Seniors First BC is a charitable organization that provides support to older adults across BC who are vulnerable to abuse or mistreatment, as well as anyone assisting older adults. We also help older adults navigate the legal system and ensure their legal rights are protected. Our services include the Seniors Abuse and Information Line, the Victim Services Program, a Legal Advocacy Program, an Elder Law Clinic, and Education programs.
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Seniors First BC is managed with the help of a volunteer board of directors. Members are recruited from our membership program and consists of individuals with a wide range of professional and practical experience. This year, we have 5 new members, and we are pleased to welcome each of them.
Gloria Gutman
Gloria founded SFU’s Gerontology Research Centre and Gerontology Department. Currently, she’s the immediate Past-President of the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse, Vice-President of the International Longevity Centre-Canada, a member of the Research Management Committee Canadian Frailty Network, and a Board Member of the International Society for Gerontechnology. Her research and publications address elder abuse, seniors housing, long term care, health promotion, disaster preparedness, and gerontechnology.
Chelsea Belyk
Chelsea is a CPA with over 10 years’ experience in providing services to not-for-profit organizations and charities. She also served as Treasurer on the boards of the Port Moody Arts Centre and St John's Anglican Church. Additionally, she was on Seniors First BC's board from 2012-2015 and subsequently provided financial consulting services to the organization from 2015 until 2019. Since 2019, she has been full time with her 2 kids, ages 4 and 2. She wished to join the board again due to her long history with the organization and love for the mission and staff. Aside from accounting, she loves hiking, canoeing, baking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Andrea Rolls
Andrea lives in Port Moody and had a career with provincial government, including the Corrections Branch and Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division. A focus on responding to family violence, inter-agency protocol development, and restorative justice led her to see the essential role of community to make justice accessible and service delivery effective. One of the best experiences in this regard was to work on practices and training to implement Section 3 of the Adult Guardianship Act. In retirement Andrea has served on the board of the BC Law Institute and Canadian Centre for Elder Law, and chaired the advisory committee for the Older Women's Dialogue Project.
Kevin Smith
Kevin is a retired lawyer and consultant. He worked as a poverty law lawyer for thirty years in Ontario, and was the Co-Director of Osgoode’s Parkdale Intensive Program in Poverty Law. After moving to BC, he worked for eight years as a lawyer with Seniors First BC. He helped set up Seniors First BC's Wills Clinics around the Lower Mainland, the Access Pro Bono (APB) Wills Clinic at the Vancouver Courthouse, serves as the review counsel and trainer at the APB Wills Clinic, and is Probate Duty Counsel with APB at that courthouse. He is assisting APB in setting up an online service for creating wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. He has also assisted with numerous publications for seniors with People’s Law School.
Edward Macaulay
Edward is an experienced estate litigation lawyer. In addition to his more than two decades of work representing clients in estate issues, he is a prolific writer of legal materials for members of the legal profession as well as for a general audience. He is a former co-chair of the Elder Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association.
New Staff Lawyer Joining Elder Law Clinic Team We are excited to welcome Garwa Kong to our organization. He will be joining us as a staff lawyer for the Elder Law Clinic starting in February.
Garwa was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2011. He received his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from UBC Sauder School of Business, and his Juris Doctor from UBC Peter A. Allard School of Law, where he was the recipient of the Bruce H. McColl prize in ADR.
After articling for the Honorable Justice Jay I. Solomon, Garwa worked in various roles in public and professional legal education, including as a curriculum designer and instructor at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, a publisher of print and digital legal texts at Emond Publications, and a practice management advisor at the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. He is an ADRIBC accredited Mediator and Arbitrator. Outside of work, Garwa enjoys reading, writing, drawing, swimming, table tennis, photography, and graphic design.
Meet Our New Office Manager
We are pleased to welcome Suad Seddiq as our new Office Manager and Administrative Assistant for the Elder Law Clinic.
Suad is experienced in delivering trauma-informed services and possesses leadership skills in supporting vulnerable groups. Additionally, she has an educational background in accounting. Previously, she worked and volunteered in various capacities with marginalized communities in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, including children, families, and seniors from all backgrounds. She is passionate about giving back to community and serving elderly facing barriers with dignity and compassion.
Hidden and Invisible: Seniors Abuse and Neglect in British Columbia Report Release
The Office of the Seniors' Advocate (OSA) recently released "Hidden and Invisible: Seniors Abuse and Neglect in British Columbia"—a report outlining the results of their 5-year systemic review of the neglect and abuse of seniors in British Columbia.
