Ask a group of seniors about their greatest fear for their future and most will answer, ‘Going into residential care.’
We all want to age at home. We want the helpers we need to come into our homes. But the time may come when family caregivers, friends and home support services are not enough.
Residential care may be our only option.
Care facilities are regulated by the provincial government, but not all care facilities provide the same experience for the resident.
After a lengthy career in residential care management, Isobel Mackenzie was appointed B.C. Seniors Advocate in 2014. Her office has studied residential care in B.C. in considerable detail. Her reports, available at www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca, provide much helpful information for gaining an understanding of the current situation and what to expect in the future.
On Sept. 12, 7 p.m. in the Rotary Room at the Florence Filberg Centre, Mackenzie will give a presentation about residential care. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. This will be of interest to seniors, those who work with seniors, and those who have seniors in their family or circle of connection. It will also be of interest to younger members of the community. Aging well is an aspect of a healthy community that affects everyone.
Admission is free.
Sponsors: Comox Valley Elders Take Action, Seniors Voices Comox Valley, and the Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society.