A new pilot project to connect Chinese seniors to community resources has officially launched in Richmond.
The Integrated Community Services for Seniors Pilot Project is a partnership between S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Vancouver Coastal Health. The goal is to create a hub at Austin Harris Residence on Moncton Street near No. 2 Road to ensure Chinese seniors can "age well despite of language and cultural barriers," and ensure older adults can "access the right service at the right time."
Through this program, bilingual (English and Chinese) community connectors will assist eligible seniors in accessing resources such as Meals on Wheels, home care, home health, housing, settlement services, transportation, medication management and mental health supports.
A monthly webinar will also be available for the public to learn about health and social-related issues.
The program will focus on helping vulnerable seniors such as those who are frail, lack family physicians, or have language or cultural barriers. It also aims to help seniors who cope with mental health or dementia and lack access to a caregiver or local networks.
An official opening ceremony was held on Saturday afternoon, with remarks from Mayor Malcolm Brodie, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. board Dr. Maria Chung, UBC professor Dr. Kendall Ho and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. CEO Queenie Choo.
“Richmond has an active seniors population and this program will help to improve their quality of life further,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“It will provide important access to services that respect cultural backgrounds, so our seniors will be able to continue to live independently and enjoy connections that keep them well.”