The report indicates that while the issue of the health, safety, and well-being of older adults has been a prevalent discussion during the COVID-19 pandemic, the issues of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect have existed far prior and will continue to remain after the pandemic. The report notes that after monitoring their tracking systems for 5 years, they have seen a growing trend in reports of seniors' abuse and neglect. For instance, their data shows that over the last 5 years, there has been:
a 49% increase in reports of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect to Designated Agencies—the five regional health authorities of British Columbia and Community living BC.
a 69% increase in reports of victims of violent crime to the RCMP.
a 30% increase in reports of abuse to BC 211.
Along with these increases, SAIL has had a 95% increase in calls since 2015. (The report was incorrect in stating that we have only had a 5% increase in that time). We now are responding to as many as 500 calls each month.
Considering these issues, the report provides a number of recommendations to enhance the current system, such as implementing provincial standards of practice and policies for those responding to seniors' abuse, as well as reviewing the Adult Guardianship Act for practices protecting older adults.
A summary of the report can be found here, while the full report can be accessed here.
For information on seniors' services and programs in BC, contact the OSA's information and referral service weekdays between 8:30am to 4:30pm by phone at 1-877-952-3181 toll-free or 250-952-3181 in Victoria and by email at info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca.
In the first 8 months of 2021, British Columbians lost a total of more than $3.5M to cryptocurrency fraud—fraudulent schemes that involve scammers tricking victims into sending or investing in cryptocurrencies. Since 2015, there has been a 5600% increase in the number of reports of such fraud, and this trend is expected to continue.
Cryptocurrencies are a type of digital currency that is created using specialized computer coding that makes it tightly controlled. While there are many types of cryptocurrencies, the most common you might have heard of in the news are Bitcoin and Ethereum. These currencies are bought and sold on virtual platforms in a similar way stock market work and are stored in special online ‘wallets'. In recent years, investor speculation has driven prices for certain cryptocurrencies very high, very fast, which has created a lot of fraudulent ways of interacting with this new world.
Since only the Canadian dollar is the official currency in Canada, cryptocurrencies are not of legal tender in Canada. Nevertheless, cryptocurrencies are often used as payment for goods and services over the internet and at stores that accept digital currencies. Additionally, there are automated exchangers that can be used to exchange cash for cryptocurrencies, which are commonly known as Bitcoin ATMs.
Common Cryptocurrency Scams
Cryptocurrency fraudsters will use numerous scams and sophisticated technology to trick victims into sending them cryptocurrency or money. Here are some common schemes involving cryptocurrencies:
Social Engineering Scams
Scammers use realistic messages, such as by phone or email, to pose as trusted entities in an effort to manipulate and deceive individuals into sending cryptocurrency or reveal personal information. For example, scammers may impersonate government agents or the police over the phone by modifying their phone numbers to display those of local government agencies or police departments—a method known as "spoofing"—and demand payment in the form of cryptocurrency. Social engineering scams often use fear, urgent requests, and irresistible opportunities to manipulate victims. Scammers may also direct those who do not normally use cryptocurrencies to make exchanges at Bitcoin ATMs.
Investment Scams
Investment scams involve fraudsters convincing individuals to invest in cryptocurrencies with the promise of guaranteed lucrative returns. These schemes typically begin with scammers creating fake websites that seemingly allow investors to store money and view their funds, but the money is deposited directly into the scammer's wallet. Scammers will then approach individuals through messages on social media, by phone, or through online ads to convince individuals to deposit money using the fake websites. In other cases, fraudsters may identify an individual's friend on social media, and take control of that friend's social media account. Then, posing as the friend, they may convince the individual of an investment opportunity in cryptocurrency.
Romance Scams Romance scams entail scammers gaining the trust and affection of victims to dupe them of their money and other assets. In cases involving cryptocurrencies, fraudsters eventually convince their targets about cryptocurrency investment opportunities or to transfer cryptocurrencies to their accounts. In one case, a Montreal man had developed a relationship through Facebook Dating with an individual claiming to be a woman located overseas. She claimed that she was uncomfortable speaking over the phone due to her lack of familiarity with English, so the duo communicated over messaging. After some time spent conversing, she had convinced the man that Bitcoin was a smart investment and recommended that he use a specific website. He had invested $400,000—nearly all his savings—using the website. However, when he tried to withdraw the money from the website, he discovered that he could not do so, and realized it was a scam.
Strategies to Stay Safe
Here are some tips from the BC Securities Commission and the RCMP to stay safe from cryptocurrency scams:
Remember that government agencies and the police do not demand nor accept cryptocurrencies payments.
Never give out personal information, especially to unsolicited callers.
Always verify that the organizations contacting you are legitimate before proceeding with further action.
Don't be afraid to say "No" to callers if they ask for payment upfront or as a deposit for a gift or prize.
Be skeptical about claims of "guaranteed" high returns with little or no risk.
Ignore the fear of missing out. Fraudsters will often make it seem as though others are gaining high rewards while their targets are missing out.
