Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
For older adults, their families, and caregivers, how to stay independent, stay connected, and find help when you need it.
Aging well in Castlegar
Castlegar's seniors network is strong: a long-running non-profit home-support program, dedicated accessible transit, an active social centre, Interior Health home-care services, and provincial tax and benefit programs that can make a meaningful difference in monthly costs.
This page pulls it all into one place, for you, or for someone you love.
First calls
Many seniors delay asking for help because they don’t want to be a burden, and that delay is usually the bigger cost. Every program below was built specifically for older adults; using them is the point of them.
Better at Home is a federally and provincially supported program, locally run by the Castlegar & District Community Services Society (CDCSS). It provides non-medical home support to help seniors stay in their own homes longer. Services may include:
Services are offered on a sliding-scale fee basis; no one is turned away because of inability to pay. Contact CDCSS directly to enrol.
The Castlegar branch of the Senior Citizens Association of BC is a member-based social centre that runs regular programs, drop-in activities, meals, and special events.
For publicly funded home care (nursing, personal care, respite, assisted living, long-term care placement), the starting point is Interior Health's Home and Community Care program.
For more info, see Interior Health, Home & Community Care.
BC Transit handyDART provides door-to-door shared-ride service for passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities who can't use conventional transit without assistance. Booking is required in advance.
Tip
HandyDART takes planning
BC’s Property Tax Deferment Program allows homeowners 55 and older (and some others) to defer payment of property taxes on their principal residence at a low interest rate. The deferral is repaid from the home’s equity on sale or transfer. For most Castlegar homeowners that means freeing up several hundred dollars a month of current cash flow, without selling, downsizing, or losing equity (the program just shifts the timing of when taxes are paid).
Service Canada administers Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and the Allowance for the Survivor. Apply 6 to 12 months ahead of your 65th birthday for OAS; GIS is applied for separately and requires a yearly tax return.
SAFER gives cash assistance to eligible BC residents 60+ who pay rent for their own home. Application is through BC Housing.
Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or caused by neglect. It may come from family members, caregivers, or others. You are not alone and it's not your fault.
Heads up
If you feel unsafe
Decisions made while you're well spare your family stress later. Four documents every adult in BC should consider:
Start with Advance Care Planning BC. A lawyer or notary can help you complete the documents.
When the time comes, Castlegar has strong support:
If you're caring for a parent or spouse, your own health matters too. Resources:
Better at Home (CDCSS)
Non-medical home support for seniors.
BC Property Tax Deferment
Significant annual savings for eligible homeowners 55+.
Interior Health, Home & Community Care
Publicly funded home care, respite, long-term care.
Housing Support
Subsidized housing, SAFER for renters, rent bank.
Mental Health & Crisis Support
Local and 24/7 resources.
Cemetery & Bereavement Support
End-of-life planning, funeral, and grief support.
Still need help?
Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.
Information verified against Castlegar & District Community Services Society, the Senior Citizens Association of BC, Interior Health, BC Transit, the Province of BC (property tax deferment, SAFER, advance care planning), Service Canada, and Family Caregivers of BC. Programs and eligibility may change; confirm with each provider.