Currently, one of the biggest issues impacting the quality of care for seniors in British Columbia is the crisis of health human resources. This extends across the entire continuum of care and support, including in long-term care, assisted living, independent living and home health services. The issue is multifaceted and remains critically important. According to WorkBC, the seniors’ care sector will need more than 33,000 workers over the next 10 years, including 11,000 health care assistants, 4,800 nurses and 4,400 allied health professionals. This demand is driven by a rapidly aging population and staffing shortages due to a variety of factors.
A robust, educated, well-paid, and well-supported workforce is essential for delivering high–quality care to seniors and reducing the burden on family members. However, the sector faces significant challenges, particularly in attracting and retaining talent. Additionally, a surge in healthcare staffing agencies offering higher wages and flexibility has decreased the number of available care workers in the healthcare sector. Worker vacancy rates doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained high ever since.
On an industry level, the seniors care, living and wellness sector offers a diverse range of career opportunities beyond direct care. Roles in nursing, personal care, administration, social work, companionship, physical therapy etc. are all worthwhile avenues for professional success. Some specialized professions like Health Care Assistants, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and others are prioritized in the sector.
To address the needs of the sector, and ensure a well-supported workforce, the need of the hour is to act with a comprehensive approach. This includes enhancing recruitment and retention, strengthening training programs, improving working conditions, and making sure that the workforce is supported for the future.
Call for Action: A "Team BC" Approach
BCCPA advocates for a comprehensive “Team BC” approach to address workforce challenges in the sector. We envision a robust, well-trained and well-supported workforce that can address the challenges of the sector. We urge policy makers to:
- Ensure that B.C.’s health human resource strategy supports the diverse needs of public settings, the affiliate care sector, and private-pay providers and operators.
- Enhanced training, recruitment, retention, and system redesign are needed to ensure that health human resources keep pace with the growing needs of older adults and deliver better, more personalized care and support.
- Increase funding for education and training programs focused on the senior care and living sector to boost skilled employment in the sector.
- Streamline and simplify the credential recognition process for healthcare professionals moving to Canada from other countries and between provinces and territories.
For more information on BCCPA’s advocacy for improving the state of health human resources in BC, please see below:
