What’s Happening in February
Activites of the Office of the Seniors AdvocateMonitoring Seniors Services 2021 ReportThe Office of the Seniors Advocate will release the Monitoring Seniors Services 2021 Report on February 16, 2022. This annual report focuses on key services in the province that fall under the Advocate’s legislated mandate. It highlights where seniors’ needs are being met and where improvements are most needed. Home Support SurveyThe Office of the Seniors Advocate has launched a province-wide survey of Home Support clients and their family caregivers. All recipients of Home Support should now have received a survey package in the mail. Family caregivers have been invited to provide feedback in an online survey. For questions or concerns, please contact our office at 1-877-952-3181. Income and Affordability Survey for SeniorsThe Office of the Seniors Advocate is undertaking a survey of B.C. seniors living on low incomes. This initiative aims to identify the challenges faced by seniors with limited incomes and determine if the financial supports available to them meet their needs. The survey has been sent out by mail to randomly selected recipients of the B.C. Senior’s Supplement program. COVID-19COVID-19 VaccinationsPlease register for your COVID-19 booster shot now. The booster effectively strengthens and extends our protection from serious illness. To register, visit the Get Vaccinated website. Having the BC Vaccine Card/passport does not mean you are registered with the Get Vaccinated System. The Get Vaccinated phone centre is open seven days a week, 7 am to 7 pm. To ask questions and verify your registration please call 1-833-838-2323. Proof of full vaccination is required to access some events, services, and business in British Columbia. This requirement applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+). COVID-19 RestrictionsA number of public health restrictions are currently in place, limiting indoor personal gatherings, planned gatherings, and events. Long-Term Care UpdateVisitor restrictions in B.C. long-term care homes have now eased to permit visits from both essential and designated visitors, including during outbreaks. As of February 2, 2022, there are 46 active outbreaks in long-term care (LTC) and assisted living (AL) facilities. Provincial NewsStatements from the Provincial Health Officer and Minister of HealthThe Provincial Health Officer and the Minister of Health release regular statements that can be accessed on the BC Government News website. B.C. long-term care residents are entitled to a designated visitor: Seniors Advocate(Vancouver Sun) Isobel Mackenzie says in a news release that the need to limit visitors has left a majority of long-term care residents without visits from loved ones. Isobel Mackenzie: We need to get rapid tests for COVID out to B.C. seniors(Vancouver Sun) Opinion: For long-term care, everyone entering who have personal contact with residents needs to be tested that day. Everyone means visitors and staff. Recent Announcements from the B.C. Government Impacting Seniors
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