If you or a senior you know have questions about government assistance, Alberta’s Primary Care Network or even what it can look like to have your driver’s license taken away, Athabasca’s 6th annual Seniors’ Symposium can help.
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) seniors’ advocate Kim Lewis has organized the event at the Athabasca Seniors’ Drop-in Centre from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on June 4. Along with information booths from groups like FCSS and Victim Services, four feature presentations will take place.
One of these will focus on mature drivers.
“I think there’s a lot of misinformation on mature drivers,” Lewis said. The presentation by Caroline Gee from the Alberta Motor Association will delve into “What is the process when somebody’s license is removed for medical reasons?” said Lewis. “They’re also going to be offering some tips to seniors about being a mature driver and some things that they can do to stay active and focused.”
Lewis will give a presentation on provincial and federal supports for seniors, though she won’t drill down into too many specifics as changes are expected to many of the programs on July 1.
“I am going to keep it sort of broad and ask questions like, ‘Are you getting the Alberta (Seniors) Benefit? Are you getting the Special Needs Assistance (for Seniors)? Are you familiar with the Guaranteed Income Supplement?’”
Lewis said many seniors don’t know what they are entitled to. Others think that because they were turned down once for a program, they will never qualify for it.
Dr. Guy Gokiert, former president of the Alberta Medical Association and current representative on the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta, will also speak. The advisory council consults with seniors across the province and takes their concerns back to government.
Lewis said Gokiert won’t have answers to questions like, “My cheque is $500 short; can you tell me why?” or “Why is the government doing this?”, but he will have the ability to listen to seniors and lobby for them.
Lewis said she tries to offer a variety of presentations at the symposium year to year. Past guests have included newscaster Bob Layton and representatives from the Edmonton Alzheimer Society.
“I always try to keep in mind that we’re doing this for mature people — seniors and their families,” she said.
She noted family members may want to attend the symposium as they often help their older relations apply for programs or accompany them to medical appointments.
Tickets are $10 and include lunch; they are available at the Athabasca FCSS office (3598-48 Avenue) until May 30.
