H.U.G.S. Program

H.U.G.S. Program Health Urgent Guide Services for Older Adults living in the Lower Mainland of B.C. What is H.U.G.S.? H.U.G.S. is a service that can help older adults in the community navigate their health and wellness needs through government and community programs and services. What does H.U.G.S. do? H.U.G.S. provides a health care and community resource navigation service helping older adults meet their urgent health and wellness needs. We guide them to resources in their area. Navigating to both government funded and private community resources and services Assisting with plans for health and housing needs Providing Information about estate planning Helping translate documents or forms into Japanese Who is eligible? Anyone in the Lower Mainland of B.C. who is 65 years of age or older How does it work? Contact us at: 604-777-5000 ext. 2109 or hugsassistant@nikkeishc.com F.A.Q Does H.U.G.S. only provide services for urgent issues? No. While we prioritize urgent needs, we assist with any eligible Survivor who has concerns with their general health or future planning. Can a friend or family member complete the application for a Survivor? Yes. However, your friend or family member must first have received your permission to fill out and submit the application form on your behalf. Your signature of consent is required. Am I eligible for H.U.G.S. if I was born in BC but returned to Japan before March 7, 1941, and was not able to come back until after the war? Generally, yes. However, your eligibility may depend on the date you returned to Canada and your individual circumstances. I was born in BC, but I was never relocated or interned. Am I eligible for H.U.G.S.? Yes, if other eligibility requirements are met. Please call the H.U.G.S. office for clarification. What does H.U.G.S not do? The H.U.G.S. team is not able to assist people with illness issues or emergency medical situations. Phone 911, go to Emergency at the nearest hospital, or contact your primary care provider. I am still healthy and independent, and I don’t require any help or funding right now. Should I wait until I need help before I apply? No. Apply while you feel comfortable making decisions. The H.U.G.S. team will determine whether your health and wellness needs are met and can help make plans and recommendations. If you are eligible for funding, it can be accessed anytime during our service until June 2026. What can I do with H.U.G.S. funding? H.U.G.S. can assist with a service or an item that improves your health and wellbeing. We have provided funding assistance for orthopedic shoes, moving costs, assistive devices, glasses, hearing aids and denture repairs. Are there limitations to H.U.G.S. funding? H.U.G.S. is not able to assist with recurring financial costs, such as monthly rent, or on-going long-term health services. If you are uncertain, please phone our office at 604-777-5000, ext. 2109. Can I get your funding for hearing aids I purchased in December 2022? No. H.U.G.S. does not provide retroactive payments for items purchased before your application to H.U.G.S. Is the H.U.G.S. fund the same as the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund? No. Please visit http://jcwellness.org/ or email help@jcwellness.org for information regarding the $650 or $4500 that is available across Canada. Project Impact Healthy Aging 2025 H.U.G.S. participated in United Way's Project Impact Healthy Aging to evaluate the impact of H.U.G.S. Click below to learn about the results of the initiative. Contact H.U.G.S. at 604-777-5000 Ext. 2109 | hugsassistant@nikkeishc.com Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:15 am ~ 1:15 pm (Closed on Statutory holidays) H.U.G.S. team: (L-R): Yvonne Nakano, Shihori Scott-Moncrieff Steering committee with H.U.G.S. team: (L-R): Ruth Coles, Yvonne Nakano, Marcia Carr, Shihori Scott- Moncieff H.U.G.S. is established by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) and operated under Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society.

H.U.G.S.

H.U.G.S. Program

What is H.U.G.S.?

What does H.U.G.S. do?

Who is eligible?

How does it work?

Do you need H.U.G.S.?