Seniors

As the cost of living rises, the Liberal government continues to deny some of the country’s poorest seniors the financial help they need, NDP MPs say. Unsplash.com image

Vulnerable seniors have been abandoned by the government: Island NDP MPs

MPs Blaney and Blaikie ask feds to provide ‘one-time emergency payment’ to seniors

As the cost of living rises, the Liberal government continues to deny some of the country’s poorest seniors the financial help they need, NDP MPs say. Unsplash.com image
ElderDog Victoria volunteer Linda Harris takes Lilly for regular walks for her senior owner as part of the non-profit’s services in Greater Victoria. (Photo Courtesy of Linda Harris)

Seniors, do you need help caring for your four-legged friend?

ElderDog is now looking to expand its volunteer and client lists in the Sooke area

ElderDog Victoria volunteer Linda Harris takes Lilly for regular walks for her senior owner as part of the non-profit’s services in Greater Victoria. (Photo Courtesy of Linda Harris)
A health-care worker looks out of a window at Maison Herron, a long-term care home in the Montreal suburb of Dorval, on Saturday, April 11, 2020. The physical and mental health impacts of isolation periods are high for seniors living in care facilities.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Advocates say lengthy COVID isolation for seniors in care may do more harm than good

Authorities asked to reconsider guidelines as to when residents must isolate

A health-care worker looks out of a window at Maison Herron, a long-term care home in the Montreal suburb of Dorval, on Saturday, April 11, 2020. The physical and mental health impacts of isolation periods are high for seniors living in care facilities.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
A woman tries to speak to her mother, through a window at Orchard Villa Care home, in Pickering, Ont. on Saturday, April 25, 2020. The expert spearheading new draft national standards for long-term care says they must strike a balance between residents’ safety and their quality of life. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

New Canadian care home standards to emphasize fact that they are homes, not wards

Consultations showed pandemic policies hurt mental and social well-being, balance called for

A woman tries to speak to her mother, through a window at Orchard Villa Care home, in Pickering, Ont. on Saturday, April 25, 2020. The expert spearheading new draft national standards for long-term care says they must strike a balance between residents’ safety and their quality of life. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Three residents at Shannon Oaks – Oak Bay independent living facility have tested positive for COVID-19. (Google Streetview)

Oak Bay retirement home confirms 3 cases of COVID-19 among residents

All 3 residents recovering with mild symptoms, facility administrator says

Three residents at Shannon Oaks – Oak Bay independent living facility have tested positive for COVID-19. (Google Streetview)
The one-time payment to correct the GIS cutbacks is coming, but not for five months. (File photo)

Island MLA criticizes feds for five-month wait for seniors’ one-time GIS payment

Previously announced funding coming at the beginning of fiscal year

The one-time payment to correct the GIS cutbacks is coming, but not for five months. (File photo)
Minister Sheila Malcomson speaks at an Oct. 29 announcement of new treatment spaces at Red Fish Healing Centre on Kwikwetlem territory. (Goverment of BC/YouTube)

B.C. gives $720K grant to organization supporting seniors at risk of homelessness

SHINE helps connect seniors to housing and other supports

Minister Sheila Malcomson speaks at an Oct. 29 announcement of new treatment spaces at Red Fish Healing Centre on Kwikwetlem territory. (Goverment of BC/YouTube)
North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney proposes a Unanimous Consent motion on the GIS on Dec. 13. Photo courtesy Youtube

North Island MP says time running out to fix GIS cut before holidays

NDP asking Liberals to reverse cuts to seniors benefit before House rises on Friday

North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney proposes a Unanimous Consent motion on the GIS on Dec. 13. Photo courtesy Youtube
Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie is photographed at her office in Victoria, B.C., on Friday, December 15, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Seniors advocate calls for reporting line for abuse and neglect amid rising reports

49 per cent increase in reports of abuse, neglect and self-neglect over past 3 to 5 years

Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie is photographed at her office in Victoria, B.C., on Friday, December 15, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Gerald Moreau helps trim the tree at Parkwood Place by Revera. (Dan Ebenal/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Victoria pianist helps Parkwood Place residents get the holiday spirit

Residents trim the tree at Victoria retirement community

Gerald Moreau helps trim the tree at Parkwood Place by Revera. (Dan Ebenal/News Staff)
Saanich Coun. Judy Brownoff was well received speaking about the district’s efforts, at the international Age-friendly Cities and Communities Summit, held recently in a virtual format. (Black Press Media file photo)

Councillor shares Saanich’s age-friendly actions at international conference

Judy Brownoff passionate about ensuring the well-being of older adults in the community

