Media Release-
SPECIAL RESOLUTION REQUESTS PROVINCE INCREASE FUNDING FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME STAFFING
Delegates Also Highlight Need for a Provincial Dementia Action Plan
Burnaby, B.C. (June 4, 2016): Over 450 people attended the BC Care Providers Association 39th Annual Conference this week where three special motions were approved at the Annual General Meeting. One of the motions called upon the Ministry of Health to increase the level of direct care hours provided to seniors living in BC’s residential care homes. The other two motions focused on the development of a Provincial Dementia Action Plan and a new Federal-Provincial Health Accord.
“BC’s Seniors’ Advocate has been very clear that she believes the issue of direct care hours relates to the current level of funding,” says Daniel Fontaine, CEO for the BCCPA. “We look forward to the results of the review being conducted by Dr. Darryl Plecas, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors, in regards to what needs to be done to further increase the level of direct care hours provided throughout BC.”
The 39th Annual Conference was the largest event in the history of the BCCPA. Highlights included opening remarks from Health Minister Hon. Terry Lake, an opening keynote address from Global National anchor Dawna Friesen where she shared her personal story of her parents living with dementia and a closing keynote and workshop by Dr. David Sheard who shared his innovative Butterfly Care Model.
“It was great to also see unanimous support for a new Provincial Dementia Action Plan,” says Fontaine. “Given the number of people who are living with this disease and will be diagnosed with it over the coming decade, we need to ensure we approach this in a coordinated way across the province.”
On Sunday afternoon, over 30 people also participated in our first-ever Policy Cafe. The event was the official kickoff of our consultation on the two White Papers the BCCPA released last month.
About Us: BC Care Providers Association is the leading industry association for BC’s continuing care sector. We have been serving non-government care providers for 40 years. Our growing membership includes over 300 residential care, assisted living, home support and commercial members across British Columbia. Over 23,000 seniors and younger adults living with an acquired brain injury or neurological disease receive their care from our members each day.
