The lack of respite beds — particular in one of B.C. oldest communities — is a major concern for seniors and caregivers, says B.C. Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt.
“They’re desperate for respite care — some relief to take the pressure off so they can recharge, fill their bucket up and then be able to be present and care for their loved one,” said Levitt, who spoke at The Gardens in the Vancouver Island community of Qualicum Beach on Jan. 12.
Respite beds allow caregivers, often a spouse, temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of looking after a loved one.
“What’s unique to Qualicum Beach in particular is that the median age of the population there is 67,” Levitt added. “It’s more pronounced and more localized in that area, and I’m assuming around Oceanside you’re going to have a higher population of seniors.”
There are currently just three respite beds in the region, with two located at Trillium Lodge and one at Arrowsmith Lodge, according to Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside, who also spoke at the event.
Island Health recently completed a review of respite services and Adult Day Program services on the Island, and identified the Oceanside area as being of greater need and the health authority is beginning the process to increase capacity, Higginson added.
Services for seniors and caregivers is an issue throughout B.C., according to Levitt.
“We have not invested enough in the infrastructure needed for seniors’ care,” he said. “We’ll be needing almost 17,000 new beds in the next decade, according to the Ministry of Health, that’s their own projection and we currently are only building several thousand new beds, so we’re going to really have to roll up our sleeves and get shovels in the ground.”
Affordability is another concern Levitt hears from seniors across B.C.
Living on a fixed income is difficult as the cost of living continues to increase and Levitt said 15 per cent of seniors are in the workforce, but as they continue to age, fewer and fewer are able to work.
“We’re very concerned about more seniors going to food banks and seniors experiencing precarious housing, we call it core housing needs where they’re spending more than 30 per cent of their income on rent.” he said. “We are very concerned about the higher cost of living on seniors.”
As people age, they run into new costs such as purchase of walkers and other mobility aids, hearing aids and in some cases adapting their home so they can age in place.
Levitt said there is a need to bolster supports such as assisted living, supported living and more affordable housing for seniors.
He said 14,000 people were on the waiting list for affordable senior housing and only six per cent found a space last year.
“And then of course, supports in your home so you can age in place. Aging in place is a reality and people don’t have to leave the communities where they live to get those services.”
There are 1.1 million seniors in B.C. currently, with that number projected to increase to 1.5 million by 2036, when the oldest of the Baby Boomer generation will turn 90.