Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, has issued the following statement in recognition of B.C. Seniors’ Week, June 2-8, 2024:
“B.C. Seniors’ Week is a time to recognize the vital role that seniors play in our communities and honour their wisdom. Through cultural teachings and traditions, volunteer initiatives, caregiving and dedication to their families, seniors shape our society every day.
“Not only have seniors built the communities we are fortunate to call home, but they continue to dedicate their time to actively supporting our province. Seniors contribute greatly to improving and nurturing community morale, making a lasting impact for future generations
“Almost 24% of adults in B.C. are 65 years or older, and by 2025, it is expected that B.C. will be home to 1.2 million seniors. We are committed to ensuring that B.C.’s seniors have a government that values their contributions and prioritizes their needs.
“Our government has invested over $3.5 billion since 2018-19 to expand and improve quality care for seniors in B.C., including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living. Since 2017, we’ve announced 17 new or expanded long-term care homes, with many more exciting announcements to come.
“We also know seniors want to live independently for as long as safely possible and recognize the importance of providing seniors living in B.C. with social services that support their health and well-being, helping them to get the care they need within their own homes.
“We are investing $127 million to expand and evolve community-based programs, such as Better at Home, the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS) and the Family and Friend Caregiver Support program. These programs help improve the quality of seniors’ lives through access to services, such as grocery shopping, transportation, peer support, and recreational and educational programming, as well as providing coaching, counselling and education to their family and friend caregivers to enhance their caregivers’ skills and foster a sense of confidence and well-being in their caregiving roles.
“Through age-friendly grants, affordable food and transportation initiatives, we are helping local governments and Indigenous communities throughout the province become more accessible, safe and inclusive for seniors. We look forward to further engagement with seniors, seniors’ advocates and community groups, so we can continue providing the best care and support possible.
“Some of the direct actions we’ve taken to help seniors with the rising costs of living include doubling B.C.’s Senior’s Supplement, introducing a new low-income renter’s tax credit of $400, improvement to the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program, which included a one-time rental benefit of $430 and a historic $200 million invested in food security initiatives.
“We want to ensure that seniors, their families and friends have access to information on services available within our province. The B.C. Seniors’ Guide provides information on resources in B.C., which can help seniors lead safe, healthy and involved lives. This tool is available in nine languages reflecting the diversity of our province, including French, Chinese, Punjabi, Vietnamese, Korean, Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog.
“Our government is continuing to improve support for seniors whether they live at home, in assisted living or long-term care, so that they can live healthy and fulfilling lives in their communities and close to their loved ones.
“This week, let us take a moment to celebrate the seniors in our communities and all that they have done to enrich our lives. Thank you all for your inspiring contributions.”
Learn More:
To learn more about the B.C. Seniors’ Guide, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/about-seniorsbc/seniors-related-initiatives/bc-seniors-guide