WHO WE ARE
SIRB is a program of the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan. The Council is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. SIRB receives program funding from Interior Health.

Our purpose is to provide a central resource centre in order to assist seniors, their families, caregivers and the community to access services which will enable seniors to maintain an independent life style.

WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE?
SIRB has served the North Okanagan since 1992 by providing information on a wide range of topics. The information can be provided by phone, mail-out, e-mail, fax, or by dropping by.

We can provide information on pension benefits, housing options, home support, health care, personal support, transportation, abuse and neglect, caregivers, and volunteering through Seniors Assisting Seniors ("SAS" - see below).

Ongoing assistance includes

• Pension Applications (assistance with OAS, GIS and CPP applications)
• Seniors Assisting Seniors (SAS) - a volunteer program where seniors assist seniors in task exchanges to enable seniors to maintain independent living. Volunteers are welcome!
• Housing Resource Lists / Information - Detailed resources and assistance for finding accommodation for seniors, including the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
• Volunteer Driver Program - assists low-income seniors with local transportation
• Community Services List - a comprehensive list of services and information for seniors (to use at their discretion)
• Community Response Network - front-line support for assessment and referral to agencies dealing with senior abuse / legal issues
• Volunteer Income Tax information and referrals
• SnowBuddies - volunteer snow removal program for seniors in need

Please see the various links on the left under 'Seniors Bureau' for more detailed information.

WHAT WE DO

• Maintain a clearing house of information regarding programs and services for seniors in the North Okanagan
• Provide an initial intake/screening service for individual seniors to determine their needs and seek solutions to their concerns
• Assist Interior Health staff and the community to identify gaps in services to seniors and seek strategies to meet these needs
• Provide a leadership role in the development and education on issues related to guardianship and elder abuse

As part of our mandate to serve seniors and the Health Region, the Social Planning Council has completed the following projects on senior topics:

• Aging Issues Task Force (1994 -1996)
• Established an Elder Abuse Resource Centre (1995)
• Developed Resources for Caregivers (1996)
• Conducted an in-depth CHMC and BC Real Estate Foundation sponsored senior housing survey (1996)
• Coordinating the Community Response Network for the new guardianship legislation through the Public Guardian & Trustee of BC
• Safer Women Project - Supportive Actions For Elderly Women
  

MEET OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
SIRB is dependent on the hard work of our volunteers. Currently Dayle Drury is the Manager, and there are several office volunteers. We also have a wonderful team of community volunteers who, through the Seniors Assisting Seniors program, can provide assistance with local transportation, friendly visiting, garden clean-up, and much more. Please see the transportation and Seniors Assisting Seniors links.

Volunteer Drivers The Seniors Information & Resource Bureau requires a constant source of volunteer drivers who can be available to assist the growing number of seniors who lack the resources or means to attend appointments, events or shopping in the community. To become a volunteer driver, please contact the Seniors Information & Resource Bureau at 250 545-8572. After a criminal record check and providing a driver abstract, volunteer drivers can then offer their services at their own convenience.