Caring for our Community: Local Seniors Program Receives Generous Support

The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the receipt of $25,000 in funding, provided by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. This generous support will enhance the delivery of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) in the Comox Valley— an evidence-based program providing meaningful care for older adults living with mild to moderate dementia.

CST engages individuals through structured group activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and promote social connection. These sessions incorporate reminiscence therapy, multi-sensory stimulation, and implicit learning, using familiar themes such as food, music, maps, and childhood memories. The program not only benefits participants but also supports their informal caregivers, helping ensure no one feels alone in facing a diagnosis of dementia or in caring for a loved one affected by it.

“This specialized care helps people stay mentally and socially engaged, while also offering support to their loved ones,” said Alison Ritchie, Program Lead, Geriatric Specialty Services. “With an aging population, the demand for care and services continues to grow. Being able to offer a unique blend of service delivery and research ensures our seniors receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve—close to home.”

The funding will allow the CST program to expand its reach in the Comox Valley by providing additional program materials, transportation support, and facilitator assistance—helping to reduce barriers for families who may otherwise struggle to access this valuable care.

“We are truly grateful to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for this meaningful investment in the health and well-being of older adults in our community,” said Avry Janes, Co-Executive Director of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. “This support helps us grow important programs like CST, which not only improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia, but also strengthen the circle of care around them—including their families and caregivers.”

This initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare in the Comox Valley—ensuring local residents have access to excellent, compassionate care at every stage of life. For more information about the New Horizons for Seniors Program, please visit New Horizons for Seniors Program - Canada.ca.

Next
Next

Celebrating our Ongoing Partnership with Graphic Office Interiors