Where to Go for Help
POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE – ALL EMERGENCIES 911
The Seniors Health Care Support Line
The Seniors Health Care Support Line has been established to allow seniors and their families, or other concerned individuals in their lives, to report concerns about care. This toll-free phone line is intended to supplement existing care concern avenues with dedicated support for seniors with complex needs.
The line is available 8:30AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday – with the exception of statutory holidays – by calling 1 877 952-3181 or 250 952-3181 in Victoria.
411 Seniors Centre Society
Vancouver, 604-684-8171, 411seniors.bc.ca/
Seniors Services Society
New Westminster, 604-520-6621 http://www.seniorsservicessociety.ca/
Seniors First BC (Formerly BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support)
604-688-1927 (Vancouver) or Toll Free: 1-866-437-1940, https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
The Office of the Seniors Advocate
1-877-952-3181, the go-to resource for seniors information and referral.
http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/
BC 211 Information and Referral
General information line accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 211 http://www.bc211.ca/
MEDICAL INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Serves Vancouver, Richmond, North and West Vancouver, Sea to Sky Highway areas, Sunshine Coast and B.C. Central coast.
604-736-2033 – Available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1-866-884-0888 – Toll-free if you live outside the Lower Mainland
http://www.vch.ca
Fraser Health Authority
Serves Fraser North, Fraser South and Fraser East.
Home Health Service Line: 1-855-412-2121
Virtual Care: 1-800-314-0999
http://www.fraserhealth.ca
Medical Services Plan Subscriber Information
Automated service providing enrollment and premium information and answers to frequently asked questions. 24-hour service.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health
MSP (Medical Services Plan) premium assistance
On a sliding scale, full premium assistance at $22,000 or less.
1-800-663-7100 OR 604-683-7151
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp
PharmaCare (including the Fair Pharmacare Plan)
From the Lower Mainland: 604-683-7151
From the rest of B.C. (toll-free): 1-800-663-7100
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents
Healthlink BC
At HealthLink BC, you will find medically-approved information on more than 5,000 health topics, symptoms, medications, and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can also search our online Directory to find health services near you.
Call 8-1-1 from anywhere in British Columbia to speak with a nurse any time of the day or night. On weekdays, you can speak to a dietitian about nutrition and healthy eating. At night, we have pharmacists available to answer your medication questions.
British Columbians have trusted health information at their fingertips by phone or web with HealthLink BC. Watch our video to learn more about our services and resources.
Call 8-1-1
www.healthlinkbc.ca
Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver
Outreach, Advocacy & Research, Peer Support Services.
Provides information regarding services of interest to all seniors and their primary/secondary care-givers.
604-732-1555
[email protected]
www.jsalliance.org
TTY
Special Telus relay service for deaf and hearing impaired).
Call 7-1-1
Louis Brier Home and Hospital
Provides complex residential and extended hospital care.
604-261-9376
http://www.louisbrier.com
LEGAL, FINANCIAL AND ELDER ABUSE SERVICES
Dial-A-Law Lawyer Referral Service
Dial-A-Law features free information on the law in British Columbia in 190 topic areas. The information is reviewed by lawyers and updated regularly.
1-800-565-5297 (604-687-4680 in the Lower Mainland)
www.dialalaw.org/
Income Assistance
For seniors not receiving Old Age Security.
1-866-866-0800 (press 3 + 1)
http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htm
NIDUS Personal Planning Registry
Representation Agreement Office
http://www.nidus.ca
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)
SAIL is a safe place for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder abuse prevention. SAIL is the first contact point to our services, which include victim services support and legal assistance for seniors. All calls are confidential.
8 am to 8 pm daily, excluding holidays.
604-437-1940 or Toll Free: 1-866-437-1940
Program Operated by Seniors First BC:
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail/
TRANSPORTATION
HandyDART Vancouver TransLink
HandyDART is TransLink’s door-to-door, shared-ride service for people who are unable to navigate conventional public transit without assistance.
604-575-6600
https://www.translink.ca/rider-guide/transit-accessibility/handydart
SN Wheelchair Transport
Special needs door to door
1-800-768-0044
www.sntransport.ca/
Taxi Saver Program
BC Transit and Translink offer a Taxi Saver program for HandyDART registrants. This program provides a 50 per cent subsidy toward the cost of taxi rides.
https://www.bctransit.com/central-fraser-valley/riderinfo/handydart/taxi-saver
Office Hours
Monday to Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Closed on Saturday and Sunday and all holidays.
Phone: 604-855-0080
Fax: 604-504-7043.
