JSA Advocacy Committee
The JSA Advocacy Committee’s mission is to advocate for policies, programs, and initiatives that address the unique needs and challenges faced by all seniors. The committee seeks to influence public policy, promote equitable access to services, and ensure that the voices of seniors are heard and respected in all relevant forums. As new issues become relevant, and as part of our research and programming, we respond to these needs.
Stronger at Home: The Power of Financially Informed Healthcare
The JSABC Advocacy Committee continues to lobby for reform to Home Support in BC.
Please watch our new video, sadly a true story about Eileen and Gary Record’s struggles with paying for necessary home support.
The Records' story highlights why BC's home support system urgently needs review. While low-income seniors pay nothing, middle-income families are squeezed by outdated rules and rising costs. Without reform, many will face impossible choices: go without needed care, burn through savings, or move to costly long-term care - defeating the purpose of home support altogether.
JSA Advocacy Committee Work Completed
Key Objectives
Policy Advocacy: Focus on improving home care, mental health services, and long-term care funding.
Community Engagement: Host town halls, workshops, and forums to raise awareness.
Partnerships: Collaborate with government, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups.
Research & Data: Collect information to shape effective policy.
Public Awareness: Launch campaigns highlighting issues facing seniors.
Advocating for Equitable and Accessible Home Support Services
At Jewish Seniors Alliance of British Columbia (JSABC), we believe that access to consistent, dignified, and person-centered home support is a fundamental right for all older adults in our province. Through the tireless work of our Advocacy Committee, we have launched a province-wide campaign calling for a bold and compassionate overhaul of the current home support system.
The campaign continues to gain momentum. We’re proud to share two recent contributions to the public conversation:
- An editorial submitted by JSABC to local media outlets, outlining the urgent need for home support reform and highlighting the lived experiences of older adults navigating an under-resourced and fragmented system.
- A published letter in the Vancouver Sun featuring a quote from our Executive Director, Jeff Moss, reinforcing our call for policy change and renewed government commitment to keeping seniors safe, supported, and independent at home.
Both publications reflect our deep commitment to ensuring that seniors are not left behind. We invite you to read and share them as we continue to advocate for a more responsive and equitable system of care.
Accessing Health Services Not Covered by MSP
Last year’s project resulted in the attached resource guide: Accessing Health Services Not Covered By MSP. This resource guide provides information about financial benefits seniors are entitled to and tips on how to access some extended health services.
https://jsalliance.org/accessing-health-services-not-covered-by-msp/
Home Care Reform
This year the JSA Advocacy Committee is lobbying for reform to Home Care in BC.
The JSA Advocacy Committee is lobbying for reforms to long-term care in British Columbia, focusing on the need for comprehensive, publicly funded home health care services. They emphasize that home health care allows seniors to stay in their homes, leading to better health outcomes and satisfaction. It can also reduce costs by preventing unnecessary long-term care admissions, which are currently high in BC.
The community changes, and so do their needs. Jewish Seniors Alliance of British Columbia is constantly assessing the type of services provided to the Jewish community, and if any gaps occur in these services, we are committed to advocating the community organizations to fill the gaps and/or make changes for the better.
Jewish Seniors Alliance of British Columbia has formally joined with many advocacy groups in the larger community that, together, are working to effect systemic change to all kinds of services provided by the various levels of government.