Caregiver Community Resource Guide
Click or tap on the catagory buttons below to view more information.
- Care Partnering
- Home Care
- Educational Programs
- Advance Planning
- Financial Resources
- Housing
- Legal Resources
- Food Programs
- transportation
- health equipment
- senior safety
- health services
Abbotsford Association for Healthy Aging
Our caregiver support program offers 1:1 phone or in-person support, support groups, group activities, educational workshops, and referrals to community services for those caring for an older family member or friend.
Call: 604-768-5421
Family Caregivers of BC
Provides access to information, education, and support so that caregivers feel more confident and successful in their important role.
Call: 604-734-4812 or 1-800-833-1733 or visit www.familycaregiversbc.ca
Fraser Health (FH) Caregiver Support Program
- Support for caregivers experiencing stress, burn-out, grief and/or loss.
- Resources to prepare for advance care planning.
- Support for people who are new to the caregiver role.
- Caregiver support groups.
- Advocacy for caregiver/client rights.
Visit: Caregiver Support – Fraser Health Authority
Care Partner Program with the Parkinson’s Foundation
Through this program, care partners will better understand their role in managing their loved one’s care, create actionable strategies for self-care, develop clear networks for support and access relevant tools that will empower them in their role as care partner.
Information, education, counselling, support groups.
Call 604-662-3240 or 1-800-668-3330 or visit: www.parkinson.bc.ca
BC Cancer
You may be a family member or friend who is providing physical, practical or emotional support to someone with cancer. Sometimes the type of care that your family member needs is new for you. It may involve switching roles, personal care or doing practical tasks. You might need to change your priorities or add responsibilities to your already busy life. While giving care is rewarding it can also be stressful or overwhelming. It is important to find out what services and supports are available to help you balance caring for others with self-care.
Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association
Provides a variety of services including case management services, support groups, and drop-in centres.
Call: 604-557-1913 or email info@fvbia.org
Each health authority offers care and services in your home and community. These services can include, but are not limited to the following:
- Home care nursing
- Home support
- Residential care
- Assisted living.
- Adult day programs
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Caregiver support
- Convalescent/Respite care
- End-of-life care
To access these services, you can refer yourself or have a family member call for you.
Fraser Health:
Phone: 1-855-412-2121
Home Health 604-556-5000
HOME SUPPORT-PRIVATE CARE
Right at Home (604)330-9909
Nurse Next Door (604)856-5553
BC Brain Wellness Program – offers a variety of programs to improve and sustain quality of life for people living with brain disorders and their care partners, as well as to offer healthy agers the opportunity to enhance their wellness and engage in prevention lifestyle measures. For more information about free programs and events, visit: www.bcbrainwellness.ca
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Sponsored by the BC Ministry of Health and University of Victoria, this program helps people learn skills to manage chronic conditions. For more information about free workshops, visit: www.selfmanagementbc.ca
BC Brain Wellness Program
Offers a variety of programs to improve and sustain quality of life for people living with brain disorders and their care partners, as well as to offer healthy agers the opportunity to enhance their wellness and engage in prevention lifestyle measures.
For more information about free programs and events, visit: www.bcbrainwellness.ca
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Sponsored by the BC Ministry of Health and University of Victoria, this program helps people learn skills to manage chronic conditions.
For more information about free workshops, visit: www.selfmanagementbc.ca
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry
Call 604-408-7414 or visit: www.nidus.ca
An Advance Care Plan is a written summary of your wishes to guide your substitute decision maker if you cannot make treatment decisions for yourself. Advance care planning begins by thinking about your beliefs, values and wishes regarding future health care treatment. It is about having conversations with your close family, friends and health care providers so that they know the treatment you would agree to if you become incapable of expressing your own decisions.
BC government’s advance care planning guide called, “My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment.”
For a copy ot the guide visit: www.gov.bc.ca/advancecare
For a free online workbook visit: http://www.speak-upinbc.ca/
GRIEF
Abbotsford Hospice Society
The Abbotsford Hospice Society helps children, youth, adults and their families as they cope with grief, death and dying through skilled and compassionate support, education, and advocacy. Call 604-852-2456BC Brain Wellness Program – offers a variety of programs to improve and sustain quality of life for people living with brain disorders and their care partners, as well as to offer healthy agers the opportunity to enhance their wellness and engage in prevention lifestyle measures. For more information about free programs and events, visit www.bcbrainwellness.ca
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Sponsored by the BC Ministry of Health and University of Victoria, this program helps people learn skills to manage chronic conditions. For more information about free workshops, visit www.selfmanagementbc.ca
An Advance Care Plan is a written summary of your wishes to guide your substitute decision maker if you cannot make treatment decisions for yourself. Advance care planning begins by thinking about your beliefs, values and wishes regarding future health care treatment. It is about having conversations with your close family, friends and health care providers so that they know the treatment you would agree to if you become incapable of expressing your own decisions.
