Links Directory
Below are links to community or government resources and services for older adults. The links are categorized as: Advance Planning, Government Benefits, Housing, Health and Well-Being, Legal Services, and Transportation
1. Advance Planning:
BC Government: Advance Care Planning Information
BC Government: Incapacity Planning Information
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/incapacity-planning
Nidus: Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry
People’s Law School: “Plan for your Future Care” Education Resources
https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/category/plan-your-future-care/
Expected/Planned Home Deaths
BC Center for Palliative Care: Resources
https://bc-cpc.ca/all-resources/individuals/acp/acp-resources/
Access Pro Bono Wills Clinic
https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/wills-clinic
Memorial Society of BC: Low-Cost Funeral Services
https://memorialsocietybc.org/
BC Government: Wills and Estate Planning Resources
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/financial-legal-matters/wills-and-estate-planning
2. Government Benefits
Old Age Security (OAS)
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Income assistance for seniors not receiving OAS, including the BC Employment and Assistance Program
Allowance for the Survivor
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp.html
3. Housing
BC Government Housing for Seniors Information
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/seniors-housing
BC Rent Bank: Emergency loans and supports for low- to moderate- income individuals at risk of homelessness
BC Housing: Rental Assistance Programs Information
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs
Making a Complaint in Assisted Living in BC
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/assisted-living-in-bc/making-a-complaint
Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre: Legal Education and Advocacy for BC Tenants
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER): Affordable rent for seniors with low-moderate incomes
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs/SAFER
4. Health and Well-Being
VictimLink BC: A confidential victim for victims of crime and abuse
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc
Disability Alliance BC: information and services for people with disabilities
https://disabilityalliancebc.org/direct-service/apply-for-disability-benefits/
Here to Help BC: Mental Health and Substance Use Information
BC Mental health and Substance Use Services
5. Legal Services
Access Pro Bono: income services for those with low-income
https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service
Society of Notaries Public of BC
Community Legal Assistance Society
Legal Aid BC: legal information and services for low-income individuals
6. Support Groups
Family and Caregivers of British Columbia Support Groups
https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/
Thrive: Support group for family and friend caregivers of older adults who use substances or whose health is affected by polypharmacy
Parent Support BC
https://www.parentsupportbc.ca/
7. Transportation
BC Bus Pass Program: reduced bus pass fees for low-income seniors and people with disabilities
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/buses-taxis-limos/bus-pass
BC Travel Assistance Program: travel assistance for eligible BC residents who need to see a non-emergency medical specialist not in their community
HandyDART: door-to-door transit service for those unable to use conventional public transit without assistance
https://www.translink.ca/rider-guide/transit-accessibility/handydart
ICBC Tips for Senior Drivers
https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/Pages/Tips-for-Senior-Drivers.aspx