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If you are an older adult or care for a senior, it’s important to know where to go for help and support.

Be ready for future emergencies. Keep a contact list on hand with numbers for health services, including your family doctor. Here are some resources to help.

• Home care. If you or someone you know has difficulty managing at home, contact your local home and community care office and ask for an assessment for home care services.
• Help with household tasks and yard maintenance. Many communities have services to help seniors. These may include shopping, housework, yard work or snow shoveling.
• Respite care. If you are caring for an older friend or family member, contact home and community care in your local health authority. You may be eligible for respite services.
• Office of the Seniors Advocate. Knowledgeable staff are available to provide support and information for seniors and their families about health-care and support services. Call toll-free: 1-877-952-3181 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Community supports and peer groups. Community services and agencies offer information and peer supports. These include Family Caregivers’ Network Society and the Alzheimer Society of BC.

Helpful Hint: First Link is an early intervention program. It aims to connect individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias with services and support soon after diagnosis.

• Other health-care resources. Click here to find a variety of Government of British Columbia health care programs and services.
• Self-management of chronic health conditions. These are programs to help people take charge of their own health and are offered in communities throughout BC at no cost.

Did You Know? Family Caregivers of British Columbia provides information to help manage the challenges and responsibilities of providing care to loved ones.