Vancouver Seniors Resources
Resources​
Download a printable list of Vancouver seniors resources with full contact info
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A place where seniors can connect, learn, and participate in fun and educational activities
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Technology, tools, and equipment to increase well-being for seniors​
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Get answers to your questions about arthritis by phoning 604-875-5051
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Asian Canadian Benevolent Association for the Elderly
Supports the elders, homeless, and vulnerable in the community​
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Represents independent living and private pay assisted living long-term care and home health services
Advocates, educates, mediates, and celebrates retirement communities and their residents
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This program, which is managed by the United Way of the Lower Mainland, provides non-medical home support services for seniors in many communities throughout the province
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A community of active seniors who like to meet, talk, play, exercise, learn, eat, volunteer or just hang out in a beautiful setting
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Programs include Meals on Wheels, family respite, and community integration
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A free physical activity program for older adults, offered online, in-person, and over the phone
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Provides adult day programs, including pickup and drop-off
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Provides housing consultations, care management, health care navigation and advocacy, and counselling
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Support and resources for LGBTQ+ seniors
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Designated parking helps people with disabilities to have access to buildings and services in the community
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Downtown Eastside Seniors Centre
Daily social events, activities, and information sessions for seniors living in low-income situations
Information to help senior drivers and those who support them assess driving skills, learn about changing abilities and, if needed, modify driving habits
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Offers assisted personal transportation, home support, and companionship to seniors and persons with special needs, also providing an opportunity for caregiver respite
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A free dog care program for older dogs or dogs with older owners
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Offers free legal services to eligible older adults residing in British Columbia on a wide range of legal matters
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A campus of care community which provides independent housing, assisted living and residential care, allowing elders the opportunity to age in place
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Help Lines
The Kinship Care Lines offers support to seniors raising grandchildren, while the Seniors' Distress Line provides guidance to seniors in distress
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Kinship Care Line 604-558-4740
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Seniors' Abuse and Information Line 604-437-1940
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Seniors’ Distress Line 604-872-1234
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Provides peer support services, advocacy for seniors, education, and outreach
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Lower Mainland Adult Day Centre Members
Find adult day programs in your community
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Office of the Seniors Advocate
Monitors and analyzes seniors services and issues in BC, and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues
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Provides skills training and employment supports needed for people who are 55 years of age or older to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable employment
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Work with parents, grandparents, and kinship caregivers to provide free emotional, educational, legal, & child-minding support
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A free online tool that helps connect seniors and their family members with the services offered by BC’s leading operators of independent living, assisted living, long-term care, and home health care
Senior Chinese Society of Vancouver
Provides Chinese language information to seniors
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Information, legal advocacy, support, and referrals for older adults
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Seniors Housing Directory of BC
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Seniors Services Society of BC
Meals, temporary housing, or social outings for a homeless, low-income, or isolated senior.
South Granville Seniors Centre
A community hub for seniors, offering a range of activities and programs​
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Operates a range of seniors housing communities
Addresses the social, recreational, nutritional and informational needs of low-income seniors in Downtown Vancouver
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Aims to create and strengthen intergenerational relationships and enriching the lives of seniors, children, and families
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WESN serves adults aged 55+ who live in Vancouver's West End. Their mandate is to improve quality of life for seniors through social, educational, and recreational programs and services that foster connection and inclusion in the broader community.​
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Provides community building programs and tenant support services to low-income seniors, veterans, families and vulnerable residents to build healthy community in non-profit housing
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Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice
Supports youth and low-income immigrant seniors in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside
Benefits & Funding
This isn't an exhaustive list - see other sections for more opportunities.
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A monthly payment for low-income persons 60-64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died
Low-income seniors may be eligible for a reduced-cost bus pass of $45 a year
Dental coverage for seniors
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A monthly, taxable amount to replace part of your income when you retire, for the rest of your life. You can apply for and receive a full CPP retirement pension at 65, as early as 60 with a reduction, or as late as 70 with an increase.
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Canada Pension Plan – Disability If you are under 65, living with a disability, unable to work, and have made contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, you could get monthly payments from the Canada Pension Plan Disability benefit.
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Canada Pension Plan – Survivor’s Pension If you are 65 or older, you can get 60% of your deceased partner’s retirement pension, if you are not getting other CPP benefits. If you are under 65, you can get a flat rate portion and 37.5% of the contributor's retirement pension.
A supplement available to low-income Old Age Security pensioners. In most cases, you do not need to apply for this benefit, and the government will notify you of your eligibility.
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Home Renovation Tax Credit For Seniors And Persons With Disabilities
Assists people 65 and over, as well persons with disabilities, with the cost of certain permanent home renovations to improve accessibility or be more functional or mobile at home. Family members living with eligible individuals can apply too.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
A refundable credit to assist with the cost of renovating to establish a secondary unit that enables a senior or disabled adult to live with a qualifying relative
A monthly payment for people 65 and older. In some cases, Service Canada will auto enroll you. In others, you must apply. Service Canada will inform you if you have been automatically enrolled.
A low interest loan program that helps qualified BC homeowners defer payment of their annual property taxes on their principal residence. Call 250-387-0555 to learn more.
Rebate For Accessible Home Adaptations
A rebate for households to complete adaptations for independent living in their home
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Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER)
Monthly cash payments to subsidize rents for eligible BC residents who are 60 or over
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If you’re living in a rental unit and having difficulty paying rent, a rent bank may be able to help you with a one-time, interest-free loan​
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can seniors turn to if they need help with an issue?
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There are many advocacy services free of charge to seniors, helping with a range of issues. One of the best tools to find help nearby is PovNet's Find An Advocate search.
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Look at the funding page for opportunities to receive financial support
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Can seniors get help with household tasks like cleaning and cooking?​
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Yes. The Better At Home Program provides support to help seniors with household tasks, as well as certain activities out in the community. It does not provide more in-depth support like medical care.
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Can seniors also receive provincial disability assistance?
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In most cases, you can receive provincial disability assistance until 65, at which time you will be moved to federal payments, which tend to be higher, but may not include some of the other benefits you received provincially.
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Are there meal programs to help seniors get more affordable food?
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Many neighbourhood houses run food programs. These can include weekly meals, groceries, and community fridges. While low-cost membership with the neighbourhood house is usually required for full access, often a community fridge will be open to all members of the public.
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Churches and other community organizations also offer drop-in meal programs too. The City of Vancouver’s emergency meal map is a good resource.
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You can also phone the Greater Vancouver Food Bank at 604-876-3601 for info on how to receive items from a nearby food bank.
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Is there an age limit for driving?​
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No. But all drivers must have a Driver’s Medical Examination Report completed by their doctor or nurse practitioner at age 80, 85, and every two years thereafter. Learn more about the process.