The seniors housing navigator will help seniors access the programs they need to live comfortably in tough times. (pixabay)

By Spencer Sterritt

seniors care

New pilot program helping Nanaimo seniors navigate how to receive assistance

Dec 16, 2020 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — A new program is guiding Nanaimo’s seniors, who often struggle with digital literacy, find the help they need online.

The Seniors Housing Information and Navigation Ease program is run through the Nanaimo Family Life Association.

Seniors housing navigator Kirsten Brooker told NanaimoNewsNOW she helps seniors apply for programs and find answers in the many online pages for services such as BC Housing.

Brooker said finding stable, long term housing is her number one goal.

“We need to increase the amount people get for their pensions, which is a federal issue. The other piece is we need to bring the high cost of living down.”

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Seniors can apply for a $250 a month subsidy through the SAFER program, but Brooker said it’s not enough.

The seniors she helps, on average, survive on a $1,600 a month pension.

She said all of them rely on food banks to survive.

“Seniors are already questioning their value in our society. As seniors feel they’re a burden, that’s when you see depression and anxiety. That mental wellness piece has a direct affect on their physical wellness and medical experiences.”

The SHINE program is already successfully run in New Westminster. Kelowna was the second B.C. city selected to be a pilot project for the program.

Brooker said the program is needed more than ever due to COVID-19, since seniors are increasingly isolated and can’t interact with each other as often.

If the pilot project does not become a stable program in Nanaimo, Brooker said she’ll do everything she can to keep the program around.

“The lack of affordable housing and the growth of our seniors population isn’t going to go away. We’ll continue to do this work but it’s our hope the provincial government will hear our calls.”

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt