After allocating $10 million over three years to 188 long-term care homes to purchase new equipment, BC Care Providers Association has wrapped up the Seniors Safety and Quality Improvement Program (SSQIP).
Funded through a grant from the Ministry of Health, and managed by BCCPA, the program allowed publicly-funded long-term care homes to apply for new equipment intended to enhance safety and quality of life for seniors.
With 99 per cent of eligible care homes in B.C. receiving funding, the program was a resounding success. Operators purchased over 8,000 new items, including beds and mattresses, shower chairs and tubs, mobility equipment, lighting and visual aids, sensory rooms, music therapy, and ergonomic furniture.
“We thank the Ministry of Health for investing in the safety and quality of life of B.C. seniors,” says BCCPA CEO Daniel Fontaine. “The funding has helped to create more supportive environments for residents in long-term care and reduce injury rates among the workers who care for them.”
A report produced by SafeCare BC shows the program improved worker safety in long-term care. Medium-sized operators funded by SSQIP made more significant improvements than their unfunded counterparts, and also performed favorably with respect to injury rates and time-loss claims.
BCCPA would like to thank the program’s advisory group, which included representatives from the provincial government, Denominational Health Association and SafeCare BC.
BCCPA would also like to thank Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Members of the Legislative Assembly who met with operators, staff and residents at several care homes across B.C. that received funding.
Below is our Flickr album of photos from various SSQIP announcements.
