The Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health works to promote seniors’ mental health by connecting people, ideas, and resources. CCSMH.ca. Crisis. Thinking of suicide? Please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free, 24/7 or visit ChrisisServicesCanada.ca
Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888, available 24/7
Pain BC aims to enhance the well-being of all people living with pain through empowerment, care, education and innovation. This can’t be done without changing the systems that people in pain rely on to live well. PainBC.ca

The Comox Valley Division of Family Practice is committed to achieving meaningful change that benefits patients, doctors, and the community. DivisionsBC.ca/Comox-Valley. The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Office, BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBackBC.ca or 1 (866) 639 0522.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in B.C. and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The OSA was established in 2014 and is the first office of its kind in Canada. 1-877-952-3181. SeniorsAdvocateBC.ca

Whether you want to learn more about the programs and services offered or find dementia-related information specific to your needs, the Alzheimer Society has the education and resources to help you. Alzheimer.ca/bc/en or 1-800-936-6033.

If you are part of a family that includes a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container.