Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 17th March 2025
Mercedes Grant
Healthy Communities Series: BC Seniors’ Guide
The 12th edition of the BC Seniors' Guide is a comprehensive resource aimed at helping seniors access important information and services. It covers a wide range of topics including health, lifestyle, benefits, housing, transportation, finances, safety, and security. The guide provides details on provincial and federal programs available to seniors, along with resources for physical activity, healthy eating, caregiving, volunteering, and education. It also includes information about health care services, mental health, substance use support, and long-term care options. Additionally, the guide highlights programs for seniors in specific communities, such as Indigenous groups and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as offering multilingual versions for broader accessibility. While the guide is not necessarily specific to the island, many of the resources available can be accessed from anywhere in British Columbia, with some exceptions of course!
Below is an outline of what you can expect from the guide, and where to find it!
Health and Wellness
Medical Services: Information on provincial health programs, including the Medical Services Plan (MSP), PharmaCare, and how to access necessary medical care.
Healthy Living: Resources for maintaining physical and mental health through physical activity, healthy eating, and strategies to prevent falls and injuries.
Mental Health: Support for mental health, including counseling services and support for those dealing with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Substance Use: Guidance and support programs for seniors dealing with substance use issues.
Long-Term Care: A detailed explanation of long-term care services, including residential care, home and community care services, and how to access them.
Palliative Care: Information on end-of-life care and resources for seniors and families navigating palliative options.
Financial Support
Government Benefits: Explanation of various financial benefits available for seniors, such as Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and other provincial programs.
Tax Benefits: Insight into senior-specific tax credits, such as the Seniors' Property Tax Deferment Program, Seniors' Supplement, and how to file taxes as a senior.
Pension Plans: Details about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and how seniors can access and manage their pensions.
Income Security Programs: Information about programs to help seniors with low income, including the Income Assistance Program and other financial aids.
Housing
Subsidized Housing: Information on how to access subsidized housing programs, including eligibility for rental assistance, and various programs provided by BC Housing.
Seniors' Housing Options: Advice on different housing options for seniors, such as independent living, assisted living, and residential care facilities.
Housing Rights: Details on tenant rights and protections, ensuring seniors know their rights in rental housing situations.
Transportation
Driving and Licensing: Guidance on maintaining a driver's license and resources for seniors who may need assistance with driving, as well as information on senior-specific programs such as the RoadSafetyBC.
Accessible Transportation: Programs for seniors with mobility challenges, including specialized transit services and assistance programs.
Community and Social Support
Support Networks: Information on building social connections and support networks, including resources for caregivers and seniors with mobility or cognitive challenges.
Safety and Security
Personal Safety: Resources to help seniors protect themselves from fraud, scams, and elder abuse, including emergency numbers and reporting mechanisms.
Emergency Preparedness: Advice on planning for emergencies, including natural disasters or health emergencies, and ensuring safety at home.
Consumer Protection: Guidance on consumer rights and protections, with special attention to financial fraud, identity theft, and how to report such incidents.
Legal and Advocacy Services
Wills and Estates: Information on legal rights, creating a will, and managing estates, as well as advice on Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney.
Legal Aid: Resources for free or low-cost legal services for seniors, including advocacy groups for senior rights and legal protection.
Advocacy: Organizations that help seniors advocate for their rights, whether in healthcare, housing, or other areas.
Indigenous Seniors
Programs for Indigenous Seniors: Specific resources and programs targeted at Indigenous seniors in BC, offering culturally sensitive services and support.
Community Involvement: Opportunities for Indigenous seniors to engage in their communities, including health, wellness, and social support services.
Cultural and Linguistic Access
Multilingual Resources: The guide provides services in various languages to ensure that non-English-speaking seniors can access information in their preferred language.
Cultural Sensitivity: Information on accessing services that respect and understand cultural needs, making sure seniors from diverse backgrounds feel included and supported.
Plus much more, including a section where you can write down emergency contact numbers and important information that you need to have easily on hand.
