Whereas Statistics Canada reports confirm that both the number and percentage of seniors will grow significantly during the next two decades, both in numbers and overall proportion of the population; And whereas most serious illnesses requiring either assisted living options andor hospital care occur later in life and there is a significant shortage of supportive assisted living spaces for seniors, affecting both hospital availabilityaccessibility and housing options for vulnerable seniors: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to increase the number of supportive assisted living units across British Columbia in a manner aligned with the demographic data to ensure that all seniors can be housed in dignity as they age and to reduce the pressures of the hospital system by so doing.
Ministry of Health As of December 31, 2024, there are 200 registered Assisted Living AL residences, regulated under Community Care and Assisted Living Act CCALA, providing housing, hospitality and personal care services to seniors and person with disabilities, with over 4,300 publicly funded beds and 3,900 private beds1. The Ministry of Health is working with Health Authorities to review Assisted Living policies on eligibility and access. The goal of this work is to improve and standardize the criteria for access to publicly-funded AL units. There are also initiatives underway to improve home health and community-based services to support the seniors in our province to remain living at home as long as possible. This includes: - 227 million over three years as part of Budget 2024, to improve the quality of home health services for seniors by adding more health-care workers to the workforce. This will provide home health clients with more access to comprehensive and responsive care. Seniors will see improved overnight response, more regular contact with their care manager and improved response to care needs that arise unexpectedly. - 127 million over three years as part of Budget 2024, to stabilize and expand high-demand community-based services that operate province-wide for seniors. These services provide seniors with non-medical support, including assistance with day-to-day tasks, and deliver programs that help keep seniors physically active, socially engaged and connected to their communities. Footnote: 1Ministry of Health. Report ID: RMS 1228. Home Community Care BedFacility Inventory. Data as of December 31, 2024. Scope excludes standalone ABI and Short Stay facilities but includes Short Stay beds collocated in regular LTC homes. Retrieved from: https:hspp.hlth.gov.bc.caframeworkservice-deliveryspecialized-community….