COVID-19 resources for BC seniors

Are you a senior in need of assistance? Are you able to volunteer to assist seniors during this critical time? Please read on to find out how to request help or how to offer your help as a volunteer.

As part of BC’s response plan to COVID-19, supports to seniors have been bolstered throughout the province to address immediate needs so seniors can get the support they need to stay safe at home.

Safe Seniors, Strong Communities is a new initiative funded by the provincial government in partnership with the United Way Better at Home program, bc211 and community agencies throughout BC. Many community agencies in BC are deployed to provide assistance in local communities.

The Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Program is an expansion of the bc211 program, in recognition of the profound effect that  the COVID-19 pandemic is having on many seniors. The program is designed to match seniors who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help.

Assistance is focused on the following services:

• Grocery shopping and delivery
• Meal preparation and delivery
• Prescription pickup and delivery
• Phone and/or virtual friendly visits

It is easy for seniors to request assistance and for volunteers to apply.

By phone, central intake is available by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in the province.

You can also register online for the new Safe Seniors, Stronger Communities Program at http://www.bc211.ca/

Seniors are encouraged to reach out and connect. Many seniors live independently and may not already be connected to agencies in their community. This new program may be a positive legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic – more seniors will be connected with local services and remain connected after the crisis has passed.

Volunteers will be vetted and required to complete the Minister of Solicitor General’s Vulnerable Sector Record Check. Volunteers and seniors will be matched via postal code with the nearest COVID-19 community response agency.

Minister of Health Adrian Dix created the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities (SSSC) committee, comprising BC Seniors Advocate Isobel MacKenzie and MLA’s from all parties in the BC Legislature. This initiative is the result of the work of this committee. I am very grateful for their work and rapid response to this critical need for seniors.

Call 2-1-1 or visit bc211.ca if you are a senior in need or would like to volunteer to help a senior in your community. The helpline takes calls 7 days/week, from 8:00am to 7:00pm.