Resources for now and for later!

Nov 12

By Elaine Book

Often times we don’t know what we don’t know. With so many resources out there, it can be hard to know it all! Some information is valuable now and some information will be valuable in the future.

Below is a sample of some “less known” resources….

BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (RAHA)

Provides financial help in the form of rebates to eligible low-income households to complete home adaptations for independent living. Call 604-433-2218 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-257-7756 (elsewhere in BC) or visit https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/BC-RAHA

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)

The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program provides monthly cash payments to subsidize rent for eligible BC residents who are age 60 or over. Call 604-433-2218 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-257-7756 (elsewhere in BC) or visit https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs/SAFER

Benefit Finder Website

Benefit Finder Website helps you find possible government benefits you may be eligible for, and helps you navigate the steps of accessing government benefits. Visit: https://benefitswayfinder.org/

Handicapped parking placard

If you want to learn more information about Accessible Parking or apply/renew for parking permits for people with disabilities, call 604-718-7744 or visit www.sparc.bc.ca

Disability Foundation

Various adapted recreation programs including sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, music, and gardening. Also includes TETRA which builds custom assistive devices. Call 604-688-6464 or visit https://disabilityfoundation.org/

BC Rehab Foundation

Charity organization that provides funding for mobility equipment, adaptive leisure equipment, and recreation hobbies. Call 604-737-6383 or visit https://bcrehab.org/

Leisure Access Cards

Most municipalities in BC have discounted leisure passes for low-income residence. Some also have options for adapted leisure groups and adapted gym and pool equipment. If you live in Vancouver, visit https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/leisure-access-card.aspx or look at your specific municipalities website.

BC Adaptive Snow Sports

Provides opportunities for individuals with physical and/or cognitive differences to get out skiing or snowboarding across BC. Call 604-333-3630 or visit https://bcadaptive.com/

Better at Home

Helps seniors with non-medical, day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Call 604-268-1312 or visit www.betterathome.ca

Wellness Pharmacy/Naz’s Pharmacy

Daily home monitoring for medications and/or use of a smart dispenser (automated medication dispenser) is available to people who are clients of the pharmacy. Wellness Pharmacy: https://www.wellpharmacy.com/ or email info@wellpharmacy.com Naz’s Pharmacy: visit https://nazpharmacies.com/ for list of locations and contact information

Other sources for resources!

Pathways BC is an excellent site for resources, in particular, to find a community connector in your neighborhood. Once you go to the link, click on your community and then enter into the search bar ‘Seniors Community Connector” and a list of social prescribing programs with community connectors will appear.

Also, if you are connected to a local health unit or a specific diagnosis hospital clinic, social workers may be available to provide information on a variety of resources.

Visit the BC Brain Wellness Program website for a more comprehensive list at https://www.bcbrainwellness.ca/community-resources.

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