The advocate welcomed the elderly man into her office. “How can I help you?” she asked. The man replied, “I’m 67, pretty independent, but my income situation has changed over the last couple of years, and I can’t afford to live where I am. I want a place more affordable. Can you help me find one?” I’ll try, she said. “First though, please tell me more about your situation.” He proceeded to. The advocate listened, asked the man questions about his needs and interests, and together, they explored a menu of housing options.

The advocate is with Seniors’ Entitlement Services (SES), a program that provides volunteer advocates to support seniors, age 55+. Operating out of Quadra Village Community Centre, the SES team of advocates provide problem-solving and system navigation assistance, support to address elder abuse and unexpected hardships, and information and referrals services. Advocates come from a wide range of professional backgrounds to help ensure a wide range of support is available.

The elderly man’s affordable housing dilemma is just one of the many types of challenges facing seniors in our community; from money concerns such as rent, credit and taxes, health care challenges including medical insurance, medical equipment expenses, and home support, legal issues such as landlord-tenancy, patient care advocacy, and representation agreements, and transportation issues, to name a few!

SES serves people from all manner of backgrounds, cultures and circumstances. Whether you are a senior with an immediate issue you want help resolving or just in need of general guidance or information, SES can help. SES advocates can help you become aware of, and apply, for the government benefits and subsidies you have a right to, find the resources you need, and achieve fair outcomes to your personal situation. SES services are closely aligned with the most important issues facing our region, as identified in the Victoria Foundation’s 2019 Vital Signs report.

SES collaborates with other community organizations serving seniors in the Capital Region. Our advocacy services complement the services delivered by others. In 2019, SES estimates that we will have helped close to 300 seniors. Given the “age wave”, we expect the number of seniors SES serves in the years ahead to grow substantially.
SES is available, free, to seniors living in Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay and View Royal.

SES advocates are available: 9am to 3pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.