One of the unique situations within Alberta, over the last few years has been the Office of the Seniors Advocate. Alberta Seniors have been very well served by this office through the work of the Advocate and staff. For the last 3 years, Dr. Sheree Kwong See, has been that advocate. Her focus on support of seniors and the issues that they face, has provided a positive focus. As of the end of 2019, change has come.
The communications from Edmonton has been that: The Office of the Seniors Advocate will be combined with the Office of the Health Advocates to address seniors’ concerns more efficiently.
Beginning Jan. 2, 2020, Alberta seniors, their families and service providers will be able to access information and referrals on issues of concern at a centralized organization. Staff and resources from the Office of the Seniors Advocate will be transferred to the Office of the Health Advocates to support this change.
The Alberta Health Advocates can be reached at 780-422-1812 or online at “https://www.albertahealthadvocates.ca/Pages/default.aspx” albertahealthadvocates.ca
This transition aligns with the completion of Seniors Advocate Dr. Sheree Kwong See’s secondment from the University of Alberta and the expiration of her appointment as Seniors Advocate on Dec. 31, 2019.
“I would like to thank Dr. Sheree Kwong See for her service to seniors and their families, and wish her well as she returns to teaching and her academic career. The decision to combine offices is a thoughtful and prudent decision and will help seniors and those supporting them access to services easily in one place.” - Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing
“Our government values seniors and we’re putting a high priority on increasing access to continuing care and other services they need. The Health Advocates serve all Albertans, and this change aligns with other health services for seniors, from prescription drug benefits to Protection of Persons in Care.”
Additionally, general inquiries about all government services can be made to Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992 and at any Alberta Supports office (find your local office at “http://www.albertasupports.ca/” albertasupports.ca).
As Kneehill County has had Dr. Kwong See visit with us twice over the last two years, we were extremely thankful for her insights, candor and expertise. She truly did care for seniors.
Going forward, Seniors Outreach encourages you to contact us for any seniors concerns and as needed, continue to contact the Alberta Health Advocates office as mentioned above. Our best wishes to Dr. Kwong See in her ongoing work at the University of Alberta and to her former staff who now work out of the Alberta Health Advocates office. We continue to support them in their endeavors on behalf of seniors.
Our offices across Kneehill County continue to provide access and support between Mondays to Thursdays each week through our staff. Contact us for concerns or to sign up for events and/or bus trips at 403-443-2555 or 1-888-443-2555 from Carbon & area.
Upcoming Bus Trips:
A Calgary Philharmonic Open Rehearsal Bus Trip on Friday, January 17, 2020. The “LUNAR NEW YEAR VIOLIN CONCERT” along with a Chinese meal: Call our office at 403-443-2555 or 1-888-443-2555 from Carbon & area to book your space on the bus/for open rehearsal.
An Olds Bus Trip on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
In conjunction with the Delburne FCSS, a bus trip on Saturday, February 29, 2020. “The PRICE IS RIGHT” at the Grey Eagle Casino, Calgary. Call Seniors Outreach to book your spot/pay for your ticket (and luncheon buffet) before the trip. The earlier the booking, the better the seating. Limited seats are available. Call early!