Visit www.gov.bc.ca/advancecare for a copy of the BC government’s advance care planning guide called My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment.
Visit http://www.speak-upinbc.ca/ for a free online workbook.
Or contact Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry. Call 604-408-7414 or visit www.nidus.ca
Income Tax Program
604-854-1733
Call 604-Federal Benefits
Including disability tax credit, medical expense credits, GST credit, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Canada Pension Plan.
Call Service Canada at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.canada.ca and click on “BENEFITS”.
Provincial Benefits
Including information on Medical Services Plan (MSP) and BC PharmaCare.
Call Service BC at 604-660-2421 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-663-7867 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage
Department of Veterans Affairs
Call 1-866-522-2122 or visit www.veterans.gc.ca
Senior’s Supplement for BC Residents
Call 1-866-866-0800
Seniors First BC
Call 604-688-1927 or visit www.seniorsfirstbc.ca
Disability Alliance BC
Call 604-875-9227 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-663-1278 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www.disabilityalliancebc.org
Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)
A grant program for people with diminished physical abilities. It helps low-income households pay for modifications to their home for accessibility.
Call 604-433-2218 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-257-7756 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www.bchousing.org
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
Call 1-800-257-7756
Benefits Finder Websites
BC Housing
Call 433-2218 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-257-7756 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www.bchousing.org
Seniors Services Society
Call 604-520-6621 or visit www.seniorsservicessociety.ca
Co-op Housing
Call 1-866-879-5111 or visit www.chf.bc.ca
Public Guardian and Trustee of BC
Call 1-800-663-7867 or visit www.trustee.bc.ca
UBC Legal Advice Program
Call 604-822-5791 or visit www.lslap.bc.ca
Lawyer Referral Service
Call 1-800-267-8860 or visit Canadian Bar Association at www.cba.org
Legal Services Society (Legal Aid)
Call 1-866-577-2525 or visit www.lss.bc.ca
Seniors First BC
Call 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free at 1-866-437-1940 weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and weekends 10 am to 5:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays. Language interpretation is available.
Meals on Wheels
For anyone in Abbotsford who has difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing meals for themselves.
604-870-3764
Abbotsford Food Bank
604-859-5749
Handicapped parking placard
Call 604-718-7744 or visit www.sparc.bc.ca
HandyDart/Taxi Savers
Call 604-953-3680 or visit www.translink.ca
Travel Assistance Program
Help with travel expenses due to out of town medical appointments. Call 1-800-663-7100 or visit www.2.gov.bc.ca and search for TAP.
Access to Travel
Information on accessible transportation and travel across Canada.
Call 1-800-665-6478 or visit www.accesstotravel.gc.ca
Red Cross Loan Cupboard
Lends basic equipment including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs on a short-term basis. Requires a referral from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse or doctor.
Call (604) 556-3526 or visit Abbotsford Office Short Term Loan Program – British Columbia and Yukon – Canadian Red Cross
Lifeline
A personal response service that lets you summon for help any time of the day or night.
Call 604-854-5991 or 1-888-969-1818 or email: valleyalertlifeline@telus.net
or visit www.valleyalertlifeline.ca
Medic Alert Bracelet
Tells first responders that about your diagnosis and health needs.
Call 1-800-668-1507 or visit www.medicalert.ca
Crisis Centre
Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. Call 1-800-784-2433 or visit www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
Senior’s Distress Line
Call 604-872-1234
Abbotsford Peer Support for Seniors
The peer support program is a FREE service for seniors 50+ in Abbotsford. Peer support is a process in which trained senior peer support volunteers offer one-on-one visiting, empathy, listening, emotional support, option availability, and information to seniors to enable them to help themselves.
604-850-0011
Abbotsford Peer Support for Seniors
Victim LINK
Even if you’re not sure if you have been a victim of crime, you can call or text VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 or email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca for assistance. Your call will be completely confidential.
Better at Home
A program funded by the United Way. Call 604-859-7681 Ext: 772 or visit www.betterathome.ca
Pharmacy BC
Free delivery of prescription medications. Call 1-855-224-6644 or visit www.pharmacybc.com/service/free-delivery/
BC Seniors Guide
A great resource for information on government programs for health, housing, transportation, finances, etc. Call 1-877-952-3181 or visit www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca
For information on Medical Services Plan (MSP) and BC PharmaCare, call toll free 1-800-663-7100 or visit www.health.gov.bc.ca
For general health information and access to general health professionals including a dietitian and pharmacist, call 8-1-1 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca
For information and referrals regarding community, government and social services in BC, call 2-1-1 or visit www.bc211.ca.
