Burnaby, B.C. (May 31, 2023): Today, Terry Lake, CEO, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) & EngAge BC addressed the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. Through his remarks, the former Minister of Health recommended major investments in seniors living and care, to prepare for an aging population.
“In 2022, 81 percent of alternate level of care (ALC) days in acute care hospitals were for seniors. This represents seniors who are ready to be discharged but have no appropriate place to go,” says Lake.
“This is very concerning, but what’s more troublesome is that without immediate action, the situation is expected to get much, much worse. Investments are needed now, to stem one of the most significant health care crises the province has ever experienced.”
Each fall, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services holds province-wide public consultations on the next provincial budget, and issues recommendations as a result of these hearings.
BCCPA and EngAge BC’s submission to the Members of the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services asks the committee to recommend immediate action in three areas – 1) investments in infrastructure, so that seniors can access the assisted living and long-term care services they need, when and where they need them, 2) increased investments in staffing and direct care hours to support higher acuity residents and 3) tax credits to help seniors access family paid home support and independent living services so that they can age in the “right place.”
A full copy of BCCPA’s 2024 Budget Submission, titled No Time to Wait: Taking Action to Support B.C. Seniors is available here.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jamie Lozano
Media & Communications Specialist
jamie@bccare.ca
604-736-4233 ext 236
About BCCPA & EngAge BC:
Established in 1977, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 450 long-term care, assisted living, and commercial members from across British Columbia. Through its operating arm EngAge BC, the organization represents independent living and private-pay home health operators.
BCCPA and EngAge BC members support more than 19,000 seniors annually in long-term care and assisted living settings and 6,500 independent living residents. Additionally, our members deliver almost 2.5 million hours of home care and home support services each year.
