Resources for Seniors

Abuse

Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)

The Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe, confidential 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.

Available 8:00 am – 8:00 pm daily (excluding holidays).

 

VictimLink BC

VictimLink BC is a confidential telephone service available across B.C. and Yukon 24 hours a day, seven days a week. VictimLink BC provides information and referrals to all victims of crime, and crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence.

 

 

Assisted Living Registrar

If you believe someone is being abused or neglected in an assisted living facility, contact the Assisted Living Registrar (ALR). The ALR investigates complaints about the health and safety of assisted living residents.

 

COVID-19 Support

Seniors Advocate BC

The Office of the Seniors Advocate monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in B.C., and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues.

Directories of Community Resources

Seniors Come Share Society’s Seniors Resource Directory

Seniors Come Share Society’s Seniors Resource Directory

 

bc211

bc211 is a British Columbia, non-profit organization that provides a free, confidential, multilingual service that links people to resources for help, where and when they need it.

 

Surrey Libraries Community Services 

Surrey Libraries offers a diverse database of community resources available to residents living in the city of Surrey.

 

Bc Senior’s Guide

The BC Seniors’ Guide is a book-style compilation of information and resources to help us all plan for and live a healthy lifestyle as we age.

Finance, Pension and Taxes

Canada Pension Plan

If you contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) while you were working, you are eligible to begin receiving monthly retirement pension payments as early as age 60. You must apply for CPP; retirement benefits do not begin automatically unless you were receiving CPP disability benefits when you turned 65.

For more information see:

 

Volunteer Tax

If you have a low income, you may be able to find help through the:

There are volunteer tax preparation clinics in communities across the province. For clinic contact information, see:

 

Retirement planning

Types of retirement income, saving for retirement, how much money you will need and managing your finances.

Food, Shopping and Housing Assistance

COVID-19 Emergency Food Services

Find meals, and lower cost grocery options. Also, find food and supply delivery options for seniors and vulnerable people.

 

Seniors Housing Directory of B.C.

Search for locating seniors’ housing in communities across the province.

 

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters

If you are 60 or over and don’t want to move, but have trouble paying your rent, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) may be able to help. SAFER, which is run by BC Housing, provides monthly cash payments to eligible B.C. seniors who pay more than 30 per cent of their before-tax income for rent.

 

Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP is available to eligible B.C. residents who are required to travel outside their home community to obtain non-emergency, physician-referred specialist medical care.

 

Cloverdale Community Kitchen – Mobile Meals

Cloverdale Community Kitchens delivers hot meals to seniors (or anyone else in need) in most of Surrey, Langley, and White Rock. The meals are $5 each and delivered Monday to Thursday between 5 and 6 pm. Vegetarian options are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • E-mail: mobilemeals@myckk.com
  • Telephone: 778-617-3000

Health and Medical

Seniors Advocate BC

The Office of the Seniors Advocate monitors and analyzes seniors services and issues in B.C., and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues.

 

Pleural Mesothelioma Centre

Whether you’re looking for a doctor, financial assistance, raising awareness or seeking help as a veteran with mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma centre is here to provide you guidance and peace of mind.

 

Self Management BC

FREE health programs for adults of all ages living with one or multiple ongoing health conditions, offered throughout British Columbia online, by telephone, or by mail.

 

Health Connections

Health Connections is a partnership program aimed at providing transportation options and increasing access to non-emergency medical appointments.

 

Healthy Eating for Seniors Handbook

The Healthy Eating for Seniors Handbook includes recipes, menu plans, and information on good nutrition. Healthy Eating for Seniors is available as an online and print handbook in English, Chinese, Punjabi and French, as well as an audiobook and a series of videos.

 

HealthLink BC

Health Link BC is the province’s gateway to access non-emergency health information and services in British Columbia. It is a phone number and a website available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On the HealthLink BC website, you can read great healthy eating information for people of all ages and some articles specifically for seniors.

Legal

Canadian Centre for Elder Law

The Canadian Centre for Elder Law helps older adults in their relationship with the law, and conducts research and public education on elder law issues.

 

B.C. Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support

The B.C. Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support provides free legal services to older adults age 55+ who would not otherwise be able to access justice because of low income or other barriers.

 

Hiring a Lawyer

If you want to hire a lawyer but don’t know who to call, the Canadian Bar Association (B.C. Branch) offers a Lawyer Referral Service. This service enables you to consult with a lawyer for up to 30 minutes for a low initial fee.

You can request a lawyer who speaks your language, including American Sign Language.

Call Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, toll-free at 1-800-663-1919 or 604-687-3221 in the Lower Mainland.

For more information, go to:

Mental Health

UNITI – Mental Health Newsletter

Learn more about the programs available at UNITI which help to support seniors improve their overall mental health and well-being.

Mental Health Network Shared Resources

Learn more about the assortment of mental health supports services available in the community.

Transportation

Translink

If you are 65 or over, you qualify for a seniors’ discount on public transit in B.C. Show the driver your B.C. CareCard or BC Services Card when you pay.

For fare and schedule information and online trip planning, visit:

 

Autoplan Discounts

If you own and drive a car or other vehicle, you may be eligible for discounts and benefits such as the following.

 

BC Ferries (Coastal Ferry Routes)

B.C. seniors travel for half the regular ticket price from Monday through Thursday, except for holidays. (If you are driving, a vehicle fare will still apply).

Present your B.C. Gold CareCard or BC Services Card at the terminal to receive your discount.

 

Inland Ferry Routes

Travel on inland ferries in B.C. is free of charge, for both passengers and their vehicles.

Project Resources