Removing the Financial Barrier to Home Support for BC Seniors

Whereas the Provinces Home Support Program allows seniors to stay in their own homes as long as possible, the preference of most seniors and the option which is far more cost-effective for the health care system at 14,000 per annum than moving to publicly subsidized long-term care at 60,000year; And whereas 70 of BC seniors are charged a fee of up to 30 of their income for Home Support, which many cannot afford, leading to poor health outcomes, caregiver burnout and premature placement in long-term care, resulting in BC having twice as many people in long term care who could be supported at home than in provinces that dont charge for home support like Alberta and Ontario: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of BC to waive the fees associated with the Home Support Program in order to make it accessible to all seniors regardless of income.