Eldercare Foundation of Vancouver Island is a longstanding charitable foundation dedicated to helping older adults age with dignity, safety and connection. Created in 1982 to support several Greater Victoria long-term care homes, it now partners with Island Health, community organizations and educational institutions to fund a wide range of services, equipment and learning opportunities for seniors and their caregivers across Vancouver Island.
Role of the Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The foundation focuses its funding in three main areas: aging in place, long-term care, and education and research. For seniors living at home, Eldercare supports community-based programs such as Adult Day Programs, community bathing programs, respite services, and the SAFE (Specialized Assistance for Elders) initiatives, including SAFE Lifeline medical alert systems and in-home SAFE Foot Care for low-income, home-bound seniors.
In publicly funded long-term care facilities, Eldercare finances specialized equipment, therapy programs and quality-of-life enhancements. Examples highlighted on the site include music therapy hours, robotic companion pets, adaptive bikes, sit-to-stand trainers, interactive projectors for dementia care, accessible buses, and a Resident-in-Need Fund that helps residents with essential personal items they cannot afford.
Support for education and research
Through its Education & Research portfolio, the foundation funds bursaries, scholarships and awards for Island Health staff, medical staff and students whose work improves seniors’ care. It offers application-based support for conference attendance, degree and certificate studies, and staff education events. Eldercare Research Awards are delivered in partnership with the University of Victoria’s Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, and additional named awards are offered to students at Camosun College, including the Eldercare Foundation HCA Award, PN Achievement Award and the Dr. Tom Bailey Memorial Bursary.
The foundation also operates and funds the Yakimovich Wellness Centre, which provides free public education sessions and workshops for older adults and family caregivers on topics such as chronic disease management, caregiving, end-of-life issues and health system navigation.
Supported audiences and geographic scope
Eldercare’s impact spans public long-term care homes and community programs throughout Island Health’s geography, including facilities and initiatives in Victoria, Colwood, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Comox and other communities. Its funding reaches seniors in care, older adults striving to remain at home, family caregivers, and professionals seeking advanced training in geriatric care.
Transparency and governance
The foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with experience in healthcare, business and community leadership, and managed by a small professional staff team. It publishes annual reports and a multi-year strategic plan outlining priorities such as expanding community supports, improving long-term care environments and investing in knowledge and innovation. Donors can give through one-time or monthly gifts, legacies, securities, staff lotteries and other mechanisms, with clear reporting on how contributions translate into funded programs, equipment and awards for seniors’ care.