Access to Social Services and Care: Providing Essential Services for Elderly Displaced Persons
Introduction/Overview
In the global context, Access to Social Services and Care refers to the provision of essential support systems that enable elderly refugees to meet their social, medical, and financial needs. These services include assistance with accessing healthcare, social benefits, housing, and other vital resources. Elderly refugees often face significant barriers to obtaining these services due to language, mobility, and systemic challenges, making comprehensive social care critical to their well-being and integration.
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we focus on ensuring that elderly refugees have access to the social services and care they need to live independently and with dignity. Our programs provide case management, advocacy, and referrals, guiding elderly individuals through the complex process of obtaining social benefits, healthcare, and community support. We work closely with service providers and governmental agencies to ensure that no elderly refugee is left without the resources they require.
This approach aligns with key international frameworks:
Global Compact on Refugees (2018), which promotes inclusive services for all refugees, including elderly individuals, to ensure equitable access to essential resources.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1, 3, 10 & 11), focusing on ending poverty, promoting well-being, reducing inequalities, and ensuring inclusive and accessible services for all.
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966), which guarantees the right to social security, healthcare, and social services for all, including the elderly.
Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002), which advocates for the provision of social services that address the specific needs of older persons, ensuring their inclusion and protection.
A Vision for Access to Social Services and Care
At RefPIC, we envision a world where elderly refugees have seamless access to the social services and care they need to thrive. Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent elderly individuals from accessing benefits, healthcare, and community support, creating a system that prioritizes their well-being. We aim to ensure that elderly refugees are not only aware of available services but are also empowered to navigate these systems independently or with the support of dedicated advocates.
Through our programs, we provide personalized case management, helping elderly refugees secure housing, medical care, and social benefits. Our vision is to build a future where elderly individuals are fully integrated into their communities, with all the support and care they need to live with dignity.
How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Social Service Support
RefPIC’s approach to providing access to social services and care for elderly refugees involves a comprehensive, multi-faceted system of support. We collaborate with government agencies, healthcare providers, and social service organizations to ensure that elderly refugees have access to the full range of services they need.
Key components of our Access to Social Services and Care services include:
Case Management and Advocacy: Offering personalized case management services to help elderly refugees navigate complex social service systems, secure benefits, and access healthcare.
Referrals to Support Services: Connecting elderly refugees to community organizations, healthcare providers, and social service agencies to ensure they receive necessary support.
Assistance with Social Benefits: Helping elderly refugees apply for and secure social benefits, including pensions, disability support, and housing assistance.
Healthcare Access Coordination: Assisting elderly refugees in accessing healthcare services, including primary care, specialists, and mental health services, through coordinated care efforts.
Community Integration Support: Facilitating community engagement and participation in local services and activities, reducing isolation and promoting social inclusion.
Language and Cultural Support: Providing interpretation and culturally appropriate services to help elderly refugees navigate social systems and communicate effectively.
Why Access to Social Services and Care Matters
Elderly refugees face numerous challenges in accessing social services, including language barriers, mobility issues, and a lack of familiarity with local systems. Without support, many elderly individuals are unable to access the healthcare, financial assistance, and social services they need to live independently and maintain their quality of life. This can lead to increased vulnerability, social isolation, and a decline in both physical and mental health.
RefPIC’s services are essential in helping elderly refugees overcome these barriers and ensuring that they have access to the full range of resources they are entitled to. By providing case management, advocacy, and referrals, we help elderly refugees secure the care and services they need to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access to Services
As RefPIC continues to expand its programs, we are committed to improving access to social services and care for elderly refugees. This includes increasing our advocacy efforts, building stronger partnerships with service providers, and expanding our case management services to ensure that more elderly individuals can access the support they need. We aim to create a system where no elderly refugee is left without the care and assistance necessary for their well-being.
Through our Triple Nexus Approach, which integrates humanitarian assistance, development, and peacebuilding, we ensure that access to social services is both sustainable and inclusive, promoting long-term social inclusion and resilience for elderly refugees.
What We Aim to Achieve
Our primary goals in providing access to social services and care for elderly refugees include:
Ensuring Access to Social Benefits: Helping elderly refugees apply for and secure financial support, housing assistance, and other social benefits.
Facilitating Healthcare Access: Coordinating healthcare services to ensure that elderly individuals receive the medical care they need.
Promoting Independence: Empowering elderly refugees to live independently through access to essential services and support systems.
Supporting Community Integration: Creating pathways for elderly refugees to engage with local communities and access community-based services and activities.
How We Deliver Impact
Case Management and Referrals: RefPIC provides personalized case management services, guiding elderly refugees through the process of accessing social benefits, healthcare, and support services.
Advocacy for Social Services: We advocate on behalf of elderly refugees to ensure they receive the services and care they are entitled to.
Coordination of Healthcare Access: We assist elderly refugees in connecting with healthcare providers and navigating the healthcare system.
Support for Social Benefits: RefPIC helps elderly individuals apply for and secure social benefits, such as pensions and disability support.
Community Integration Initiatives: We offer programs that promote community engagement and social inclusion, helping elderly refugees build connections and reduce isolation.
Who Benefits
Elderly Refugees: Elderly refugees benefit from increased access to social services, healthcare, and financial support, allowing them to live independently and with dignity.
Caregivers and Families: Caregivers and families receive support in navigating social services and healthcare systems on behalf of their elderly loved ones.
Service Providers: Healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations benefit from collaboration with RefPIC, ensuring that elderly refugees receive comprehensive care and support.
Host Communities: Host communities benefit from the inclusion of elderly refugees, fostering a sense of social cohesion and shared responsibility for the well-being of all residents.
Governance, Oversight, and Accountability
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we uphold the highest standards of governance, oversight, and accountability across all our programs. As a registered nonprofit, we operate in full compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and adhere to guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for charities. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national laws.
In addition to federal compliance, RefPIC adheres to provincial nonprofit regulations where we operate, both within Canada and internationally. Where necessary, we incorporate separately in different jurisdictions to ensure we meet local legal requirements. This enables us to operate effectively across regions while maintaining the highest levels of accountability and legal compliance.
National and Provincial Compliance: RefPIC strictly follows Canadian laws governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency, financial accountability, and ethical standards. By complying with federal and provincial nonprofit regulations, we meet all legal requirements in the regions we serve.
International Standards and Frameworks: RefPIC's work is further guided by international laws and frameworks that protect refugee rights and promote sustainable development. We align our programs with global best practices to ensure our initiatives serve refugees and displaced persons effectively.
Strong Accountability Practices: We collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management and effective service delivery. Through regular evaluations, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, RefPIC ensures that our programs meet the immediate needs of refugees while contributing to long-term sustainable outcomes.
For more details, visit our Governance, Oversight, and Accountability page to learn more about our commitment to ethical practices, program evaluation, and compliance with legal frameworks.
Get Involved/Call to Action
Support Social Services for the Elderly: Advocate for improved access to social services and care for elderly refugees.
Volunteer: Help RefPIC provide case management, advocacy, or social service referrals to elderly refugees.
Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to expand access to social benefits and healthcare for elderly refugees.
Donate: Your contributions help fund essential programs, ensuring that elderly refugees receive the social services and care they need.