Burnaby, B.C. (May 31, 2024) – As part of British Columbia’s Climate Action response plans, the Province is partnering with BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) to enhance the existing EquipCare BC funding. This partnership will allocate an additional $6 million to support publicly funded long-term care and assisted living homes in acquiring equipment to mitigate the impacts of climate change for seniors and their caregivers.
“We are grateful for the announcement of this supplemental funding for our EquipCare BC program, especially in a time where we are seeing the increasingly negative impacts of climate change affecting seniors and care providers across the province,” BCCPA and EngAge BC CEO, Terry Lake.
Eligible homes will receive $300 per publicly funded bed or unit for eligible items that include equipment addressing air quality, temperature controls, water quality, emergency management preparation, and energy reduction measures. The application period for this program will open on June 17th, 2024, and closes September 19th, 2025.
Recognizing the vulnerability of seniors in long-term care and assisted living homes to environmental changes, this initiative aims to ensure maximum protection for both seniors and healthcare workers.
276 homes are eligible to apply making up approximately 18,285 publicly funded long-term care beds and about 4,504 publicly funded assisted living units in B.C. are eligible for this funding. The funds can be used to purchase equipment such as HEPA air purification systems, air conditioners, UV window films, emergency management kits and supplies, generators, EV charging stations, and solar rooftops.
276 long-term care homes and 136 assisted living homes are are eligible to apply making up approximately 18,285 publicly funded long-term care beds
“Protecting our most vulnerable during extreme weather events is vital,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “By supporting and expanding the BC Care Providers Association’s EquipCare BC program, we are helping more long-term care and assisted living homes purchase equipment and supplies such as HVAC, and filtration system. These improvements will protect seniors’ health and wellness, ensure they continue to receive the best care possible from staff and give their loved ones comfort knowing the living environment is safe.”
Oversight for EquipCare BC Climate Action is provided by a group of industry stakeholders and government representatives, including BCCPA, SafeCare BC, Denominational Health Association and the Ministry of Health. This initiative also benefits from the expertise if the BCCPA Energy Manager.
“Taking these steps toward protecting our seniors against extreme hot weather and other climate-related weather events is not only about saving lives but also preserving quality of life and comfort for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “We are taking the necessary action to adapt to our changing environment and providing the best care possible for people in long-term care and assisted living homes, to keep them safe and comfortable.”
This Climate Action Supplemental funding brings a total of $20 million for the program’s 2023 to 2025 period.
Expanding the mandate and scope of the $10 million Seniors Safety Quality and Improvement Program (SSQIP), the EquipCare BC program is a continuation of the SSQIP Program that launched in March 2017. Since 2020, a total of $38 million have gone into this program for enhancing the safety and quality of life of seniors in long-term care and assisted living.
“Once again, we thank B.C. Minister of Health, Hon. Adrian Dix, and Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, MLA Harwinder Sandhu, for their continuous support,” says Lake.
Further information from EquipCare BC Climate Action supplemental funding, please visit here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Lozano
Media & Communications Specialist
604-736-4233 ext 236
jamie[at]bccare.ca
About BCCPA & EngAge BC
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) has been the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector since 1977, representing over 500 of its long-term care, assisted living, and commercial members across the province. The Association also represents independent living and private-pay home health operators through its operating arm, EngAge BC.
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B.C. Government: Province taking action to help people stay safe, cool
