FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Burnaby, B.C. (November 12, 2019): With the transit strike in the Metro Vancouver region expected to escalate this week, care providers are voicing their concern regarding the direct impact a prolonged strike will have on seniors receiving home care and home support services.
The failure to reach an agreement between Coast Mountain Bus Company and Unifor this week will likely result in an overtime ban for bus drivers which will cut about 10 to 15 per cent of the system.
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is concerned the transit strike will eventually cause significant operational issues for care providers and disrupt home care services for seniors. Having daily access to a care provider is considered an essential service for thousands of seniors living in the Lower Mainland.
BCCPA members providing home care services in Metro Vancouver report that up to 40 per cent of their workers rely on public transit to travel to and from their clients’ homes. A lack of access to bus services will severely restrict their ability to provide care to seniors living within the community.
Seniors receiving home care depend upon workers for a wide range of services, including personal care, mobility assistance, housekeeping, meal preparation and medication management. Interruptions in service could, for instance, result in a senior being unable to get out of bed or take their medications on time. Delays and disruptions in care can be extremely stressful for seniors and their family members.
BCCPA hopes the Coast Mountain Bus Company and Unifor will be able to reach an agreement to avoid a full-scale strike, in the event of which alternative travel arrangements would have to be made available to health care aides.
As the focus on aging-in-place and “Home is Best” services grows, it is crucial for us to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of care to seniors, so they can continue going about their daily lives with comfort and dignity.
Daniel Fontaine
CEO, BC Care Providers Association
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Rumana D’Souza
(778) 681-4859
rumana@bccare.ca
About BC Care Providers Association
Established in 1977, the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 340 long-term care, assisted living, home care, home support, independent living, and commercial members from across British Columbia.
