Activities of the Office of the Seniors Advocate
New Report – Forgotten Rights: Seniors Not Afforded Equal Rent Protection
In this report, the Seniors Advocate urges the provincial government to act quickly and enforce the Residential Tenancy Act to protect the 30,000 B.C. seniors in retirement homes from illegal rent increases and evictions.
Statement: Government to implement Advocate’s recommendations on rent protections in seniors housing
On July 4, Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt released a report calling on the provincial government to enforce the rent and service cost protections in the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) for seniors in independent living facing often exorbitant fee increases.
OSA 2023/24 Annual Report Released
The 2023/24 fiscal year was one of transition for the Office of the Seniors Advocate as Canada’s first seniors advocate, Isobel Mackenzie, retired after setting up the office in 2014. Read the OSA 2022-2023 Annual Report for highlights of our activities in the past year and details about projects that are currently underway.
Current Issues and Resources
Rent and Service Fees for Retirement Homes are Protected by Law
Seniors independent living residences fall under the Residential Tenancy Act. This means that rent and/or service fee increases are capped each year. The maximum allowable annual rent increase for 2024 is 3.5%. If you have been charged more for rent or services, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at 1-800-665-8779. Call the OSA Info & Referral line for more information at 1-877-952-3181.
Free Fitness Programming for Seniors Starting Soon
Registration will be opening soon for Choose to Move and ActivAge, two free physical activity programs for seniors. Both programs have online and in-person options and are led by trained staff from the BC Recreation and Parks Association. The programs are designed for those who identify as older adults living across B.C. and are currently physically inactive. Get involved to learn more about fitness, meet new friends, and make a positive healthy lifestyle change.
First Seniors Housing Strategy Approved in Vancouver
The Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved a comprehensive Seniors Housing Strategy to address the urgent need for more housing options and supports for older adults. This strategy marks Vancouver’s first dedicated effort to address the unique housing needs of its ageing population.
Old Age Security Pension Increases Clarified
The Office of the Seniors Advocate has become aware that incorrect information is circulating online regarding a large increase in federal government Old Age Security (OAS) pension payments. The OAS monthly payment amounts are reviewed quarterly to ensure they reflect cost of living increases, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. OAS benefits have increased by 0.7% for the July to September 2024 quarter. If you see or hear conflicting information, call 1-800-277-9914 to speak to an Old Age Pension representative and confirm your monthly payment amount.
Provincial News
Recent Announcements from the B.C. Government Impacting Seniors
National News
Recent Announcements from the Federal Government Impacting Seniors
| August 1, 2024 | Government of Canada launches call for proposals for community projects to help seniors |
| July 3, 2024 | Two weeks remain in consultations to help 2SLGBTQI+ seniors age well at home |
Recent Research
Growing Older at Home: Canadians’ Meaning of Aging in Place
(Journal of Aging and Environment)
“Aging in place” is a widely used term but its meaning and interpretation in literature and practice have often omitted older adults’ perspectives. This study sought to uncover the meaning of “aging in place” for older adults in Canada, the ways they think it can be supported, and the influence of theCOVID-19 pandemic on their perspectives.
Climate change and healthy ageing: An assessment of the impact of climate hazards on older people
(Journal of Global Health)
Climate change not only directly impacts older people’s longevity but also healthy ageing, which is the process of maintaining physical and mental capacities while optimising functional abilities. The urgency to address both population ageing and climate change necessitates a rethink and assessment of the impact of climate change on older people. This includes identifying what can be done to anticipate, mitigate and adapt to climate change and engage older persons.
Retrospective Analysis of Circumstances of Falls and Related Injuries across Levels of Care in Older Adult Retirement Home Facilities
(Canadian Journal of Aging)
Towards developing more effective interventions for fall-related injuries, this study analyzed a novel database from six retirement home facilities over a 4-year period comprising 1,877 fallers and 12,445 falls. Falls were characterized based on location, activity, injury site, and type, and the database was stratified across four levels of care: Independent Living, Retirement Care, Assisted Care, and Memory care. Falls most occurred within the bedroom (62.8%), and during unknown (38.1%), walking (20.2%), and transfer tasks (14.6%).
Outreach by the OSA
If you would like to invite BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt to speak to your organization or attend an event, please email info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca .
The Office of the Seniors Advocate has an information and referral line that is available 24 hours a day, every day. Our senior service specialists will work with you during our office hours to provide resources and help resolve issues. Staff at BC211 will assist after hours.