The BC Ministry of Health announced Monday that it will be investing $75 million to expand respite care and adult day programs.
“Many B.C. seniors count on their spouses, children and close friends to help them stay at home, and cope and manage chronic conditions,” said Minister of Health Adrian Dix in the release. “Caregiving without adequate supports can impact the whole family, particularly a person’s ability to live at home, which is what most seniors and their loved ones want. Giving seniors better options and supporting unpaid caregivers to take time for themselves is a necessity.”
The funding announcement notes that the number of respite beds will be increased, and overnight care at home will be made more accessible. In addition, the number of adult day program spaces will be increased, and the hours of operation will be expanded to provide services on evenings and weekends.
“Family and friends who care for seniors help form the backbone of B.C.’s health care system. This new funding will help ensure that caregivers have better access to the programs they need to feel supported,” says BCCPA CEO Daniel Fontaine. “We are pleased to hear that seniors and their families will now have access to a greater variety in respite options. For many caregivers the evenings and weekends are when they might value a break the most. It is important to support them in getting that break, so they can avoid burnout.”
During the media event — which was also attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Anne Kang (seen above) —Minister Dix explained these base increases in funding would be dispersed over three years and that health authorities will determine how to best use funds in their specific areas.
“We are encouraged by the additional investments for seniors health, and expect we will see those investments continue. Increasing home support visit times, for example, will further bolster the care seniors receive in the community. Currently visit times can be as short as 15 minutes, which can compromise quality of care, as well as continuity of care,” adds Fontaine.
For the past several months BC Care Providers Association has been leading an initiative in partnership with government, unions, and representatives from public and private colleges to address the health human resource crisis currently facing the seniors care sector.
