Comfort Carts make a real impact across Vancouver Island Emergency Departments

Back in March, we told you about our Comfort Cart initiative - a new way of offering immediate, personalized support through thoughtfully selected items to seniors waiting for care in Emergency Departments across Vancouver Island. Research shows that comfort-based interventions can reduce anxiety, prevent agitation, mitigate development of delirium, and support recovery. Items include soft blankets and neck pillows for physical comfort, pocket talkers for those with hearing loss, and sensory activities that calm and engage.

Since we launched, we've heard a lot of success stories and received many thanks from Emergency Department staff as well as seniors who have been able to make use of these items. Our immense gratitude goes out to all of our donors who have made this hugely impactful initiative a big success.

Our program manager wanted to show what goes into the Comfort Carts as they continue to offer dignity and care as the initiative rolls on. Click the image above to follow her on a Comfort Cart re-stock journey!

Share a Gift to Support Seniors in Emergency Care

Coastal Community Insurance Services

donates to Duncan seniors’ program

Adult day programs are a vital part of the senior care ecosystem. Now, thanks to a generous $500 donation from Coastal Community Insurance Services, the adult day program at Waldon House in Duncan are a little bit closer to their goal of enhancing outdoor spaces to offer even more to their participants.

Operated by Island Health, Waldon House provides a welcoming and engaging environment where older adults can maintain the skills, confidence, and social connections they need to continue living safely at home. At the same time, the program offers family caregivers valuable respite, giving them the opportunity to rest, recharge, and care for their own health and well-being.

We had a great time at the Defy Dementia event the University of Victoria in early July! The event was chock full of really great speakers, a robust community presence and an all-around wonderful opportunity to connect with community organizations and individuals. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table, and thanks to The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation and Baycrest for inviting us.

If you are interested in brain health, and reducing your risk of developing dementia, we highly recommend the Defy Dementia podcast. Visit their website to listen.

Come along with Eldercare Foundation as we visit The Summit, a long-term care residence in Victoria BC. In the latest of a series of projects there, Eldercare funded the addition of vinyl door coverings. These are designed to improve the space by making it feel less institutional and more like home, while aiding in recall for residents. Each vinyl is unique, helping residents with wayfinding to their space. Thanks to everyone at The Summit for helping bring this project to life, and all of our wonderful donors for helping to make this truly special improvement for seniors in long-term care.

Eldercare Foundation visited the

gorge-ous Gorge Road Health Centre to do some filming with a number of folks who have been touched by our robotic companion pet program. You may have seen our TV and social media campaign last year, and we are working to share fresh stories about the impact this program has on the quality of life of seniors in long-term care. Thank you to everyone from M1 for their hard work to capture these stories, and to everyone who shared their personal experiences with us. Keep a look out for more information in a few months!

Coming soon to the

Summer school is now in session! Join Eldercare Foundation for free education sessions for older adults and family caregivers, covering health, wellness, and future planning. Our programs include caregiver support workshops, chronic condition self-management, end-of-life care and grief support, and community resources for seniors.

NEW! We are starting to include hybrid events that are also available online via Zoom in addition to in-person options.

Be Ready – Emergency Preparedness For Seniors

July 16, 2:30- 4:00 p.m.

Available in-person or online

Learn more and register

Emergencies can feel intimidating, but getting prepared doesn’t have to be! Be Ready is an engaging, hands-on session that breaks preparedness down into four simple, empowering steps: know the risks, make a plan, build a kit, and build a network. Through practical and accessible preparedness education, participants learn how to better respond to disasters, stay safe, and strengthen community resilience before emergencies happen.

How Do You Take Care of You? Planning for Incapacity & Estates

July 22, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Join us in-person

Learn more and register

Caring for ourselves and the people we love can feel overwhelming, but planning ahead doesn’t have to be. This session offers a grounded, personal look at care, incapacity preparation, and estate planning with Holly Van Schouwen, Estate and Trust Consultant with Scotia Trust. Participants will learn about key considerations such as how decision‑making changes as we age, where things break down and how families can be supported through these transitions.