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Introduction/Overview


Services for the Elderly refers to specialized programs designed to address the unique needs of elderly refugees and displaced persons. These services focus on providing healthcare, social support, mobility assistance, mental health care, and protection from neglect and abuse. Elderly refugees often face challenges related to mobility, social isolation, and access to essential services like healthcare and community participation.


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we ensure that elderly refugees receive the care and support they need to live with dignity and independence. Through healthcare access, social engagement, mobility aids, and protection services, RefPIC aims to integrate elderly refugees into their communities, safeguarding them from isolation and vulnerability.


This approach aligns with key international frameworks:


A Vision for Elderly Support and Integration


At RefPIC, we envision a world where elderly refugees and displaced persons live with dignity, independence, and are fully integrated into their communities. Our vision is to create environments where the elderly can access healthcare, mobility support, and social services that enable them to participate fully in society. We aim to combat isolation, ensuring that elderly refugees are protected from neglect, abuse, and discrimination.


Through our programs, we offer health services, mobility assistance, and social support, ensuring that elderly refugees maintain a good quality of life. Our commitment to inclusion is rooted in the belief that every elderly person has the right to live independently and with respect.


How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Services for the Elderly


RefPIC’s approach to supporting the elderly involves tailored services that meet their specific needs. We collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations to ensure that elderly refugees have access to the resources and care they need to remain independent and engaged in their communities.


Key components of our Services for the Elderly include:


  • Healthcare Access and Medical Support: Providing regular healthcare check-ups, chronic disease management, and mental health support tailored to the needs of elderly refugees.


  • Mobility Assistance and Physical Support: Offering mobility aids, including wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices, to help elderly individuals remain mobile and independent.


  • Social Support and Community Engagement: Creating opportunities for the elderly to participate in social activities, reducing isolation, and fostering community connections.


  • Protection from Neglect and Abuse: Providing legal support, safe spaces, and advocacy services to protect the elderly from exploitation, neglect, or abuse.


  • Mental Health and Psychosocial Support: Offering counseling and mental health services to address issues like trauma, depression, and anxiety common among elderly refugees.


Why Services for the Elderly Matter


Elderly refugees face numerous challenges, including reduced mobility, isolation, and difficulty accessing healthcare. Many live in environments that are not designed to accommodate their needs, leading to increased vulnerability to health issues, neglect, and abuse. Without adequate social support, mobility assistance, or healthcare access, elderly refugees may experience a significant decline in their quality of life.


By offering these services, RefPIC empowers elderly individuals to remain independent and live with dignity. Comprehensive care promotes physical well-being, social participation, and protection, ensuring that elderly refugees are valued members of their communities. Host communities benefit from these inclusive practices, which foster mutual respect and social cohesion.


Looking Ahead: Expanding Services for the Elderly


As RefPIC continues to expand its services, we are committed to improving healthcare access, mobility support, and social engagement for elderly refugees. We focus on creating safe, inclusive environments where elderly individuals can thrive, participate in community life, and live with dignity.


Our Triple Nexus Approach—which integrates humanitarian assistance, development, and peacebuilding—ensures that services for the elderly promote long-term resilience, social inclusion, and well-being.


What We Aim to Achieve


Our primary goals in supporting elderly refugees and displaced persons include:


  • Providing Accessible Healthcare: Ensuring that elderly individuals have regular access to healthcare services, chronic disease management, and mental health support.


  • Promoting Mobility and Independence: Offering mobility aids and physical support to enhance their ability to live independently and engage in daily life.


  • Fostering Social Inclusion: Creating opportunities for elderly refugees to engage in social and community activities, preventing isolation.


  • Protecting Against Abuse and Neglect: Advocating for the protection of elderly individuals from neglect and abuse, and offering legal and social support.


How We Deliver Impact


  • Healthcare and Medical Support: RefPIC provides access to healthcare services, including chronic disease management, mental health counseling, and routine medical care.


  • Mobility Aids and Assistance: We offer wheelchairs, walkers, and other devices that enable elderly refugees to maintain mobility and independence.


  • Social Inclusion Programs: RefPIC promotes community engagement through social activities and events, helping the elderly to stay connected and active.


  • Protection from Abuse: We provide legal and social support to protect elderly individuals from neglect, exploitation, and abuse.


Who Benefits


  • Elderly Refugees: Elderly refugees benefit from healthcare, social support, mobility assistance, and protection services that enable them to live with dignity and independence.


  • Host Communities: Host communities benefit from inclusive practices that foster respect and understanding for elderly individuals.


  • International Stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and international organizations benefit from inclusive services that promote the rights, well-being, and integration of elderly refugees.


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 Services for the Elderly: Advocate for comprehensive services that empower elderly refugees to live with dignity and independence.


  • Volunteer: Contribute to RefPIC’s programs by supporting healthcare, social services, or mobility assistance for the elderly.


  • Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to expand access to healthcare and social services for elderly refugees.


  • Donate: Your contributions help fund essential services, ensuring that elderly refugees receive the care they need to thrive.

Useful Resources (External Links)

  • Working with Older Persons in Forced Displacement: A Facilitator's Guide - Developed by UNHCR, this guide provides practical tools and strategies for enhancing the protection and inclusion of older persons in displacement settings. Access the guide


  • Older Refugees: Looking Beyond the International Year of Older Persons - This UNHCR publication highlights the roles and contributions of older refugees, offering insights into their specific needs and the importance of their inclusion in programs. Access the publication


  • Older Refugees | UNHCR Integration Handbook - This section of the UNHCR Integration Handbook discusses factors to consider in supporting the integration of older refugees, including planning, placement, and case management. Access the handbook


  • Older Persons in Forced Displacement: Intersecting Risks - This document explores the unique challenges faced by older individuals in displacement, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address intersecting vulnerabilities. Access the document


  • Expert Group Meeting on Older Persons in Emergency Crisis: This report from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs discusses the specific needs and protection measures for older persons during emergencies and crises. Access the report


  • Humanitarian Inclusion Standards for Older People and People with Disabilities:

    Developed by the Age and Disability Capacity Programme (ADCAP) and the CHS Alliance, this resource provides minimum standards for the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities in humanitarian responses. It emphasizes accessibility, protection, and participation in line with global best practices.

    Access the standards





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