Ten public consultations will take place throughout the province in the coming weeks as one of the ways seniors, their families, service providers, and other organizations can help shape the future role of a seniors advocate.
To register to attend one of the public meetings in person, people can phone 1 855 356-9614 or email: SeniorsAdvocate@gov.bc.ca
People unable to attend a consultation can still have their say on the role of an advocate until the end of July by emailing or writing. This input will help define options for the role and function of the Office of the Seniors Advocate, including how the office could collaborate with existing organizations.
"Through the seniors action plan, we are changing the way seniors access and receive care throughout B.C.," said Health Minister Michael de Jong, who kicked off the public consultations in Victoria. "But we cannot move forward without consulting the groups most affected, seniors and their families. We are listening to what British Columbians want from a seniors advocate."
The commitment to establish an Office of the Seniors Advocate is a key component of the Province's seniors action plan that was announced on Feb. 14, 2012. An advocate supports the commitment in that plan to ensure a more accessible, transparent and accountable approach to seniors care.
"It is important that the role of the seniors advocate be determined not just by government, but by seniors and their families, as well as caregivers and service providers," added Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health Ron Cantelon. "That is why engaging the public to help develop the Office of the Seniors Advocate is so important."
The launch of this consultation process is one of the key deliverables in the seniors action plan. More information about the plan, including progress on various actions and a discussion paper on the seniors advocate, can be found online at: www.seniorsbc.ca
Through Improving the Care of B.C. Seniors: An Action Plan, the Province is building a more accessible, transparent and accountable approach to seniors' care. The plan contains specific deliverables to help seniors and their families navigate the health system, easily access information about care options and have a clear and simple way to register complaints.
Have your say on the seniors advocate
To register to attend one of the public meetings in person, people can phone 1-855-356-9614 or email: SeniorsAdvocate@gov.bc.ca
The closest consultations to Castlegar will be: Kelowna on June 20 and Cranbrook on June 22.