Translink Bus Service
Bus and route timetable advice
604-953-3333
www.translink.ca
Driving Miss Daisy
Driving service for seniors to appointments, programs
https://drivingmissdaisy.ca/
Accessible Parking
http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/accessible-parking.aspx
In addition to parking options available to everyone, if you have a vehicle with a valid SPARC permit, you can park in the following restricted-access parking spots in the City of Vancouver:
• Designated disabled parking zones
• Accessible parking meter spots
COUNSELING AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Addiction Counselling Service for Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Our mission is to equip people and their families with the best information, resources and tools to overcome addiction and lead a lifelong recovery.
24/7 Help: 855-520-2898
https://www.drugrehab.com/support/
https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/
Alcohol and Drug Programs
Contact your local health authority to find out about the intake process for services in your region.
- First Nations Health Authority: Substance Use Prevention and Treatment
- Interior Health Authority: Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority: Substance Use Services
- Fraser Health Authority: Mental Health and Substance Use
- Island Health Authority: Mental Health and Substance Use Services and Resources
- Northern Health Authority: Mental Health and Substance Use
Call 8-1-1 from anywhere in B.C. anytime of the day or night to speak to a health services navigator. They can help you find health information and services or connect you directly with a registered nurse.
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Resources and Information. Alzheimer resource centers located throughout the province.
604-681-6530
1-800-667-3742
https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en
BC Bereavement Helpline
Contact the Helpline: 604-738-9950
Toll-Free: 1-877-779-2223
http://www.bcbereavementhelpline.com
Bereavement Walking Program
It is a time to walk and talk with others who are grieving.
To register, Call 604-737-7305 ext. 216
Email: [email protected]
https://www.vancouverhospice.org/
Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Center of BC (24 hrs.)
Provides confidential supportive telephone lay counseling services.
604-872-3311
http://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
The Dementia Helpline
A service for people with dementia, their care-givers, family and friends.
1-800-936-6033
http://www.alzheimerbc.org
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Counseling and supportive services to individuals and families.
604-731-4951
http://www.fsgv.ca
Jewish Family Service Agency
Counseling, support, and information/referral services to individuals and families.
604-257-5151
https://www.jfsvancouver.ca/
Jewish Seniors Alliance Peer Support Services
No charge volunteer peer support, Senior Peer Support, Friendly Visitor/Friendly Phone Call, Computer Tablet Program
604-627-1555
https://jsalliance.org/peer-support/
Caregiver Support: Home and Community Care
Supports the emotional and physical demands of caregivers. Caregiver support provides caregivers a break from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a friend or relative.
Mental health and information line: 310-6789 (do not add 604, 778 or 250 before the number)
Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
Health and Seniors’ Information line: 1-877-952-3181
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/home-support
L’Chaim Adult Day Centre
Provides a social, therapeutic & recreational service to frail or disabled older adults.
604-638-7275
https://lchaim.ca/
Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program
A comprehensive survivorship program developed at the Vancouver Prostate Centre for prostate cancer patients, their partners, and family from the time of initial diagnosis onward.
604-875-4485
Toll-Free: 844-483-1449
https://pcscprogram.ca/
HOUSING, RENTAL, MORTGAGE DEFERRAL
BC Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit
A new, refundable Personal Income Tax credit to assist with the cost of permanent home modifications that improve accessibility or help a senior be more functional or mobile at home.
Phone: 1-800-959-8281
Email: [email protected]
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/income-taxes/personal/credits/seniors-renovation
Home Adaptations For Independence Program
The HAFI program helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities finance home modifications for accessible, safe and independent living. Up to $20,000 per home in the form of a forgivable loan.
Lower Mainland: 604-433-2218
Toll-Free, Anywhere in BC: 1-800-257-7756
https://sc.fetchbc.ca/assets/BC-Housing-Home-Adaptations.pdf
Home Owner Grant for Seniors
The grant reduces the amount of property tax you have to pay. The program has several enhancements for seniors, some persons with disabilities and their families, and certain veterans of older conflict and their spouses.
1-888-355-2700
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/home-owner-grant
SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Residents)
Provides monthly payments to subsidize rents for eligible BC seniors.
604-433-2218
Toll-Free, Anywhere in BC: 1-800-257-7756
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs/SAFER
Seniors’ Supportive Housing (SSH)
The SSH program provides specially modified rental homes in selected subsidized housing developments, primarily to low-Income seniors who need some assistance in order to continue to live independently.
Phone: 604-433-2218
Toll Free, Anywhere in BC: 1-800-257-7756
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/housing-with-support/seniors-supportive-housing
SHIP (Seniors Housing Information Program)
Operated by the Seniors Services Society, the directory provides a comprehensive list of housing available for seniors living in or wishing to live in the Lower Mainland of BC.
604-520-6621
www.vcn.bc.ca/ship/
Property Tax Deferment (PTD) Program is a loan program that allows eligible seniors to defer the annual property taxes on their home for as long as they own and live in the home.
