BC has created a new hotline for seniors in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Those in need of support can now dial 211 to be paired with volunteers to help with a range of tasks from groceries, accessing meds to just a video call check-in.
“Wherever you live in B.C., if you want to help seniors with virtual visits, picking up and delivering some groceries, picking up and delivering medications, maybe dropping off a meal or two, call 211 or visit the website (www.bc211.ca) and we’ll try to match you up with a senior in your community who needs help,” said Seniors’ Advocate Isobel Mackenzie on Thursday.
At 1PM PDT today join Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Isobel Mackenzie, BC's seniors advocate, for an announcement about providing community supports for seniors during COVID-19.
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) March 26, 2020
Watch live here on @BCGovNews or on Facebook at https://t.co/9fJqTXzdXe #COVIDBC pic.twitter.com/aRCzDByoZi
The hotline will be staffed 24 hours a day with a live operator and family members can also phone to seek help for an elderly relative.
Officials say they expect the service to be busy, and are asking people who can to use the accompanied website rather than the telephone line.
The largest outbreaks in B.C. are linked to two seniors’ homes: North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley Care Centre and Vancouver’s Haro Park Centre.
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