Resident-in-Need Fund brings dignity, comfort and familiarity to local seniors
Each month, broken hearing aids, lost glasses, and empty PolyGrip tubes—seemingly simple inconveniences for most of us—become major life events for some of Vancouver Island’s most vulnerable long-term care residents.
“I feel like I’ve moved back into the world,” said Faye, an Aberdeen care home resident, after receiving three new dresses through Eldercare’s Resident-in-Need Fund. With little income, her wardrobe had been reduced to a single hospital gown. That simple act of generosity restored her dignity and sense of belonging—exactly what Eldercare aims to achieve every day.
The Resident-in-Need Fund supports residents facing financial barriers. It ensures that when small needs arise—like lost clothing, basic toiletries, or a replacement hearing aid—they don’t turn into overwhelming obstacles. The impact is deeply personal, as seen in three recent stories made possible by compassionate donors.
At Brentwood House long-term care, social worker Stephanie Stanton (pictured here with resident, Myrna) describes the delicate balance between giving and receiving. “We give so much in many areas of our lives, so for some people, receiving can feel vulnerable or uncomfortable,” she says. One of the residents she supports, Myrna, often declines help, insisting, “I have everything I need, dear.” But when Myrna ran out of toothpaste, deodorant, and moisturizer—with no access to funds or family support—Stephanie requested support via to the Resident-in-Need Fund.
When the items arrived, Myrna’s eyes filled with tears. “It took her a while to realize these were a gift just for her,” Stephanie recalls. “She kept repeating, ‘I am very grateful, dear. Now I don’t need to worry.’” The package also included a few Mars bars, a special touch that brought back memories of Myrna’s late son, who used to bring her the same candy. “Of course, chocolate isn’t essential,” Stephanie adds, “but the smile it brought to her face was priceless.”
Sometimes, a gift is about more than meeting a need—it’s about restoring self-expression. At The Summit, resident Colin faced a familiar problem in long-term care: missing socks and clothing. With shared laundry facilities, lost items are not uncommon, but for residents with financial barriers, replacing them is often impossible. Thanks to Eldercare donors, Colin received several new Carhartt hoodies—his favourite kind.
“Clothing is an important form of personal expression,” says Jonathan Leland, Colin’s social worker at The Summit. “It’s one of the ways people express their uniqueness and feel comfortable presenting themselves to the world. I’m so grateful for the Resident-in-Need Fund because it gives our residents a chance to reclaim that individuality—and everyone deserves that.”
For other residents, it’s about reconnecting with cherished memories. At Aberdeen Care Home, Red, whose eyesight has worsened due to diabetes, could no longer read his wristwatch. For someone who had worn one since childhood, this small loss made each day feel unfamiliar. With help from Eldercare’s Resident-in-Need Fund, Red received a talking watch that reads the time aloud.
“As soon as I got the watch, I said ‘Yahoo! I feel like a kid again,’” Red says with a grin. His favorite feature is a rooster-crowing alarm. “I grew up on Lasqueti Island, playing at the beach, making rafts, and feeding chickens. That sound takes me right back home. I love it.”
These moments—whether a watch, a hoodie, or a chocolate bar—may seem small, but together they reflect something profound: dignity, comfort, and connection for seniors who have given so much throughout their lives.
Eldercare is committed to finding even more ways to protect and enhance quality of life for the growing number of Island seniors. Join us in helping local seniors live with comfort, dignity, and joy.