The Progressive Intercultural Society (PICS) is getting a boost from the provincial government to add 162 spaces a week to its adult day program.
Programs such as this help seniors who live at home and are cared for by a loved one, stated B.C.’s minister of health, Adrian Dix, in a media release Friday (April 12).
“Our population is rapidly growing and aging in Surrey, and we know there’s a need for more seniors’ services. That’s why it is critically important for us to support the expansion of the Progressive Intercultural Society’s adult day program to ensure more seniors can access this service and enjoy an enriched quality of life by staying socially and physically engaged,” Dix said
The program, which is specifically designed for South Asian seniors, is funded by the Ministry of Health and contracted by Fraser Health.
The provincial government announced in a news release Friday it will provide around $716, 000 to increase the program’s capacity by over 50 per cent, from 138 spaces per week to 300 spaces per week.
“The expansion of the PICS adult day program is an opportunity for our seniors to remain active by sharing fun activities and form meaningful friendships. The program offers respite for families and caregivers in a social, caring and safe environment,” PICS president and CEO, Satbir Singh Cheema said.
The program includes meals, time for arts and crafts, recreation and socialization opportunities, and help with health services and personal care.
B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-term Care, Harwinder Sandhu, was thrilled by this announcement.
“Surrey is one of our province’s most diverse and fast-growing communities, and I’m thrilled that more seniors will have access to the adult day program at PICS,” said Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-term Care. “Seniors’ care is a top priority for our government. By focusing on seniors’ diversity, we are promoting a sense of belonging and ensuring that seniors receive the dignified and high-quality care they deserve.
Dr. Victoria Lee, the president and CEO of Fraser Health, said programs like these ones help seniors be socially and physically active, which is an important part of healthy aging.
“In partnership with Progressive Intercultural Society and the Province of B.C., we are creating more opportunities for seniors to engage with their peers in culturally meaningful ways, leading to better health and healthier communities,” Lee said.
The province has invested over $3.5 million since 2018 “to expand and improve quality care for seniors in B.C., including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living,” reads the release.
For more information about PICS adult day program visit pics.bc.ca/free-programs-services/adult-day