The BC Seniors Advocate holds an important role in supporting our province’s seniors and through close communication with seniors and key stakeholders in BC senior care/supports, compiling information, making recommendations, and initiating action on key items.

Just this month the Seniors Advocate for BC, Isobel Mackenzie, released her annual report which detailed the current state of senior care and seniors housing in BC, amongst other important issues facing seniors in BC as well. 

Out of interest, some of the key highlights from the report are summarized below….see if you can spot the trend.

*       Home support hours decreased in three out of five provincial health authorities, while the number of clients increased in four out of five.

*       There has been less than a 1% increase in the number of subsidized assisted living units since 2012.

*       The number of residential care beds in the province has increased by 3.5% since 2012, but the population aged 75 and over has increased by 10% during that time.

*       18% of licensed residential care facilities did not have a published annual inspection within the last year.

*       In the 10-year period between 2005 and 2015, the Shelter Aid for Elder Renters (‘SAFER’ – a seniors rent subsidy) maximum rent that qualifies for a subsidy increased 9% while rents increased by 34%.

*       Income supports for seniors such as the Old Age Supplement and Guaranteed Income Supplement increased by 1%

*       The BC Seniors’ Supplement, available to low-income seniors, has not increased in over 25 years

Do you see it?   Fairly obvious isn’t it…seniors are facing some of the toughest times in seniors care, housing and income assistance.   Interesting and concerning to me that this generation has had to endure some of our country’s toughest times as children, and now have to face similar challenges again. 

With approximately 50% of our province’s total spending already tied up in healthcare, it’s perhaps unlikely that a higher percentage of our provincial budget will be re-allocated towards healthcare.   So the situation doesn’t look great for our seniors.   Particularly lower income seniors – those that require support the most.

The BC Seniors Advocate is doing a tremendous job of identifying key pain points for our province’s seniors.  Key issues like:

*       assisting seniors age at home with better access to in-home care supports (eg. safety equipment)

*       poorly planned discharge from the hospital – often quick and surprising to family members (highly stressful!)

*       access to non-personal care home supports like basic housekeeping

*       transitioning to residential care, including the ability to transition back to a lower level of care if appropriate

*       lack of awareness / promotion of income or renting subsidy benefits available to seniors (such as the SAFER rental subsidy, or MSP Premium assistance)

*       the high cost of seniors transportation

Now the trick, and primary challenge for the BC Seniors Advocate, becomes finding strategies to deal with each of these issues, as well as cultivating government support for the recommendations.   While daunting – the BC Seniors Advocate is passionate about making a difference for our seniors.   That’s very apparent.   But here’s the thing – if you understand the statistics listed above, you know that supports for our seniors are often difficult to access, limited, and not efficiently provided.   Don’t leave your parents, grandparents and loved ones to fend for themselves here.   Advocate for, support, educate and assist your ageing loved ones to find the supports and care they require to age how they want to…with independence, choice, and safety. 

Finally – there is a great spot for you to share your concerns as it pertains your ageing loved ones.   The website for the BC Seniors Advocate, www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca, has a link in the ‘Contact Us’ area that asks for feedback on issues facing our seniors.   I encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity to share your concerns and suggestions.

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