Seniors in Silvermere

Many seniors delay asking for help because they don’t want to be a burden, and that delay is usually the bigger cost. Every program below was built specifically for older adults; using them is the point of them.

Better at Home, stay in your home, with help

Better at Home is a federally and provincially supported program, locally run by the Silvermere & District Community Services Society (SDCSS). It provides non-medical home support to help seniors stay in their own homes longer. Services may include:

• Grocery shopping and delivery
• Light housekeeping
• Minor home repairs and yard maintenance
• Snow shovelling in winter
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Friendly visiting and phone check-ins

Services are offered on a sliding-scale fee basis; no one is turned away because of inability to pay. Contact SDCSS directly to enrol.

Silvermere Senior Citizens Association (Branch 46)

The Silvermere branch of the Senior Citizens Association of BC is a member-based social centre that runs regular programs, drop-in activities, meals, and special events.

• Address: 2101 6th Avenue, Silvermere, BC V0X 3B2
• Email: seniors@silvermere.example
• Membership: annual fee. Benefits include member-only events and voting at AGMs.

West Highlands Health, Home & Community Care

For publicly funded home care (nursing, personal care, respite, assisted living, long-term care placement), the starting point is West Highlands Health's Home and Community Care program.

• HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24/7) can connect you.
• Your family doctor can also make a referral.
• Services are based on assessed clinical need; most are subsidized based on income.

For more info, ask about West Highlands Health's Home & Community Care program.

Accessible transportation (handyDART)

BC Transit handyDART provides door-to-door shared-ride service for passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities who can't use conventional transit without assistance. Booking is required in advance.

• Route and booking info: West Highlands Transit System
• SPARC BC Accessible Parking Permit is recognized across Silvermere. See the accessibility page for more.

Financial programs worth knowing

BC Property Tax Deferment (55+)

BC’s Property Tax Deferment Program allows homeowners 55 and older (and some others) to defer payment of property taxes on their principal residence at a low interest rate. The deferral is repaid from the home’s equity on sale or transfer. For most Silvermere homeowners that means freeing up several hundred dollars a month of current cash flow, without selling, downsizing, or losing equity (the program just shifts the timing of when taxes are paid).

OAS, GIS, CPP, Allowance for the Survivor

Service Canada administers Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and the Allowance for the Survivor. Apply 6 to 12 months ahead of your 65th birthday for OAS; GIS is applied for separately and requires a yearly tax return.

• Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
• Apply online via My Service Canada Account.
• In-person help: Service Canada scheduled outreach at 1016 4th Street, Silvermere (typically the second Friday of each month).

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)

SAFER gives cash assistance to eligible BC residents 60+ who pay rent for their own home. Application is through BC Housing.

Elder abuse, it's never too late to ask for help

Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or caused by neglect. It may come from family members, caregivers, or others. You are not alone and it's not your fault.

• Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL): 1-866-437-1940. 8 a.m. 8 p.m. daily. Free, confidential, multilingual.
• VictimLink BC: 24/7 at 1-800-563-0808. Also supports victims of family or intimate-partner violence.
• Silvermere RCMP non-emergency: 250-555-0120. In an emergency, 9-1-1.
• Public Guardian and Trustee of BC for financial exploitation concerns: trustee.bc.ca.

Planning ahead: powers of attorney, wills, and advance care

Decisions made while you're well spare your family stress later. Four documents every adult in BC should consider:

• A Will , names an executor and says how your estate is distributed.
• Enduring Power of Attorney , lets someone manage your finances and property if you're not able.
• Representation Agreement , lets someone make health-care decisions for you.
• Advance Directive , your instructions for medical care if you can't speak for yourself.

Start with Advance Care Planning BC. A lawyer or notary can help you complete the documents.

End-of-life and bereavement

When the time comes, Silvermere has strong support:

• Silvermere Hospice Society provides free volunteer support during dying and bereavement: 250-555-0100.
• The Cemetery & Bereavement Support page covers Lakeview Memorial Cemetery, funeral homes, death registration, and financial support for end-of-life costs.
• For veterans, see the Veterans in Silvermere page for the Last Post Fund and the veteran ossuary.

Staying active and connected

• Silvermere & District Community Complex (RDWH-operated), pool, gym, fitness classes; many programs for seniors.
• Silvermere & District Public Library free programs, tech help, large-print books, audiobooks, ebooks through Libby.
• Lakeline Bike Network and Lantern Bay Park paved, flat walking paths along the Silver Lake shore, stroller and mobility friendly.
• Community Connect newsletter , watch the City news section for senior-focused events and programs.

For family caregivers

If you're caring for a parent or spouse, your own health matters too. Resources:

• Family Caregivers of BC free caregiver support line and peer groups: 1-877-520-3267, familycaregiversbc.ca.
• West Highlands Health Caregiver Support respite programs accessed through Home and Community Care.
• Compassionate Care EI Benefits federal Employment Insurance program for workers caring for a gravely ill family member.