January 2024 OSA Update
The January issue of our monthly newsletter is available now! The OSA Update includes news and issues that matter to B.C. seniors: Read our newsletter Subscribe to our email list now to receive our newsletter in your inbox.
Current Issues
2023 Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Directory Released
The Office of the Seniors Advocate has released its updated Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Directory for 2022/23. The 2022/23 Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Directory notes improvement in long-term care staffing but raises concerns with medication use and food costs
Beware Holiday Scams
Scams are particularly common over the holiday season as fraudsters take advantage of increased activity, stress, distraction and generosity. Many of these attempts are targeted specifically at seniors. Canadians lost more than $527 million through various scams over the first six months of 2023, according to figures reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Take extra …
Seniors Advocate Statement on Health Care Assistant Day
BC Seniors Advocate statement on Health Care Assistant Day – October 18, 2023 VICTORIA – “Today is Health Care Assistant Day in B.C and an opportunity to acknowledge the increasingly important role of these professionals in the well-being of seniors not only in our province but across the country. “Health care assistant is a broad …
Wildfire Safety
Wildfires are spreading in B.C. and some communities are under evacuation, evacuation alert or travel restrictions. Seniors can be more vulnerable to effects of wildfires and should take extra precautions at this time. Please monitor appropriate channels for the latest updates on wildfire activity and safety. Emergency Info BCFor the most current wildfire information including …
Heat Wave Preparedness and Response
Heat wave warnings are in effect across the province and rising temperatures may put vulnerable seniors at risk. With higher temperatures expected, it is recommended that seniors take some additional precautions and family, friends and neighbours are encouraged to check in on older people to ensure they are keeping cool and well hydrated. The dual …
New Report – It’s Time to Act: A Review of Assisted Living in B.C.
Following a comprehensive review of the province’s assisted living services, the BC Seniors Advocate is calling on government to address the current confusing legislative landscape to protect seniors from significant rent and service fee increases, improve oversight and reporting, and address affordability challenges. Read the news releaseRead the full reportView the live stream presentationView the …
Celebrate B.C. Seniors’ Week! June 4-9
BC Senior Advocate Isobel Mackenzie and Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin launched B.C. Seniors’ Week with a garden party at Government House to honour local senior volunteers on Monday. “Every day, seniors in this province give of their time and immense talents to make our communities better places to live. Whether it is delivering meals, raising …
Struggling Senior Homeowners Encouraged to Consider Property Tax Deferral
BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie is urging senior homeowners struggling with the rising costs of living and aging to consider deferring their 2023 property taxes. The BC Property Tax Deferral Program allows homeowners 55+ to defer all or some of their annual property taxes. The Province pays the tax to the local government on behalf …
Seniors Week 2023 Town Halls
BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie will be connecting in person with seniors, loved ones, organizations and local government staff, mayors and councillors throughout B.C. during Seniors Week 2023. Learn more about public town halls being held in several communities June 5-11.