Tawnya and Chris Wilkinson

Canada’s First Seniors Advocate

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Tawnya and Chris Wilkinson are passionate about fitness and about helping others live better lives. Initially working in the area of personal training and wellness coaching, they began dreaming of launching their own business and found elder care to be a perfect fit for them. They started their award-winning Nurse Next Door franchise in 2008, providing in-home care and support for seniors in Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville and surrounding communities. “Make a difference in the lives of others” and “admire people” are the core values that guide them in their business and personal lives.

Recently, Nurse Next Door Home Care Services sponsored a local event that brought British Columbia’s Seniors Advocate to Duncan to present on the most important and relevant issues facing seniors in our communities.

On March 19, 2014, the Government of British Columbia announced the appointment of Isobel Mackenzie as Canada’s first Seniors Advocate. With nearly 20 years of experience working on behalf of seniors at local, provincial and national levels, Ms. McKenzie has the appropriate credentials. Watching her speak, it was clearly evident that she has seen many sides of seniors care and the issues facing seniors.

In her role as the voice of seniors in British Columbia, Ms. Mackenzie will have a broad mandate to monitor and review issues affecting seniors, and to raise awareness about resources and services available to our seniors. Further to that, Ms. McKenzie makes recommendations to her government peers and also to those who deliver seniors’ services related to health care, personal care, housing, transportation and income support.

A few of the primary tasks charged to Ms. McKenzie include:

  • Advocacy Services
  • Information and Advice
  • Receiving and Referring Concerns and Complaints
  • Public Awareness and Communication
  • Collaboration and Engagement

As part of her ongoing communication with the community and the development of further action steps, Ms. McKenzie is hosting a ‘town hall’ meeting in Nanaimo at the Oliver Woods Community Centre.  It will be held Thursday, January 29 at 1:30 pm. The purpose is to hear from seniors and their family members who live in the region.  Attendees are invited to share what is working and not working for seniors in the community.

For further information about this meeting or about the role of the BC Seniors Advocate, contact their office via email or  call toll free at 1-877-952-3181.

 

Tawnya and Chris Wilkinson
Nurse Next Door
Home Care Services
250-748-4357 (Duncan); 250-667-0190 (Nanaimo); 250-927-1895 (Parksville)
Nurse Next Door
Email Nurse Next Door

 

 

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