Saanich Coun. Judy Brownoff was well received speaking about the district’s efforts, at the international Age-friendly Cities and Communities Summit, held recently in a virtual format. (Black Press Media file photo)
A Courtenay senior whose mobility scooter was damaged after being clipped by a car will receive a cash settlement from ICBC. Black Press file photo

Courtenay senior on scooter struck by car compensated with cash

Public can claim for damage to property as a result of a crash

A Courtenay senior whose mobility scooter was damaged after being clipped by a car will receive a cash settlement from ICBC. Black Press file photo
Coroner Géhane Kamel speaks during a news conference in Trois-Rivières, Que., on Oct. 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

No ‘euthanasia’ in Quebec care homes during COVID-19, expert tells coroner’s inquest

Inquest examining people who died in residential settings during first months of COVID-19 pandemic.

Coroner Géhane Kamel speaks during a news conference in Trois-Rivières, Que., on Oct. 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
A Quebec coroner reminded an inquest into deaths at a privately-owned Montreal long-term care home that both the regional health authority and the care home’s management were responsible for the care of vulnerable patients. Flowers are shown outside Maison Herron, a long term care home in the Montreal suburb of Dorval on April 12, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

‘Beyond what’s humanly acceptable’: Testimony ends at Quebec long-term care inquest

Coroner examining the failings at Résidence Herron has concluded the factual portion of her inquiry

A Quebec coroner reminded an inquest into deaths at a privately-owned Montreal long-term care home that both the regional health authority and the care home’s management were responsible for the care of vulnerable patients. Flowers are shown outside Maison Herron, a long term care home in the Montreal suburb of Dorval on April 12, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 file photo, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Patron, leaves after attending a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey, in London. Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest-lived and longest-reigning monarch. But don’t call her an oldie. The 95-year-old queen has politely declined the honor of being named “Oldie of the Year” by a British magazine. The Oldie magazine on Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, published the queen’s response to its suggestion. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool, File)

Thanks but no: UK queen turns down “Oldie of the Year” title

Queen Elizabeth says she does not meet ‘the relevant criteria’

FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 file photo, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Patron, leaves after attending a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey, in London. Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest-lived and longest-reigning monarch. But don’t call her an oldie. The 95-year-old queen has politely declined the honor of being named “Oldie of the Year” by a British magazine. The Oldie magazine on Tuesday Oct. 19, 2021, published the queen’s response to its suggestion. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool, File)
Saanich Volunteer Services Society vice-president Bryan Vermeeren (left) and Mayor Fred Haynes load up a truck with Thanksgiving packages for delivery to older adults in the community. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Saanich volunteers supporting seniors at Thanksgiving

Special packages being delivered include seasonal treats, pet goodies and more

Saanich Volunteer Services Society vice-president Bryan Vermeeren (left) and Mayor Fred Haynes load up a truck with Thanksgiving packages for delivery to older adults in the community. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie describes the findings of her survey of long-term care and assisted living residents under pandemic restrictions, B.C. legislature, Nov. 3, 2020. (B.C. government)

Seniors advocate to release review of COVID-19 outbreaks at B.C. care facilities

368 COVID-19 outbreaks at B.C. care facilities from January 2020 to September 2021 and 1,092 deaths

B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie describes the findings of her survey of long-term care and assisted living residents under pandemic restrictions, B.C. legislature, Nov. 3, 2020. (B.C. government)
The five-week program pairs seniors with youth in the name of digital literacy. (WorkLink Employment Society)

Digital literacy program in Langford, Sooke pairs teens with 55+

WorkLink program’s first cohort boots up in October

The five-week program pairs seniors with youth in the name of digital literacy. (WorkLink Employment Society)
Adventurous senior Walter Martens took his first flying lesson as a 101st birthday present, taking off from the Langley airport on Saturday, Sept. 25. (Special to Langley Advance Times)

VIDEO: B.C. Senior, 101, takes first flying lesson

It was a birthday present for ‘adventurous’ Walter Martens

Adventurous senior Walter Martens took his first flying lesson as a 101st birthday present, taking off from the Langley airport on Saturday, Sept. 25. (Special to Langley Advance Times)
Oct. 1, National Seniors Day, is an opportunity to celebrate and show your care for elder adults in the community. (Pixabay)

Show a Greater Victoria senior you care on Oct. 1, National Seniors Day

Community Response Networks on the south Island encourage residents to participate

Oct. 1, National Seniors Day, is an opportunity to celebrate and show your care for elder adults in the community. (Pixabay)