B.C. seniors get new, virtual at-home care
Seniors will be supported to stay in their homes longer with a new virtual service that provides some of the essential support of a long-term care facility in their own home. “Seniors prefer to live in their own home receiving supports and assistance, in a space that is familiar and comfortable,” said Adrian Dix, Minister […]
Did B.C. protect seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Hospital Employees’ Union released a report that shows how B.C. was able outperform other provinces in protecting seniors in long-term care (LTC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, titled Long-term Solutions for Long-term Care: Analyzing provincial COVID-19 responses to LTC staffing to improve working conditions and seniors care, compared pandemic policies in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and […]
B.C. seniors face rent hikes that are illegal
Many residents of retirement homes in British Columbia are facing illegal rent increases, the province’s seniors’ advocate says. In a report released this summer, Dan Levitt called for increased protections for the 30,000 people in independent living facilities in the province. “Calls to my office from seniors who are facing unlawful rent increases have more than doubled in […]
B.C. has a new advocate for seniors
Dan Levitt, adjunct professor of gerontology at Simon Fraser University (SFU) is the newly appointed B.C. Seniors’ Advocate. Levitt succeeds Isobel Mackenzie as the province’s second seniors’ advocate beginning in 2024. Levitt has been in several leadership roles in relation to long-term care operations and is the current Chief Executive Officer of KinVillage, a non-profit […]
The crucial issues facing seniors in the B.C. election
As the British Columbia (B.C.) election on October 19, 2024, approaches, several key issues are emerging that are particularly relevant to seniors. With an aging population, the concerns of older adults are becoming increasingly central to the political discourse. Seniors in B.C. face a variety of challenges, from healthcare access and housing affordability to financial […]
This is how B.C. seniors can defer their property taxes
In British Columbia, seniors have the option to defer their property taxes, a program that provides significant financial relief for those who might struggle to keep up with the rising costs of homeownership in their retirement years. This initiative allows eligible seniors to defer paying their annual property taxes on their principal residence, giving them […]