Never invest based on the sole advice of someone met over the internet, including social media or dating websites.
For those who believe they may have been a victim of a fraud or a scam, contact the local police as soon as possible via their non-emergency numbers, even if financial loss did not occur. Additionally, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online via their Online Reporting System or by phone toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.
Here are some events and news that are relevant to BC seniors.
BCCRN Financial Learning Online Event with the Family Services of Greater Vancouver
The BC Association of Community Response Networks—a network organizations across BC that support older adults who are experiencing or at risk of experience abuse, neglect, and self-neglect—is hosting a Financial Literacy event over Zoom on February 15th from 10:30am to 12pm as part of their Provincial Learning series. The event will feature a presentation from Murray Baker from the Family Services of Greater Vancouver. To participate in the event, visit the registration page here.
Alzheimer's Awareness Month
January is Canada's Alzheimer's Awareness Month, which is supported and led by the Alzheimer Society of Canada. This January, their campaign sought to highlight First Link—a program that offers approved services and information to those living with dementias and their caregivers, including one-on-one or group support meetings, referrals to local healthcare providers and community services, and help with advanced planning. The goal of First Link is to ensure that those part of the program have the appropriate support and information from the time of an initial diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease. To learn about how you can get connected with the Alzheimer Society of Canada and their First Link program, visit here.
Kamloops Unveils New Affordable Homes for Seniors and Families
Downtown Kamloops is the home of the newly built Sunrise Centre, a six-story building owned and operated by the Centre for Seniors Information BC Interior Society (CSI Kamloops). The Sunrise Centre features 112 units of affordable housing for seniors and families consisting of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The location is ideal for accessibility as it is located close to transit, shops, and other amenities.
More information: BC Gov News
'Person of Interest' Sought After Recent Scam Targeting Seniors in Vancouver
In a single day, two unrelated seniors in the Greater Vancouver area received a call from an unknown man claiming that their nephew had been in a car accident and needed thousands of dollars to get out of jail. Afterwards, the man showed up at their homes to collect the money. Although this type of scam involving scammers targeting seniors by phone, online, or by mail is not new, it is uncommon for a scammer to show up at the victims’ homes for money. This new strategy has police concerned for people’s safety.
Video footage of a “person of interest” knocking at the front door of a senior's home has been released by Vancouver Police Department. While the police continue to investigate, they urge everyone to be cautious about strangers who ask for money and to report any suspicious activity.
More information: CTV News
Healthy Aging Tip: Safe Use of Medication
By Kiki Yu, Community Outreach Volunteer
2 out of 3 Canadians aged 65 and older use at least 5 different medications, while 1 out of 4 Canadians of the same group take at least 10 medications. Polypharmacy—the regular use of 5 or more medications—can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions due to the potential for interactions between medications, such as hindering the way they work or creating unintended effects. Therefore, it is important to know about the different types of medications, what to do in case of adverse drug reactions, and how to take them safely.
Types of Medications
There are many different types of medications, such as prescription, over-the-counter, natural health products, and legal and illegal substances/drugs. Scientifically, these types all fall under the umbrella term “drug”, an agent that affects our body’s physiological functions and processes.
Prescription medication: Medicines that require a prescription by a doctor to be legally dispensed by a pharmacist to a patient. Examples include antibiotics, beta blockers, and statins.
Over-the-counter medications: In contrast to prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs do not require a doctor’s prescription, but they may still be dispensed by a pharmacist. They can be obtained in the pharmacy section of a local drug store or supermarket. Examples include Tylenol, Aspirin, and insulin.
Natural health products: The main types are vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Examples include supplements such as melatonin for sleep and glucosamine for arthritis, herbs such as St John's wort and ginseng, and traditional remedies such as traditional Chinese medicine.
Drugs and substances: Not often thought of as medications, but in fact some drugs have medicinal properties when used in smaller quantities. At higher doses, there is risk for substance misuse and abuse. They may be obtained with a prescription, at licensed distributors, or through illegal means. Examples include alcohol, cannabis, and certain opioids.
Adverse Drug Reactions
An adverse drug reaction is an unintended and harmful or undesirable effect from a medication. The effects can range from mild to severe and thus treatment can be as simple as a dosage modification or emergency action. While hospitalizations due to these reactions are rare, those who take multiple medications may be at a higher risk.
Other causes for adverse drug reactions may be dose related. Generally, the higher the dose, the greater the risk for unintended and harmful outcomes. Certain medications may have a narrow range at which the intended therapeutic outcome is achieved and going above or below that dose range is not beneficial. Some patients may also be allergic to certain medications. Other causes may be genetic or idiosyncratic, where the underlying cause of the reaction is unclear.
