Way BC Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS), a program that brings older adults together through specially tailored group activities that engage the body, mind and spirit, is about to begin. The hall is slowly filling with laughter, greetings, and the comforting clink of coffee cups.

Some participants arrive by HandyDART, others are dropped off by caregivers. All are greeted with kindness and a sense of belonging. There’s coffee and tea, snacks to share, and stories to catch up on before the day’s activities begin. For many, this Thursday gathering is more than just a social outing – it’s a lifeline.

“When I started three years ago, we had just four participants,” Lea recalls. “Now we welcome 15 to 16 older adults every week, and we have a waitlist of nine.”

Meeting Seniors Where They Are

“TAPS brings seniors together to build friendships, stimulate their minds, and enrich their daily lives,” says Lea. The Thursday program at Burnaby Neighbourhood House (BNH) is designed specifically for vulnerable seniors facing challenges such as memory loss, mental health concerns, vision impairments, and mobility issues. One-third of the group experiences some form of memory impairment.

“Many people with memory loss are isolated or have reduced social opportunities,” Lea explains. “TAPS provides a welcoming environment where they can be socially engaged, feel valued, and support each other.”

The Growing Need: Dementia and Memory Loss in BC

As Canada’s population ages, dementia is rising at an alarming rate. In 2024, 8.7% of Canadians over 65 were living with some form of dementia – a number projected to reach 13.2% by 2050. In British Columbia, the urgency is even greater: between 2020 and 2050, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase by 218%.

This growing public health challenge is compounded by the effects of loneliness and isolation – as one of the top risk factors for dementia in seniors. Research shows that social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by an average of 60%, and can worsen symptoms for those already affected.

While some risk factors like age and genetics are beyond our control, others—such as social connection, physical activity, and mental stimulation – can be addressed. That’s where programs like United Way BC’s Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS) come in.

TAPS offers a vital lifeline for vulnerable seniors, providing group activities, emotional connection, and gentle movement that help improve quality of life. By creating safe, inclusive spaces for seniors to engage and connect, TAPS is helping reduce isolation and slow cognitive decline.

What is TAPS?

TAPS is more than just activities – it’s a safe, inclusive space where older adults can connect, grow, and feel a true sense of belonging. Designed especially for seniors facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, TAPS helps foster independence, improve well-being, and reduce isolation.

A typical TAPS session may include light exercises to invigorate the body, shared learning opportunities through workshops or webinars, and wholesome meals accompanied by enriching conversations.

At BNH, a Thursday begins with coffee, tea, and conversation, followed by activities like chair yoga or presentations. A nutritious lunch – soup, sandwiches, or a hot meal – is served, and the afternoon wraps up with bingo or another group activity. These moments are more than routine – they’re therapeutic and transformative.

The program was developed with care and intention, shaped in collaboration with United Way BC. As the team explored how TAPS could complement existing BNH offerings like the Dementia Café, they saw a gap for more vulnerable seniors – those who couldn’t attend traditional social lunches or programs.

“What we were trying to create here [was] for more vulnerable population, for more frail seniors,” Lea explains.

To reach these individuals, BNH began building bridges with healthcare professionals and community organizations thanks in part to the help of Social Prescribing Community Connectors in Burnaby.

“We start building connections… to give this group really supportive [programming],” says Lea.

United Way BC also advised on group composition, recommending no more than one-third of participants have memory loss at any time to ensure a balanced and supportive experience for all.

This thoughtful approach has helped shape a program that meets seniors where they are – and helps them thrive.

Building Connection, One Thursday at a Time

The heart of TAPS lies in its ability to foster genuine connection. Participants who once felt isolated begin to thrive in the program’s welcoming environment.

Lea shares the story of one woman who was initially anxious and confused. Her sister accompanied her at first, even calling the day before to remind her. But after making friends and enjoying the activities, the participant’s confidence grew. Over time, she found her footing.

“She joked with others and was very talkative,” said Lea.

For many, TAPS becomes the highlight of their week.

“Is it Thursday?” participants ask with anticipation.

Even those with memory loss begin to recall and share details about their day.

“At first, they wouldn’t tell their caregivers anything… And then later, they’d share that they did this and that, or that the meal was delicious,” Lea explains.

The transformation is often gradual but profound.

“I see that people, the longer they attend, they become more engaged, and they share,” Lea explains.

One participant who initially avoided speaking during group conversations now listens attentively and is slowly opening up.

“They get used to the routine… They are not confused anymore.”

“I like attending this program,” says one participant. “Otherwise I’d be sitting at home watching TV by myself, which is very boring and lonely. I made some nice acquaintances here, and it’s a good place to come.”

The Thursday group has grown into a tight-knit circle.

“They know each other rather well, and they’re very supportive,” says Lea. “The program is working. It’s connecting them and creating that social connection.”

United Way BC: Supporting the People Behind the Program

Behind every successful TAPS session is a network of dedicated coordinators – and United Way BC plays a vital role in supporting them.

“United Way helps us a lot, provide us funding, but also guidance,” Lea shares.

Through quarterly meetings facilitated by United Way BC, coordinators exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from one another.

“I’m grateful for these meetings, and the opportunity for me to meet other program coordinators, and ask them questions… hear how others are managing and dealing with challenges,” says Lea.

“We help each other. And then we learn from each other.”

“That’s one thing I’ve always liked about the organization [United Way BC] – how the teams bring everybody together to share information and learn.

United for Seniors: How You Can Help

Thanks to the generous support of our partners and the BC Ministry of Health, United Way BC served over 65,000 seniors through almost 350 programs in 2024/25. But the need is great and growing. 

Initiatives like TAPS are making a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults -ensuring they remain active, connected, and engaged.

With your help, we can expand our reach and provide even more care and connection to older adults in need across BC. Join us in creating a future where every senior has the support they need to thrive. 

Let’s Be United for Seniors. Donate Today.