Big funding boost announced for BC seniors
Posted March 9, 2017 12:53 pm.
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VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – The BC Liberal government plans to invest $500 million over the next four years as part of a new action plan to improve care for seniors, including increasing the number of direct-care hours for seniors living in residential care.
“Seniors are an important part of the fabric that makes up our communities, and often some of the most vulnerable,” says Health Minister Terry Lake. “This investment helps ensure access to quality services across the continuum of care, from supports in their homes to residential care. No matter how complex a person’s needs are, we want to ensure they get the most appropriate care that best enhances their quality of life.”
This plan will only go into effect should the provincial government be re-elected during the next slated election which is May 9th.
The investment is part of several recommendations made during a recent review of care homes by both the province and the seniors advocate.
“We learned a great deal through the review of residential-care services in BC, and identified where more work needs to be done to improve care for seniors,” says Parliamentary Secretary Darryl Plecas. “I am confident that in moving forward with this fully funded action plan for seniors, we will help our province to meet current and future needs for seniors care services, including residential care, and improve the lives of seniors living in our province.”
The province says it will work with local health authorities to hire about 1,500 people to help cover the increased direct-care hours. These hires will include health-care assistants, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
