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Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit, provincial society that provides assistance and support to older adults who are dealing with abuse or mistreatment and third parties assisting older adults, as well as provides assistance to navigate systems that impact older adults. Services are provided through our Seniors Abuse and Information Line, victim services, legal advocates, and an elder law clinic. Seniors First BC continues to assist seniors through these challenging times. To ensure the health and safety of our senior clients and our staff and their families, we are adjusting our operations. More Information.
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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 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, 8 am to 8 pm daily (except statutory holidays).
As COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors are being rolled out, our SAIL intake workers can also:
- Assist callers in identifying the Health Authority to which they belong and the phone number to contact.
- Help callers figure out which vaccination clinic is closest to them.
- Provide the latest information available on the BC government and the Provincial Health Authorities' websites.
- Provide information for other resources, such as the Better at Home program for transportation services.
- Inform older adults interested in receiving the vaccine about when they can call their local Health Authority to book the appointment, according to the official schedule at the time of the call.*
- Set up a follow-up courtesy call with an older adult to remind them to book their vaccination appointment.*
- If appropriate, transfer a caller to the appropriate Health Authority to book their appointment immediately.
*Please note that the vaccination schedule is subject to change and callers interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine remain responsible for booking their appointment.
Our SAIL intake workers cannot:
- Advise callers on the appropriateness of receiving the vaccine. Older Adults inquiring about the risks/benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine will be directed to HealthLinkBC (811) or advised to consult a physician.
- Guarantee that someone will receive the vaccine, since this will be determined by the Health Authorities.
- Book the appointment on behalf of an older adult (i.e. by taking down the caller's information, including their personal health number, and calling the Health Authorities without the older adult on the line).
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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 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Provincial Court (Small Claims Division) of British Columbia
• Assistance in matters of adult guardianship
• General legal advice
Contact our legal services division 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. |
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A New Scam Targeting Seniors
The Police Fraud Unit of Kingston, Ontario, has issued a warning to the public about a new fraud that targets seniors. In this fraud, victims will receive a phone call from a caller who claims to be an Amazon employee. The call display will show an American phone number. According to the police, the victim will be advised that they were mistakenly charged by Amazon, and that they need to provide access to their computer so that a form can be sent to them. After, a form will appear on their computer, which police believe to contain malware. Via Kingstonist
Cree Elder Celebrates 95 Years Well Lived
Martha Tapiatic Pachano shares her fond memories over the years from the Eeyou Istchee territory as she approaches her 95th birthday. She reflects on her early memories travelling with her family by toboggan and snowshoes, as well as her marriage which took place during a flu outbreak. Tapiatic Pachano explains her active role in the community sharing traditional knowledge as an Elder, and her hopes to continue the role for another year. Via CBC News
Struggles with Isolation and Fear After Almost a Year of Being Entirely Alone
Many older adults share a common fear that they are being forgotten during the pandemic because of strict and long-term isolation. Some individuals have had the opportunity to see someone they know passing by a grocery store, or to go on socially distant walks with a friend. For many older adults, however, that is not an option. This may negatively impact their mental health in addition to the stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on. The individuals in this article express a need for discussion and support for the mental health of older adults. Via CTV News
Sexuality and Consent Training Needed In Quebec Care Homes
This article discusses the idea of training caregivers to discuss sexuality with older adults. There are many barriers and grey areas around consent regarding individuals who have neurodegenerative diseases, which has created a challenge for many residents and caregivers. It is suggested that providing the caregivers with sufficient training would create a safer and more inclusive environment. In addition, the article discusses private rooms in care homes so that all individuals would have their own privacy. Via Global News
A Group of Seniors Give Life Advice on Social Media
A group of seniors in Highland Place retirement home in Kitchener, Ontario, is taking social media by storm as they post their life advice on TikTok. Some of these videos have been viewed up to 250,000 times. Some advice given in these videos includes opening up the window to say hello, and to try to make the most of what we have. Via CTV News Kitchener
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Paying Back The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), but you were not eligible for it, you must return the payment for the 4-week periods in which you were ineligible. This could happen if you: applied for CERB but find out you are not eligible; received CERB from both Canadian Revenue and Service Canada; received social assistance benefits and realized CERB will affect your other benefits; applied for CERB twice in one period; earned more employment or self-employment income than expected in the period you applied for. For more information or to return a payment, visit Canada.ca/repay-cerb or call 1-833-966-2099.
Via Canada.ca
Permanent Increase To Assistance Rates Helps British Columbians In Need
More than 300,000 British Columbians will benefit from the largest-ever increase to income assistance and disability assistance rates and the first-ever increase to the senior's supplement. Starting with payments issued in April 2021, individuals on income assistance and disability assistance will automatically receive a permanent $175 per month increase, which will be the third increase since July 2017. In addition, there will an increase to the senior's supplement of $50 per recipient, which raises the current maximum rate for a single person from $49.30 to $99.30 per month. Also, for people living on income assistance in special care facilities, their comforts allowance will be increased by $20 to $115 per month.
Via BC Government
Free Tax Preparation Clinics
Free tax preparation clinics are available throughout the year, but more open during March and April. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, community organizations are hosting free virtual tax clinics. While some in person tax clinics are still available, please check the free tax clinic directory for in-person and virtual options. Remember to also have your tax slip and receipts ready.
Via Government of Canada
The Governor-General and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court signed Bill C-7 into law. The revised law modified the eligibility criteria to receive Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). As of March 17, 2021, persons who wish to receive MAiD must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- be 18 years of age or older and have decision-making capacity
- be eligible for publicly funded health care services
- give informed consent to receive MAiD, meaning that the person has consented to receive MAiD after they have received all information needed to make this decision
- have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability (excluding a mental illness until March 17, 2023)
- be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability
- have enduring and intolerable physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions the person considers
The Bill temporarily excludes access to MAiD to those whose only medical condition is a mental illness, such as depression and personality disorders. According to the Department of Justice, this exclusion is meant to provide the Federal Government with more time to provide appropriate safeguards to protect those affected.
The Parliamentary committee responsible for this review will start reviewing other outstanding issues as well, including the eligibility of individuals in palliative care, and will have to submit its report by the end of April 2022.
More information is available on the Department of Justice website.
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Healthy Aging
To help with healthy aging, participate in physical activity, maintaining mental and emotional health, challenging the brain, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and maintain social connections. More information: HealthLinkBC
Tips to Get Active for 65+
Physical activity is crucial in maintaining good health. It improves cardiovascular health, enhances mood, strengthens bones and reduces the risk of falls. For optimal results, 2.5 hours of cardio and 2 sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises weekly is recommended. But, it is important to start slowly and not overexert the body. Additionally, small lifestyle changes to keep the body moving, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving whenever possible are highly recommended. Via Canada.ca
COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults, Government of Canada
The Government of Canada has compiled a list of COVID-19 resources for seniors and caregivers. They include tips for staying healthy, taking care of your physical and mental health, and resources to stay healthy. More information: Government of Canada
Thank you to our volunteers for contributing to these articles!
Linda Yauk, Meeka Marsolais, Kuldeep Kaur Padda, Shu Min Yu, Georgia Greiner, and Ekaterina Galysheva.
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