On January 25th, public health nurse Julia Murrell coordinated a panel of experts from Vancouver Island to address the crisis of senior’s care in British Columbia. Isabelle McKenzie, the Senior Advocate in British Columbia, was the Keynote Speaker. Each person on the panel addressed a different issue from home-care, to assisted-living, and nursing care.
The audience was encouraged to prepare an advanced plan before it is necessary to go into care or engaged home care.It was apparent that financial hardships could be serious consequence of out-of-hospital acute care. Ms. McKenzie addressed many of these issues in her speech and following the panel discussion, questions and answers indicated how much work still has to be done. The Council will host a follow-up session on the financial planning aspect of critical care.
A donation was made to Manna Homeless Network from the Council on behalf of the guest speakers
Sandi Digras, President of the Ascension Parish Council
Adam Walker MLA
Keynote Speaker Isabelle Mackenzie
Panel left to right:Liz Lexington (Comfort Care), Gwen Seasling (Home Care Nursing Coordinator), Helia Sillen (Vancouver Island Health Authority), and Isabelle Mackenzie (Senior Care Advocate for BC) 
Julia Murrell, Chair Service
Submitted by Sandi Digras