As tax season approaches, many seniors face increased stress when navigating tax credits, financial supports, and health benefits. Complex tax rules, unclear eligibility criteria, and difficult application processes can result in seniors missing out on benefits they are entitled to receive. These gaps can have serious consequences, including financial strain, increased vulnerability, and elevated risk of exploitation and fraud.
Sea to Sky Community Response Network (CRN) Coordinator Chaelyn Falconer has taken a proactive, prevention-focused approach by addressing these challenges through education and accessible, community-informed resources.
Making Tax Credits and Benefits Easier to Understand
Chaelyn developed The Seniors Guide to Financial and Health Benefits after repeatedly witnessing seniors struggle to access tax credits and benefit programs they were fully eligible for. In Chaelyn’s words:
“The Seniors Guide to Financial and Health Benefits was created to support Seniors, their Caregivers, Community Workers, and Family Members in navigating the often overwhelming federal and provincial government benefit systems. After witnessing many of the seniors I work with struggle to access programs they were fully eligible for — simply because the information was too complex or difficult to find — I developed this guide to bridge that gap.”
The guide is a 32-page, easy-to-read resource that clearly explains financial supports, health benefits, and application processes, including information on tax-related benefits. By breaking down complex systems into plain language and clear steps, it helps reduce the risk of seniors missing out on credits that can significantly improve financial stability and access to essential services.
Education as Prevention During Tax and Fraud Prevention Seasons
During tax season, older adults can be especially vulnerable to financial exploitation and fraud, including scams and misleading information about benefits. Access to clear and trustworthy guidance is essential to help prevent these risks. When seniors know which tax credits and benefits they qualify for and how to access them safely, they are less likely to rely on informal advice or predatory services. Chaelyn’s work demonstrates how education can play a vital role in prevention by providing seniors and their caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to avoid financial harm or exploitation.
Expanding the Impact Through Targeted Resources
In addition to the primary guide, Chaelyn has created companion resources, including a Tax Credits & Deductions eligibility guide and a Veterans Affairs Canada benefits guide. While the tax credits document provides timely, focused support during tax season, the Veterans guide covers a broader range of financial and health benefits, including income support, pensions, and programs for caregivers. By organizing complex information into clear, standalone resources, Chaelyn makes it easier for individuals and caregivers to navigate benefits systems and access the programs they are entitled to.
A Model for Other Community Response Networks
While these resources were created to address the unique needs of the Sea to Sky community, they also serve as an example for other Community Response Networks of how practical tools can be developed to support older adults. By identifying local barriers, listening to the experiences of seniors and caregivers, and creating clear, accessible resources that simplify complex information, CRNs can strengthen prevention efforts and reduce the risk of adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
As we move through tax season and approach Fraud Prevention Month, we are proud to share sample materials from Chaelyn’s work and to showcase how education, awareness, and collaboration can empower seniors, strengthen caregivers, and build safer, more informed communities.