Where To Find The Guide (note: 2020 guide available as most current available)
Online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/about-seniorsbc/guide/bc-seniors-guide-12th-edition.pdf
Hard Copy - currently available at the Cortes Health Centre
The 12th edition of the BC Seniors' Guide is a comprehensive resource aimed at helping seniors access important information and services. It covers a wide range of topics including health, lifestyle, benefits, housing, transportation, finances, safety, and security. The guide provides details on provincial and federal programs available to seniors, along with resources for physical activity, healthy eating, caregiving, volunteering, and education. It also includes information about health care services, mental health, substance use support, and long-term care options. Additionally, the guide highlights programs for seniors in specific communities, such as Indigenous groups and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as offering multilingual versions for broader accessibility. While the guide is not necessarily specific to the island, many of the resources available can be accessed from anywhere in British Columbia, with some exceptions of course!
Below is an outline of what you can expect from the guide, and where to find it!
Health and Wellness
Medical Services: Information on provincial health programs, including the Medical Services Plan (MSP), PharmaCare, and how to access necessary medical care.
Healthy Living: Resources for maintaining physical and mental health through physical activity, healthy eating, and strategies to prevent falls and injuries.
Mental Health: Support for mental health, including counseling services and support for those dealing with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Substance Use: Guidance and support programs for seniors dealing with substance use issues.
Long-Term Care: A detailed explanation of long-term care services, including residential care, home and community care services, and how to access them.
Palliative Care: Information on end-of-life care and resources for seniors and families navigating palliative options.
Financial Support
Government Benefits: Explanation of various financial benefits available for seniors, such as Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and other provincial programs.
Tax Benefits: Insight into senior-specific tax credits, such as the Seniors' Property Tax Deferment Program, Seniors' Supplement, and how to file taxes as a senior.
Pension Plans: Details about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and how seniors can access and manage their pensions.
Income Security Programs: Information about programs to help seniors with low income, including the Income Assistance Program and other financial aids.
Housing
Subsidized Housing: Information on how to access subsidized housing programs, including eligibility for rental assistance, and various programs provided by BC Housing.
Seniors' Housing Options: Advice on different housing options for seniors, such as independent living, assisted living, and residential care facilities.
Housing Rights: Details on tenant rights and protections, ensuring seniors know their rights in rental housing situations.
Transportation
Driving and Licensing: Guidance on maintaining a driver's license and resources for seniors who may need assistance with driving, as well as information on senior-specific programs such as the RoadSafetyBC.
Accessible Transportation: Programs for seniors with mobility challenges, including specialized transit services and assistance programs.
Community and Social Support
Support Networks: Information on building social connections and support networks, including resources for caregivers and seniors with mobility or cognitive challenges.
Safety and Security
Personal Safety: Resources to help seniors protect themselves from fraud, scams, and elder abuse, including emergency numbers and reporting mechanisms.
Emergency Preparedness: Advice on planning for emergencies, including natural disasters or health emergencies, and ensuring safety at home.
Consumer Protection: Guidance on consumer rights and protections, with special attention to financial fraud, identity theft, and how to report such incidents.
Legal and Advocacy Services
Wills and Estates: Information on legal rights, creating a will, and managing estates, as well as advice on Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney.
Legal Aid: Resources for free or low-cost legal services for seniors, including advocacy groups for senior rights and legal protection.
Advocacy: Organizations that help seniors advocate for their rights, whether in healthcare, housing, or other areas.
Indigenous Seniors
Programs for Indigenous Seniors: Specific resources and programs targeted at Indigenous seniors in BC, offering culturally sensitive services and support.
Community Involvement: Opportunities for Indigenous seniors to engage in their communities, including health, wellness, and social support services.
Cultural and Linguistic Access
Multilingual Resources: The guide provides services in various languages to ensure that non-English-speaking seniors can access information in their preferred language.
Cultural Sensitivity: Information on accessing services that respect and understand cultural needs, making sure seniors from diverse backgrounds feel included and supported.
Plus much more, including a section where you can write down emergency contact numbers and important information that you need to have easily on hand.
Where To Find The Guide (note: 2020 guide available as most current available)
Online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/about-seniorsbc/guide/bc-seniors-guide-12th-edition.pdf
Hard Copy - currently available at the Cortes Health Centre
.jpg)
.png)