Adverse drug reactions are different from side effects. Whereas the former involves unintended effects from medications when used properly, side effects are known effects of medications that are different from the intended therapeutic outcome and may not warrant treatment or alteration to the medication. For example, side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine may include soreness at the site injection, mild fever, and fatigue. Those experiencing intolerable side effects can notify their healthcare providers, who can adjust the dosage or switch to alternative options.
It can be difficult to identify when an adverse drug reaction is occurring. It is important to speak to a health care provider about any unexpected, negative experiences with a medication. If the health care provider suspects an adverse drug reaction, they can report it and help in the identification and investigation of unknown adverse drug reactions.
Currently, ActionAde, a research team in BC, is researching to develop a platform to report suspected adverse drug events to improve the identification of adverse drug events and improve the overall safety of medication use.
Safety Tips When Using Medication
Keeping a record of medications: Download a template of a record that can be used as a reminder of when and how to take medication here. This will be useful when visiting a pharmacist or healthcare provider so they can quickly assess the medication history. Remember to include natural health products such as vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies, as well as alcohol and drugs.
Before taking a new medication, consult with a doctor, pharmacist, or other health professionals in advance: After reviewing a customer’s medication history and assessing for risk of negative outcomes, they will also advise on how to take the medication properly, including instructions for the method of intake, the dosage and schedule. This is also the time for customers to communicate with their doctor about what they hope to achieve by taking the medication, as well as other relevant information such as allergies and adverse reactions to medicines.
Follow the instructions of medications: The instructions attached with medications are developed from research studies and clinical trials seeking to maximize the full efficacy of the medicine. Not only is the method of intake important, but the time at which the medicine is taken can affect the way it works. For example, some medicines need to be taken on an empty stomach to maximize how much our body absorbs for the medicine to take effect.
Set phone reminders and follow routines: It also important to follow a schedule when taking medicine and prevent any skipped or missed doses. It can be helpful to set phone reminders and take medications at specific times during routines such as after dinner if the instructions allow for that or when a daily TV program is on.
Call HealthLink BC’s toll-free phone service at 8-1-1 to consult a pharmacist: This service is available every night from 5pm to 9am when health clinics and pharmacies are typically closed. If the caller is hard of hearing or deaf, dialing 7-1-1 will connect them to a Teletypewriter (TTY) relay service. HealthLink BC’s website also has a A-Z glossary of medications with information about prescription and over-the-counter medications, including uses, side effects, precautions, common drug interactions, instructions for missed doses, and how to store them.
This month's community resource highlight is Clicklaw.
Navigating the legal system and finding pertinent information can often be a complex and challenging process, especially without assistance. Operated by Courthouse Libraries of BC, the Clicklaw website provides British Columbians with a centralized platform to find legal information, educational resources, and legal services from over 40 contributing organizations, such as Access Pro Bono, Legal Aid BC, the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, and Seniors First BC.
The Clicklaw website consists of 5 main sections:
1. Solve Problems: Get assistance for a legal problem and discover what kinds of issues are considered legal.
2. HelpMap: Find resources to speak to legal support over the phone or in person. Additionally, search for assistance by topic, such as debt, wills and estates, and family law, as well as by location for services nearby.
3. Learn and Teach: Access education resources for how laws impact British Columbians and how the legal system operates.
4. Reform and Research: Learn about law reform and innovations.
5. Clicklaw Blog: Receive updates for the latest legal information in BC and information about Clicklaw's social media and services.
In addition, Clicklaw provides access to legal resources in languages other than English, as well as video tutorials for navigating the website. For additional support in finding legal information, the librarians at the Courthouse Libraries of BC can also be contacted by phone at 1-800-665-2570, or by email at Librarian[@]CourtHouseLibrary.ca.
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)
Our province-wide confidential Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to a trained intake worker about their needs, as well as abuse or mistreatment and receive information and support about issues that impact the health and well-being of an older adult. For more information contact us at 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free 1-866-437-1940, weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and weekends 10 am to 5:30 pm (except statutory holidays).
Elder Law Clinic
The Elder Law Clinic operated by Seniors First BC offers pro bono legal services to eligible older adults residing in British Columbia on a wide range of legal matters, including:
• Preparing wills, powers of attorney, representation agreements
• Understanding your legal proceedings and what to expect in court
• Reviewing court documents
• Preparing your own case and submissions
• Representation at certain court hearings
• Assistance in matters of adult guardianship
• General legal advice
Contact our legal program at 604-336-5653 for further information or to arrange a consultation with a lawyer.
While we do not offer legal services in either family or criminal law, we can direct persons to organizations who may be able to assist.
To learn more about our programs, visit this page here.
Local Non-Emergency Police Information
For situations that require police assistance that are not emergencies, contact the local non-emergency police number. To find a list of these numbers and online crime reporting tools, visit here.
