In light of rapid changes in society, numerous attempts have been made over the years to encourage the BC Government to heed the concerns of seniors and the service providers who work with them.
In recent times, the call has been at least partially answered with the establishment of the Office of the Seniors Advocate and the appointment of a full-time professional worker and her staff.
Prior to this, many communities including our own have done their best to meet the growing needs of older citizens, primarily on a volunteer basis and at their own expense.
There is no doubt that this new service is greatly needed. The task of meeting its requirements will be daunting, but essential if progress is to be made.
Any group or individual wishing to express their concerns to the Seniors’ Advocate, is invited to a public meeting to offer feedback on older persons’ quality of life and other community-related issues.
Input will be compiled and reviewed by the Advocate to assist in drawing up futureplans.
The meeting will take place on Friday June 20, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kootenay Room of the Castlegar Community Complex, 2101 6th Avenue.
While the resource team is touring the province it will meet with as many interested people as possible.
It looks as though this local session will be a good start.
I plan to follow up on the results and include relevant data in future columns.
For more information, call Elaine Whitehead, Constituency Àssistant for Katrine Conroy, MLA Kootenay West. Dial toll free, 1-888-755-0556.