In 2024, the government of British Columbia announced a significant investment to expand long-term care capacity over the next decade. This initiative includes creating thousands of new and replacement long-term care beds. However, even with this commitment, the province is still far from meeting the growing demand for seniors care spaces—including long-term care, assisted living and home health services. Experts continue to warn that without sustained and increased efforts, the gap between available care spaces and the needs of our aging population will continue to widen.

In fact, the impact of this shortfall is already being felt, as many seniors face long waits for access to publicly subsidized services. The issue has only become more pressing in recent years, with many seniors languishing in hospital beds because no appropriate care spaces are available in the community (also known as alternative level of care [ALC] beds).  This highlights the urgent need for ongoing investment and strategic planning to ensure that all seniors receive the care they need.

Important Facts

• By 2036, more than 1 in 5 British Columbians will be over the age of 65.
• BC will need over 30,000 new long-term care beds by 2035 to accommodate our aging population.
• In 2023, 6,500 people were waiting for long-term care—that’s a 150% increase from five years ago.
• Another 1,200 people are waiting for assisted living, a 37% increase from five years ago.
• Access to publicly subsidized home support is declining (down 7% from five years ago).