 Following a particularly devastating summer of wildfires for many seniors who live in B.C.’s interior and the Okanagan valley, the approaching fall season should bring a measure of relief. Seniors First BC remains firmer than ever in its commitment to help seniors live safer lives. Community Updates and ResourcesThe Office of the Seniors Advocate B.C. data shows an increased rate of senior abuse, with financial abuse being one of the most commonly reported forms of elder abuse, often committed by a stranger engaged in frauds and scams using increasingly sophisticated technology. It’s important to stay informed of emerging scams to help protect vulnerable people in our province.
The Office of the Seniors Advocate’s Monitoring Seniors’ Services 2025 report found that over the past six years:
For more information, visit the website of the Office of the Seniors Advocate British Columbia or read their annual report.
Or call the SFBC’s Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free at 1-866-437-1940 Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm.  A Pressing Need for Long-term Care FacilitiesLate in July, the Office of the Seniors Advocate released their yearly report highlighting the need for more beds in long-term care facilities. In their terms, they underline that until a solution is found to meet demand, it is crucial to understand the options available to older adults so they can remain independent at home for as long as possible. September CommemorationsWorld Alzheimer's Month The Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon would like to remind people that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Whether you’re concerned for yourself or someone you care about, it's important to know the warning signs of dementia so you can ensure an early diagnosis. This World Alzheimer's Month, the society encourages people to follow along as they highlight the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias on their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Learn more here about the Alzheimer Society of BC & Yukon. National Grandparents' DayNational Grandparents' Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of September (this year on Sept. 13), was first introduced in 1995 following a motion submitted in the House of Commons in 1995, by Sarkis Assadourian, a former Canadian politician from the Liberal Party. The motion reads as follow: “That, in the opinion of this House, the government should consider designating the second Sunday in September of each year as Grandparents' Day in order to acknowledge their importance to the structure of the family in the nurturing, upbringing and education of children”. Check locally for various activities.  National Day for Truth & Reconciliation In British Columbia, September 30th is Orange Shirt Day, also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). It is a day for all Canadians to commemorate and learn more about the history and legacy of the residential school system. It is also a day to honour the strength, dignity and advocacy of survivors and intergenerational survivors, by learning and talking about Indian Residential Schools and remembering the children who never came home. It's a chance to engage and educate more British Columbians about the history of colonialism and how it has and continues to impact First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Learn more about National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Our Upcoming Presentations and EventsNewton Seniors Centre – Open House, SurreyDate/Time: Friday, September 11th, 2026. 11:30 am–1:30 pm Location: Newton Seniors Centre, 13730 - 72 Avenue Surrey, BC
Come visit the Seniors First BC information table while you discover what makes Surrey’s seniors programs and spaces vibrant hubs for community and creativity. Free event, featuring activities, refreshments, entertainment, and opportunities to shape future programs and services.  Frauds & Scams Host: Gastown-Hastings CPC, Vancouver Date/Time: Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Location: Gastown Hastings Crossing CPC, 109 West Hastings Street, Vancouver Seniors First BC is pleased to partner with Gastown Hastings Crossing Community Policing Centre for a session about frauds & scams – recognize, reject, report. In 2025, Canadians lost over $700Million to fraud. Join us for this free event to learn more about the tricks that scammers use, common scams targeting older adults, and resources for reporting and staying up-to-date. Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be provided. Free but registration is required. To register for this informative session, please complete the registration form or email at volunteer@ghxcpc.ca. Host: Newton Seniors Computer Club Date/Time: Monday, September 21st, 2026, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Location: Newton Seniors Centre, 13775 70 Ave, Surrey
In 2025, Canadians lost over $700Million to fraud. Seniors First BC will be discussing frauds & scams with the Newton Seniors Computer Club. Join us for this free event to learn more about the tricks that scammers use, common scams targeting older adults, and resources for reporting and staying up-to-date. Free session, including a complimentary coffee and tea break part way through. For more information, please visit the Newton Seniors Centre Computer Club.
 Intro to Seniors First BC. Host: VPL-South Hill Branch (Vancouver Public Library) Date/Time: Thursday, September 17th, 2026. 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Location: South Hill Branch (Vancouver Public Library), 6076 Fraser Street, Vancouver Join us to learn more about the free services and programs that Seniors First BC offers, including examples of how we've supported older adults across B.C. with issues affecting their well-being, and a brief overview of elder abuse. Thank you to South Hill Branch - Vancouver Public Library for hosting this session. Free session. Registration can be done online at Intro to SFBC - VPL South Hill Library Branch, by email: info@vpl.ca, in person, or by calling: (604) 665-3965 Surrey Forum on Brain Health (Punjabi & English)Date/Time: Saturday, September 19th, 2026. 9:30 am–12:00 pm (morning session, presented in Punjabi), 1:00 am–3:30 pm (afternoon session, presented in English) Location: Surrey City Hall, ground floor, 13450 - 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC
Visit Seniors First BC’s information table while you attend an engaging and informative discussion on the impact of dementia on South Asian families, featuring insights from professionals in the field. This free event is offered in Punjabi and English. Explore how dementia shapes the lives of South Asian families and gain valuable insights from experts working in the field. Caregivers aged 19+ are also welcomed to the forum. Complimentary light refreshments, door prizes, and resource information booths. Free event but registration is encouraged at Information and registration / Surrey Brain Health Forum
 The Importance of Staying Connected (preventing social isolation) Date/Time: Wednesday, Septepteber 23, 2026. 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Location: Champlain Heights Branch (VPL) 7110 Kerr Street, Vancouver This interactive presentation introduces the importance of staying connected. It discusses issues of social isolation and loneliness including risk factors, the correlation between social isolation and decreased well-being, and how we can do our part to stay connected with loved ones in our lives. Register online at Staying Connected - Champlain Heights Library, or in person, or call: (604) 665-3955, or email: info@vpl.ca Please check the Seniors First BC’s website Events Listing page for updates on presentations and events. August RecapSFBC on IntraVenus, SFU Radio CJSF 90.1FMSeniors First BC joined the IntraVenus talk show August 12 on SFU Radio CJSF 90.1FM. Show host Necole Hines (Public Affairs & Talk Coordinator) spoke with Tina Chang (Manager, SAIL & Victim Services) & Linda Yauk (Public Education & Outreach) about our organization and the issue of elder abuse.  Tina Chang (SFBC, Manager of SAIL & Victim Services), Linda Yauk (SFBC Public Education), and Necole Hines (IntraVenus radio show host) Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, legal advocacy, and support to older adults across BC with issues affecting their well-being. Our services are delivered through our Seniors Abuse and Information Line, Victim Services, Elder Law Clinic, Advance Planning Clinics, Legal Advocacy Program, and Public Education and Outreach Program. Contact UsOur province-wide confidential Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to a professional intake worker about issues that affect their well-being, receive information, or learn about our programs. Call 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free at 1-866-437-1940 weekdays 8am to 8pm. Language interpretation is available. For individuals who cannot call SAIL due to disability or accessibility reasons, email us at info@seniorsfirstbc.ca or use the contact form on our website. |
