What is the Elder Bloom Day Program?

It’s a therapeutic recreation day program in Kamloops that supports older adults through social connection, creativity, and holistic wellness.

Who can join the program?

Adults living with disability, chronic illness, or social isolation who would benefit from structured recreation and community engagement.

How does caregiver respite work?

While participants attend the program, caregivers get time to rest, recharge, or manage other responsibilities knowing their loved one is in good hands.

How can I support Elder Bloom?

Join our membership, donate or sponsor a participant, volunteer your skills, or purchase Elder Bloom candles — all proceeds help fund our programs.

Our Journey

At Elder Bloom Wellness Society, we believe in being transparent about where we are today, what we’re building toward, and how we’ll get there. This page outlines our current stage, our goals, and the resources needed to make Elder Bloom a reality for seniors and caregivers in Kamloops.

Where We Are Going

Our end goal is to open a therapeutic day centre that:

Provides full-day programming, five days a week for older adults living with disability, chronic illness, or isolation.
Includes nutritious meals and snacks, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living.
Offers therapeutic programming (art, music, gardening, movement, games) guided by recreation therapy principles.
Creates opportunities for caregiver respite, giving families peace of mind and support.
Serves as a hub for social connection, wellness, and dignity in aging.

Where We Are

Registered Nonprofit: Elder Bloom Wellness Society is officially incorporated under the BC Societies Act.

Early Development: We are in the fundraising and community engagement stage.
Networking & Outreach: We are building partnerships with local organizations, funders, and caregivers to shape programs that meet real community needs.
Governance in Place: A volunteer Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance.
Community Input: We are actively gathering feedback through surveys to ensure our day centre reflects the priorities of seniors and caregivers.

How We Will Get There

Donations, Fundraising & Sponsorships:

Building support through donations, handmade candle fundraisers, and sponsorship opportunities.

Beginning October, our handmade candle and wax melt fundraiser will be featured at markets across Kamloops and promoted through our Facebook page.
Our Sponsorship Program is now live, inviting individuals and businesses to sponsor participants, ensuring that seniors of all income levels can access our programs.

Grant Applications:

Pursuing funding streams like BC Gaming Grants, New Horizons for Seniors Program, and local foundations.

We are actively seeking grants we are eligible for, including provincial and federal programs that support seniors’ services, caregiver respite, and nonprofit operations.

Community Partnerships:

Collaborating with nonprofits, healthcare providers, and local businesses to strengthen programming.

We’ve reached out to other seniors’ service providers in Kamloops to explore ways Elder Bloom can complement and support their work.
Our Board Members will volunteer with local businesses and nonprofits to strengthen community ties and partnerships.
We’ve completed market research on costs and needs for a wheelchair-accessible bus to remove transportation barriers.Facility & Transportation: Securing an accessible space and a wheelchair-accessible bus to ensure inclusivity.

Hiring & Training:

Bringing on dedicated staff to deliver safe, high-quality programs.

Elder Bloom’s founder, Melissa Hood, is a trained Recreation Therapist with over eight years of experience working with seniors across long-term care, assisted living, and adult day programs.
Melissa takes pride in delivering the highest quality programming and holds high standards for hiring and training practices to ensure staff provide compassionate, inclusive, and evidence-based care

Our Startup Budget

Program Equipment & Supplies (activities, wellness, and recreation): $6,000

Active Games
Expressive Arts Supplies
Exercise equipment
Whiteboard
Board Games & Table Activities
Crafting Supplies
Sensory Items
IPad and more...

Accessibility & Safety Equipment: $4,000

Ramps/Transitions
Hand Rails
Blood Pressure and Pulse Reader
Non Slip Mats
Adaptive Activity Equipment
Walker
Wheelchair and more...

Transportation (used accessible bus): $30,000

Accessible bus with seating up to 22

Furniture & Appliances: $10,000

Dining Chairs and Tables for 17 people
Lift Recliners
Couches
Bed
Fridge
Stove
Dishwasher
Seating for Program Area
Microwave
Washer and Dryer
Shelving and more

Other Start-Up Costs: $13,880

Lease
Insurance
Licences and more

To open the doors to 20-30 participants, we estimate our startup budget at approximately $63,880 CAD, which includes:

*These costs may be greatly reduced through donations, in-kind support, and second-hand purchases*

Pilot Phase Option

Elder Bloom’s start-up phase will launch as a scaled model to validate programming, measure outcomes, and establish community partnerships before expanding to full capacity (20–30 participants).

Operating five days per week, the pilot will use one leased program room, existing donated furnishings where possible, and a part-time staffing structure.

Reduced Start-Up Budget (Pilot Launch – Estimated $32,500 CAD):

Contact Us

For any inquiries or additional information regarding the application process for sponsors, memberships, etc., we will respond within 24-48 hours. If you prefer, you may also call or text Melissa at 780-740-5882. We value your interest in what we do.