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SENIORS PROGRAMS
AND SERVICES
Did You Know...
The City of Nanaimo has a higher
population of seniors than the provincial
average. Many of our aging residents
deal with circumstances and challenges that limit their individual
quality of life.
Nanaimo's elderly struggle with such issues as
poverty, poor health, loss of a spouse,
or long time friends, separation from family members,
elder abuse, relocation from a family home, loss of independence
including capacity to drive or move about comfortably, lack of
opportunity to socialize or to enjoy interests and activities.
Amid these challenges, another hurdle has become apparent - financial
limitations. Insufficient monthly funds is directly related to
unhealthy eating, inability to purchase prescriptions, no opportunities
for recreation, or even loss of telephone
services that allow the elderly the chance to keep in regular contact
with family.
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SENIOR PEER COUNSELLING PROGRAM
The Senior Peer
Counselling program provides peer counselling services to isolated
and lonely seniors 55 years and older. |
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Senior peers are
trained volunteers who help other seniors cope with irreversible
losses, lifestyle changes, loneliness, stress, relocation and the
complexities of aging.
Senior Peer Counsellors must be 60 years and older and are
trained, sensitive, patient communicators.
Training to become a
Senior Peer Counsellor is 36 hours in duration and follows a
training program outlined by provincial
standards.
The Senior Peer Program provides the following services to seniors:
1. Short-term
counselling services that cultivate physical and emotional wellness
for seniors 55 years and older.
2. Speakers to community groups on healthy aging and emotional
wellness.
3. Assistance to seniors in acquiring services from other community
agencies.
4. Advocacy for those seeking support or information about elder
abuse, financial planning and relocation.
Please
Contact Us for Further Details
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SENIOR PEER COUNSELLING PROGRAM
Family Life offers services to seniors through
our Senior Peer Counselling Program. We
have a team of more than 25 trained volunteer counsellors, each 60 years
of age or older, male and female, who
are trained peer counsellors.
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After training Senior Peers are matched with clients and offer
the following services:
(grandparents raising grandchildren)
Elder Abuse
Use of Prescription Drugs
Financial
Management
and more...
Referral for Senior Peer
Services...
If you are a senior
seeking counselling you can self refer to the program by
contacting our office. Please
ask to speak with the Program Coordinator.
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Becoming a Senior Peer Counsellor
If you would like to become
a Senior Peer Counsellor, please contact us
and ask to speak with the Senior Peer Program Coordinator.
Senior Peer Training Program
(80 hours offered at Family Life)
Practicum Studies
6 hours
Orientation to Practicum
3 hours
Staff Partnering
4 hrs/month
Counselling Under Supervision
(2 or more videos for critique)
Evaluation
Assign to Clients
(individual, groups – more training)
Debriefing with Supervisors
Our Invitation
Please help Family Life support Nanaimo's seniors. Consider
becoming a Senior Peer Counsellor, or
assist a senior in need to self refer
to our services.
Please call us for more information.
Seniors Links to Information
& Resources
PEOPLE'S LAW SCHOOL
Publications for Seniors
Phone number: 688-2565
You can get the following books free of charge by calling
the above telephone number.
* Writing a Will
* Living Wills and Other Options
* Choosing an Executor/Being an Executor
* Power of Attorney
* Legal Guardianship for Adults
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
BC HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Phone number: 660-6811
Makes sure that people follow the Human Rights Act. This law
protects people from discrimination in public services,
housing, and employment because of their race, sex,
religion, skin colour, disability, or sexual orientation.
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
HELP WITH LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Senior's Bureau Information Service
Phone number: 524-0516
This service supports seniors in
completing legal documents and government forms.
WILLS
If you own property, you should have a
will. The will should describe what you want done with
your property after you die. The property does not
have to be a house or other land. It can be a bank
account, a car, furniture, or anything of value.
A will must be in writing, and it must
be signed by the person who makes it, as well as two
witnesses. It is a good idea to get legal assistance
when making a will.
L IVING
WILL
Phone Number: 879-7433
A Living Will is a
document with the date on it, and signed by you and another
person. In this document, you can state ahead of time
what kind of life-saving things you want done if you are
dying. In a Living Will, you may also name someone to
make decisions about you when you are no longer able to make
them for yourself.
PUBLIC TRUSTEE
Phone Number: 660-4444
The Public
Trustee helps people who are not able to look after their
own affairs.
GRANDPARENT'S RIGHTS
273-4726
The Canadian Grandparent's Rights Association helps
grandparents to maintain relationships with their grandchildren.
This helps when there is a death, divorce, separation,
adoption, or an arrest.
BC FERRIES
BC Ferries Disabled Status I.D. card. For more
information, call toll-free in B.C. 1-888-223-3779.
B.C. Seniors enjoy free travel Monday through Thursday
except on holidays. This applies only to the passenger fare.
Please show your BC Gold Care Card as it confirms your age
(65 years or older) and also that you are a full time
resident of British Columbia. Note: Special B.C. Senior passenger fares are available on Port
Hardy - Prince Rupert, Port Hardy - Mid-Coast, and Prince
Rupert - Skidegate routes.
SENIORS LINKS AND RESOURCES
SENIORS NETWORK OF BC
NATIONAL FRAMEWORK ON AGING
SPECIAL NEEDS CARE FOR SENIORS
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR SENIORS
(FEDERAL)
50 PLUS BRITISH COLUMBIA (GOOD GENERAL RESOURCE LISTINGS)
SENIORS HEALTH CARE (FEDERAL)
SENIORS HEALTH CARE (BC)
FINANCIAL AND LEGAL PROGRAMS (FEDERAL)
LISTING OF CANADIAN SENIORS
ORGANIZATIONS
SENIORS HELPING SENIORS
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