1-888-355-2700
E-mail: [email protected]
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/defer-taxes
NUTRITION, FOOD, AND MEALS
Dial-A-Dietitian
Specializes in easy-to-use nutrition information for self-care.
8-1-1
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian
Meals on Wheels
Burnaby
604-299-5754
http://burnabymeals.ca/
Coquitlam
604-942-7506
pocomomealsonwheels.com
Langley
604-533-1679
lmow.ca
New Westminster
604-520-6621
seniorsservicessociety.ca/smow.htm
North Shore
604-922-3414
https://www.carebc.ca/north-shore-mow.html
Port Coquitlam and Port Moody
604- 942-7506
pocomomealsonwheels.com
Richmond
604-732-7638 (Western Meals)
604-733-6615 (Chinese meals)
carebc.ca/meals-on-wheels.html
Squamish
604-892-1066
Surrey North Delta
778-590-1433
sndmow.com
Vancouver
604-732-7638 (Western Meals)
604-733-6615 (Chinese meals)
carebc.ca/meals-on-wheels.html
White Rock
778-590-1433
whiterockmealsonwheels.com
Jewish Family Services Food Services:
Jewish Family Services programs located at The Kitchen provide nutritious and culturally appropriate foods in a variety of formats, so that everyone has access to good food for a healthy life.5 meals every other week Delivered to those who are either returning home from hospice or find it difficult to cook a nutritional meal for any reason.
For more information contact the Community Care Line at [email protected] or (604) 257-5151.
Suppliers of Kosher meat and poultry
Kosher Food Warehouse
604-709-9889
https://www.kosherfoodwarehouse.com
Omnitsky
604-321-1818
https://omnitskykosher.com/
Sabra
604-733-4912
https://sabrakosher.com
Superstore
604-322-3702
INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Alcohol and Drug Info & Referral
Education, prevention and treatment services, and regulatory agencies related to any kind of substance abuse.
Lower Mainland: 604 660-9382
Toll-free: 1 800 663-1441
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/resources/alcohol-drug-information-referral-service
Ambulance Billing Service
1-800-665-7199
http://www.bcehs.ca/about/billing/how-to-pay-your-ambulance-bill
https://billing-and-payment.revenueservicesbc.gov.bc.ca/ambulance
Jewish Family Services Agency, Senior Services
Provides information to seniors and their families in all aspects of the aging journey.
604-257-5151
https://www.jfsvancouver.ca/services/older-adult/
Jewish Seniors Alliance Information and Referral Services Provides information regarding services of interest to Jewish seniors and their primary/secondary care-givers. Accessible 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Monday to Thursday excluding statutory and Jewish holidays. No-cost Peer Support Counselling Services.
604-732-1555
https://www.jsalliance.org/
Poison Control Centre
1-800-567-8911
http://www.dpic.org
The Canadian Diabetes Association
For those living with diabetes, family, friends, and caregivers – with information on the prevention and management of diabetes and referral to various community resources. Canada offers disease information, programs.
Diabetes Education Line: 1-800 BANTING (226-8464)
http://www.diabetes.ca
Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service
Up-to-date information on a variety of cancer related topics, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Can help find cancer-related services and programs in local communities, and interpreter service.
1-888-939-3333
www.cancer.ca
Heart & Stroke Foundation of B.C.
Dedicated to the prevention and relief of heart disease and stroke in B.C. and the Yukon. Provides information on research and support groups.
604-736-4404
1-888-473-4636
http://www.heartandstroke.ca
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Dedicated to Research into kidney disease and related disorders, as well as public education and patient services.
604-736-9775
1-800-361-7494
http://www.kidney.ca
Quit Smoking Community
QuitNow is a free program for British Columbians looking to quit or reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use, delivered by the BC Lung Foundation on behalf of the Government of British Columbia. We are here to help you quit and understand what happens when you stop smoking.
1-877-455-2233
https://quitnow.ca/
The Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. (SRABC)
Offers information and programs for stroke survivors after they leave hospital.
604-688-3603
1-888-313-3377
http://www.strokerecoverybc.ca
Healthy Aging CORE
Healthy Aging CORE (Collaborative Online Resources and Education) is an online resource hub built to bring together the community-based senior services sector. CORE is designed to provide up-to-date information, resources, and training opportunities and to make it easier to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate in order to help build capacity, strengthen the network, and develop a collective and cohesive voice among volunteers, staff, and others who support healthy aging initiatives.
BC SENIORS’ GUIDE
For a more comprehensive and detailed listing of all services available for seniors in BC, please inquire about the BC Seniors’ Guide, a booklet published by the Government of British Columbia.