For free-of-charge provincial health information and advice, call 8-1-1.
Older Adult Community Mental Health Program
Phone: 604-870-7800
For people over the age of 65 who are experiencing psychiatric symptoms such as memory decline, confusion, depression, anxiety, psychosis (e.g. hallucinations, delusions, paranoia) or other mental health symptoms that affect the person’s ability to manage their daily living activities.
Caregiver Community Resource Guide
Click or tap on the catagory buttons below to view more information.
Housing
BC Housing
Call 433-2218 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-257-7756 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www.bchousing.org
Seniors Services Society
Call 604-520-6621 or visit www.seniorsservicessociety.ca
Co-op Housing
Call 1-866-879-5111 or visit www.chf.bc.ca
Food Programs
Meals on Wheels
For anyone in Abbotsford who has difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing meals for themselves.
604-870-3764
Abbotsford Food Bank
604-859-5749
Safety
Lifeline
A personal response service that lets you summon for help any time of the day or night.
Call 604-854-5991 or 1-888-969-1818 or email: valleyalertlifeline@telus.net
or visit www.valleyalertlifeline.ca
Medic Alert Bracelet
Tells first responders that about your diagnosis and health needs.
Call 1-800-668-1507 or visit www.medicalert.ca
Crisis Centre
Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. Call 1-800-784-2433 or visit www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
Senior’s Distress Line
Call 604-872-1234
Abbotsford Peer Support for Seniors
The peer support program is a FREE service for seniors 50+ in Abbotsford. Peer support is a process in which trained senior peer support volunteers offer one-on-one visiting, empathy, listening, emotional support, option availability, and information to seniors to enable them to help themselves.
604-850-0011
Abbotsford Peer Support for Seniors
Victim LINK
Even if you’re not sure if you have been a victim of crime, you can call or text VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 or email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca for assistance. Your call will be completely confidential.
Home Care Services
Each health authority offers care and services in your home and community. These services can include, but are not limited to the following:
- Home care nursing
- Home support
- Residential care
- Assisted living.
- Adult day programs
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Caregiver support
- Convalescent/Respite care
- End-of-life care
To access these services, you can refer yourself or have a family member call for you.
Fraser Health:
Phone: 1-855-412-2121
Home Health 604-556-5000
HOME SUPPORT-PRIVATE CARE
Right at Home (604)330-9909
Nurse Next Door (604)856-5553
Care Partnering
Abbotsford Association for Healthy Aging
Our caregiver support program offers 1:1 phone or in-person support, support groups, group activities, educational workshops, and referrals to community services for those caring for an older family member or friend.
Call: 604-768-5421
Family Caregivers of BC
Provides access to information, education, and support so that caregivers feel more confident and successful in their important role.
Call: 604-734-4812 or 1-800-833-1733 or visit www.familycaregiversbc.ca
Fraser Health (FH) Caregiver Support Program
- Support for caregivers experiencing stress, burn-out, grief and/or loss.
- Resources to prepare for advance care planning.
- Support for people who are new to the caregiver role.
- Caregiver support groups.
- Advocacy for caregiver/client rights.
Visit: Caregiver Support – Fraser Health Authority
Care Partner Program with the Parkinson’s Foundation
Through this program, care partners will better understand their role in managing their loved one’s care, create actionable strategies for self-care, develop clear networks for support and access relevant tools that will empower them in their role as care partner.
Information, education, counselling, support groups.
Call 604-662-3240 or 1-800-668-3330 or visit: www.parkinson.bc.ca
BC Cancer
You may be a family member or friend who is providing physical, practical or emotional support to someone with cancer. Sometimes the type of care that your family member needs is new for you. It may involve switching roles, personal care or doing practical tasks. You might need to change your priorities or add responsibilities to your already busy life. While giving care is rewarding it can also be stressful or overwhelming. It is important to find out what services and supports are available to help you balance caring for others with self-care.
Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association
Provides a variety of services including case management services, support groups, and drop-in centres.
Call: 604-557-1913 or email info@fvbia.org
Educational Programs
BC Brain Wellness Program – offers a variety of programs to improve and sustain quality of life for people living with brain disorders and their care partners, as well as to offer healthy agers the opportunity to enhance their wellness and engage in prevention lifestyle measures. For more information about free programs and events, visit: www.bcbrainwellness.ca
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Sponsored by the BC Ministry of Health and University of Victoria, this program helps people learn skills to manage chronic conditions. For more information about free workshops, visit: www.selfmanagementbc.ca
Advance Planning
BC Brain Wellness Program
Offers a variety of programs to improve and sustain quality of life for people living with brain disorders and their care partners, as well as to offer healthy agers the opportunity to enhance their wellness and engage in prevention lifestyle measures.
