Elders Program

Sul'hween Elders Program

Sul-hween (Elders) hold a special place in Quw'utsun society.  The Elders Program ensures that the Elders are well cared for and provided with the right environment to carry out their responsibilities to the community.

The Elders’ team provides programs and services on-site at Sul-hween Lelum (Elders Bulding) and in the homes of Elders living on the Cowichan Reserve who meet eligibility requirements. 

Ongoing Elders' Programs

  • Elders Lunch – Provide lunch to Elders Monday to Friday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
  • Hul'q'umi'num' Classes - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am - 11:30 am.
  • Day Program – Provide physical, mental, spiritual, and cultural nourishment to elders and frail community members that would otherwise be on their own from Monday to Friday.
  • Bath Program – Provide access to special tub and walk-in shower for members who have difficulty bathing in regular bath facilities.
  • Personal Care – Provide in-home individual care and support.
  • Swimming Program – Help members with disabilities attend a water exercise program utilizing gentle water resistance exercises.
  • Healthy Lifestyles – Promote healthy living through a variety of home visits, group sessions, and drop-in sessions.
  • Good Food Bag - Monthly
  • Additional activities, including shopping trips and exercise classes, are added to the monthly Sul-hween Schedule and shared in the Quw’utsun Newsletter and on Ts'ewulhtun Health's Facebook page. 

Elders' Monthly Activity Calendar​​​​​​​

Check out the Elders' monthly activity calendar (Sul-hween Schedule) below:

2026 10 Sul-hween.png

Quw'utsun Sul-hween Transportation

Transportation is available for Sul-hween (Elders): 

  • Off-site event and activities
  • The bathing program
  • Meals on Wheels delivery
  • Monthly shopping trips
  • Health appointments

On-Site Specialist Services

Throughout the year, Chiropractors, Optometrists, Adiologists, and other specialists are also engaged to provides services on-site to Elders through Sul-hween Lelum. 

SUL-HWEEN LELUM (ELDERS BUILDING)

CONTACT INFORMATION
Building Address: 5764 Allenby Road, Duncan, B.C. V9L 5J1
Phone: (250) 715-3303
Email: elders@cowichantribes.com
 
 
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm*
*Excluding statuatory holidays
 

Elders Support - Team Members

Program Manager: Helena

Nurse Team Lead: Kristine

Nurses: Cara, Barbara

Administrative Coordinator: Keyona

Personal Care Worker Supervisor: Caroline ​​​​​​​

Personal Care Workers: Freda, Rob, Angela, Michelle, Lucy, Marcie, Rachel, Dionne, Loretta, Victoria

Bus Drivers: Dean, Fabian, and Harvey (casual)

Meal Delivery Driver: Doug

Kitchen Staff: Charles, Freddy, Selena, Charlene, and Megan (casual)

Social Determinants of Health Worker: Karrighan

Community Health Representative / Elders Advocate: Colette

Health Navigation

Elders can receive dedicated support from an Elders Nurses to help coordinate their health and well ness needs, including:  

  • Communicating with doctors and community partners 
  • Submitting special needs requests for eyeglasses, dentures, special medications, and foot care
  • Creating referrals to Island Health and specialists, including dieticians, occupational therapists, and respiratory therapists
  • Creating or updating Home Care Services Plans when an Elder identifies that home support is needed

 

Indigenous Liaison Nurses and Indigenous Patient Navigators  

If an Elder needs to access health services at Cowichan District Hospital, the Elders team can contact Island Health, to request that an Indigenous Liaison Nurse (ILN) or an Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) accompany them. These professionals advocate for and support the Elder during their hospital visit.  

Elders, and those who support them, may also access this program directly by contacting the designated ILNs or IPNs assigned to this area.


CLICK HERE to learn more about Island Health's Indigenous Liaison Nurse (ILN) Program and Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPN) Program.

Home Support Services

Elders living on the Cowichan Reserve who meet eligibility requirements, can access Home Support Services, coordinated by the Elders Nursing team. 

When an Elder expresses a need for support at home, an Elders Nurse will explore all available care options prior to starting Home Support Services.

If Home Support Services are recommended, the Elders Nurse will develop a Personalized Care Plan with the Elder. They will also coordinate with community partners, specialists, and Personal Care Workers (PCWs) to deliver the in‑home services outlined in the plan.

 
Home Support Services are delivered by PCWs and outside agencies to help with: 

  • Personal care (i.e, dressing and bathing)

  • Meal preparation 

  • Light housekeeping  

  • Medication reminders  

  • Advocating for Elders by accompanying them to medical appointments, outings, and special events, as needed.  

  • Managing chronic conditions and/or disabilities 

  • Recovering from illness or surgery 

  • Working with families to ensure palliative support is in place during end-of-life care 

 
Home support is intended to enhance an Elder’s care, not to replace their own efforts to care for themselves, with the help and support of family, friends, and community. 
 

Services NOT included in Home Support 

Home care nursing services are separate from Home Support. The following services are not provided by the Home Support program: 

  • Wound care and dressing changes 

  • Intravenous (IV) therapy 

  • Respite care or extended relief visits 

  • Overnight or weekend care 

  • Direct palliative/end-of-life clinical care 

  • Supplies otherwise covered by benefits  

  • Medication reimbursement  

  • New beds 

 

For more information or to request an assessment, please call 250-715-3303 or email elders@cowichantribes.com to connect with an Elders’ nurse.