A new survey by BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) shows that staffing shortages remain one of the most serious challenges facing B.C.’s seniors care sector. The survey—conducted across 64 long-term care, assisted living and independent living communities in B.C.’s affiliate and private care sector—found that persistent vacancies are driving continued reliance on agency staffing and overtime as operators work to maintain safe staffing levels and quality care for seniors.
The results highlight the ongoing but evolving nature of the health human resources crisis in seniors’ care. While worker shortages appear to be easing for care aides, demand for nurses is as strong as ever. Three-quarters of survey respondents reported that Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions are difficult to fill, and half said the same for Registered Nurses (RNs). Both roles continue to show elevated vacancy rates across the sector.
Staffing challenges are particularly acute outside major metropolitan areas. Providers report that a total of 196.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions are vacant for nurses across the province, with two-thirds of these vacancies located in the Interior and Island health authority regions alone (see figure 1 below).
To fill these gaps, over half of respondents (53%) are using recruitment incentives, such as signing bonuses and relocation assistance, to address their most difficult-to-fill vacancies. However, most report these measures have had limited impact given the high level of competition for qualified health workers. Over seventy percent cited competition with health authorities as a major barrier to hiring, while more than half pointed to competition from staffing agencies.
Where vacancies still persist, more than half of respondents say they continue to rely on agency nurses and supplemental overtime. While this approach is costly and challenging for workers, many operators say they have little choice in order to ensure quality care for residents.
BCCPA has shared the full survey results with government and health authority partners to help inform ongoing workforce planning and ensure that seniors in every part of the province have access to the care they deserve.
Access the survey results:
Infographic:
Slide deck:
Click here to download.
Questions? For more information on the survey, contact policy [at] bccare.ca.
