HELP LINES
Confidential service for older adults who are experiencing abuse or mistreatment, offering information and support.
If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s First Link®
Dementia Helpline for information and support (toll-free):
Dial:
English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) -
Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Web: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline
Web-based service for answers to questions and practical information about technologies, tools and equipment that increase independence and wellbeing for BC seniors, and support their families and care teams. Multilingual: Use an online translation app
Web: https://www.ability411.ca/find-answers
Ask a question https://www.ability411.ca/ask-new-question
bc211 is a British Columbia, non-profit organization that provides a free, confidential, multilingual (160 languages) information about community, government and social services in BC. As a response to COVID-19, bc211 accepts applications for the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program, both from seniors wanting help and from volunteers willing to step up and help with non-medical needs.
Multilingual : Yes (160 languages)
Hours : 24/7 Contact: Dial: 211 Text: 211
Web: https://www.bc211.ca Twitter: @bc211Help Email: help@bc211.ca
Offers emotional support for seniors in distress. Available 24/7 at 604-872-1234.
Provides information and referrals related to health care, housing, income supports, and personal supports for seniors.
Provides emotional support for seniors in distress within the Greater Vancouver area.
24/7 multilingual service providing information on community, government, and social services across British Columbia.
Helpline for information about city operations and services, as well as reporting issues.
Immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support and follow-up to youth, adults, and seniors throughout 24/7 phone lines and online services. The Distress Services program provides support to vulnerable individuals across British Columbia.
Multilingual: Yes (140 languages)
Hours: 24/7 distress phone line and online chat services between noon and 1:00am Contact:
Dial: Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311 Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Web: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/
Chat: Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
Offers information on assistive technologies and equipment to help seniors maintain independence.
An initiative by B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) providing various transportation options for seniors in British Columbia.
SAIL is a province-wide confidential service for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to a trained intake worker about abuse or mistreatment. Seniors will receive information and support about issues that impact their health and wellbeing.
Multilingual: Yes, upon request (180 languages)
Hours: 8am-8pm 7 days/week (excluding holidays)
Contact: Dial: 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940 TTY
Equipment: 604-428-3359 or toll-free 1-855-306-1443
Offers information and support for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
811 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia to speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find non-emergency health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist.
Multilingual : Yes (130 languages) For translated resources in French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese
Go to https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/translated-resources
Hours : 24/7 Contact: Dial: 811
Web: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/
For nursing services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/nursing-services
For dietitian services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian-services
For pharmacist services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pharmacist-services
For qualified exercise professionals: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/physical-activity-services
Speak with an Information & Referral analyst or consult website about health care, housing, income supports, personal supports, transportation. Seniors’ services research reports and Long-term Care Quick Facts Directory. Provide feedback on seniors’ services.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays)
Contact: Dial: toll-free 1-877-952-3181 or in Victoria 250-952-3181
“Helping simplify the exchange of home health equipment for our community” with blog, resources and searchable database of equipment listings, …”facilitating safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver by creating a network of Community Exchange Zones to help us facilitate safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver.” Non-profit operated by staff and volunteers; funded by partners and donors.
Multilingual: Use an online translation app Hours: equipment list is available 24/7 here Contact: online here with questions
Help line within the City for seeking information about operations and services or to report problems. During COVID-19 only use 311 for urgent requests or language interpretation. Otherwise use online chat and email at City website.
Multilingual : Yes
Hours : 7am to 10pm daily Live chat 9am-4pm
Contact: Dial 311 within Metro Vancouver. Outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000
App: VanConnect
Web: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/contact-the-city-of vancouver.aspx
Platform for exchanging home health equipment, facilitating access to necessary items for seniors.