For Volunteer Richmond Information Services (VRIS), an aging population is more than simply a demographic fact quoted far too often in the news. Getting older is a concern for everyone. As people age, challenges arise in maintaining a high quality of life. Illness can creep in. Life changes, like retirement, are stressful. Families, too, must cope with the changing relationship with their loved ones. Vancouver Coastal Health partners with VRIS  to provide Volunteers for Seniors programs and services in the community to promote a healthy, independent lifestyle. 

Our Volunteers Shopping Programs work tirelessly to help Richmond seniors maintain their independence and stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Through our Group Shopping Program, seniors get the extra help they need when grocery shopping with our team of dedicated volunteers. For seniors who are unable to go out to purchase their groceries, there is the Shop-by-Phone Service.

Independence also comes from empowerment. Through our Senior Peer Counselling program, senior volunteer counsellors are trained to deal with the unique problems of the senior years. The peer counselling model is based on the belief that older adults prefer to talk to other older adults who have similar life experiences when they are worried, frustrated or dealing with loss.

Our Seniors Information and Referral Program provides information to and assists seniors with many different concerns – including housing, applying for government pensions, and filling out government forms. Senior Information & Referral Counsellors are available daily in the VRIS office at the Caring Place, once a week at the West Richmond Community Centre and by phone during office hours.

VRIS is pleased to announce a new, innovative program, funded by the United Way. The Caregivers Education and Support Program will provide caregivers an opportunity for education and group support.

VRIS is working in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health/Richmond Health Services on an initiative called The Integrated Health Network. This initiative was developed to enhance health and social services that support healthy aging at home and improve service coordination among key service providers. As a result we are providing three services to clients of the Integrated Health Network: Volunteer Visitors, Volunteer Phoners and Volunteer Drivers.

For additional information about any of the above programs, please call 604-279-7020 or email info@volunteerichmond.ca.