For more information about free programs and events, visit: www.bcbrainwellness.ca
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Sponsored by the BC Ministry of Health and University of Victoria, this program helps people learn skills to manage chronic conditions.
For more information about free workshops, visit: www.selfmanagementbc.ca
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry
Call 604-408-7414 or visit: www.nidus.ca
An Advance Care Plan is a written summary of your wishes to guide your substitute decision maker if you cannot make treatment decisions for yourself. Advance care planning begins by thinking about your beliefs, values and wishes regarding future health care treatment. It is about having conversations with your close family, friends and health care providers so that they know the treatment you would agree to if you become incapable of expressing your own decisions.
BC government’s advance care planning guide called, “My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment.”
For a copy ot the guide visit: www.gov.bc.ca/advancecare
For a free online workbook visit: http://www.speak-upinbc.ca/
Financial Resources
Income Tax Program
604-854-1733
Call 604-Federal Benefits
Including disability tax credit, medical expense credits, GST credit, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Canada Pension Plan.
Call Service Canada at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.canada.ca and click on “BENEFITS”.
Provincial Benefits
Including information on Medical Services Plan (MSP) and BC PharmaCare.
Call Service BC at 604-660-2421 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-663-7867 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage
Department of Veterans Affairs
Call 1-866-522-2122 or visit www.veterans.gc.ca
Senior’s Supplement for BC Residents
Call 1-866-866-0800
Seniors First BC
Call 604-688-1927 or visit www.seniorsfirstbc.ca
Disability Alliance BC
Call 604-875-9227 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-663-1278 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www.disabilityalliancebc.org
Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)
A grant program for people with diminished physical abilities. It helps low-income households pay for modifications to their home for accessibility.
Call 604-433-2218 (in Vancouver) or 1-800-257-7756 (elsewhere in BC) or visit www.bchousing.org
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
Call 1-800-257-7756
Benefits Finder Websites
Legal Resources
Public Guardian and Trustee of BC
Call 1-800-663-7867 or visit www.trustee.bc.ca
UBC Legal Advice Program
Call 604-822-5791 or visit www.lslap.bc.ca
Lawyer Referral Service
Call 1-800-267-8860 or visit Canadian Bar Association at www.cba.org
Legal Services Society (Legal Aid)
Call 1-866-577-2525 or visit www.lss.bc.ca
Seniors First BC
Call 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free at 1-866-437-1940 weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and weekends 10 am to 5:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays. Language interpretation is available.
Transportation
Handicapped parking placard
Call 604-718-7744 or visit www.sparc.bc.ca
HandyDart/Taxi Savers
Call 604-953-3680 or visit www.translink.ca
Travel Assistance Program
Help with travel expenses due to out of town medical appointments. Call 1-800-663-7100 or visit www.2.gov.bc.ca and search for TAP.
Access to Travel
Information on accessible transportation and travel across Canada.
Call 1-800-665-6478 or visit www.accesstotravel.gc.ca
Equipment
Red Cross Loan Cupboard
Lends basic equipment including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs on a short-term basis. Requires a referral from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse or doctor.
Call (604) 556-3526 or visit Abbotsford Office Short Term Loan Program – British Columbia and Yukon – Canadian Red Cross
Health Services
Better at Home
A program funded by the United Way. Call 604-859-7681 Ext: 772 or visit www.betterathome.ca
Pharmacy BC
Free delivery of prescription medications. Call 1-855-224-6644 or visit www.pharmacybc.com/service/free-delivery/
BC Seniors Guide
A great resource for information on government programs for health, housing, transportation, finances, etc. Call 1-877-952-3181 or visit www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca
For information on Medical Services Plan (MSP) and BC PharmaCare, call toll free 1-800-663-7100 or visit www.health.gov.bc.ca
For general health information and access to general health professionals including a dietitian and pharmacist, call 8-1-1 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca
For information and referrals regarding community, government and social services in BC, call 2-1-1 or visit www.bc211.ca.
For free-of-charge provincial health information and advice, call 8-1-1.
Older Adult Community Mental Health Program
Phone: 604-870-7800
For people over the age of 65 who are experiencing psychiatric symptoms such as memory decline, confusion, depression, anxiety, psychosis (e.g. hallucinations, delusions, paranoia) or other mental health symptoms that affect the person’s ability to manage their daily living activities.