The release of the Ombudsperson’s long-awaited report on the state of seniors’ care in British Columbia is being hailed by Health Minister Michael de Jong as a “concrete action” plan, and Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald agrees, slightly, believing the ruling Liberal Party has had its feet in cement when it comes to seniors’ needs in the province.

The report on seniors’care, released during the first day of the Spring session, confirms what most seniors in this area already know, said Macdonald.

“The Ombudsperson began this investigation in 2008 when her office was flooded by complaints from seniors and their loved ones about the state of seniors’ care in B.C.  This is in keeping with what I’ve seen in my own office; from the time I was elected in 2005, it has been clear that many seniors have not been receiving the care that they need and deserve,” he said.

“To lay out this ‘action plan’ at this point in the process proves that the BC Liberals have completely failed to protect seniors and provide an appropriate level of care,” Macdonald said.

B.C. seniors, families and stakeholders are being invited to help shape the implementation of a comprehensive action plan – including the establishment of an advocate – to ensure a more accessible, transparent and accountable approach to seniors’ care.
Health Minister de Jong said the government is trying to increase its efforts to help seniors.
“Today, we are announcing concrete actions to improve the lives of seniors, their families and their caregivers. Over the past decade, our focus has been on expanding the range of care options for seniors to meet increased demand for the fastest growing segment of our population. Now is the time to expand our efforts in ways that help seniors and their families navigate the system, easily access information about care options, and have a clear and simple way to have any concerns addressed,” he stated in a press release.
‘Improving the Care of B.C. Seniors: An Action Plan’ addresses concerns expressed publicly and directly to the Health Minister and the ministry by families and care providers. The direction of the action plan was also informed by the findings and recommendations in the comprehensive report on seniors’ care by B.C. ombudsperson Kim Carter. The minister and ministry staff have reviewed Carter’s report and met directly with her on numerous occasions about the need for improvements in channels of communication and the quality of care, the release explained.
Macdonald pointed out that the action plan includes the commitment to provide clear policies and measurable standards for home support, home health, assisted living and residential care services, to ensure provincial inspection, quality assurance programs, enforcement and staff training, and to strengthen protections from abuse and neglect, including for those who report care concerns or complaints – which is all just reactionary legislation.

“I expect that if any one of us were tasked with setting up a system to provide care for the elderly these three action items would be at the top of our priority list from the very outset.  The BC Liberals have been in charge of this system for 11 years.  They have made drastic changes and deep cuts that have significantly changed provision of service,” Macdonald suggested.

Seniors and their families from this area presented their own experiences with the senior care system directly to the Ombudsperson, and those submissions were considered in the investigation that led to this report, Macdonald outlined.

“This is one of the longest systemic investigations conducted by the Ombudsperson’s office, and Columbia River – Revelstoke residents were a big part of the process. Many of the submissions collected locally were compiled during seniors’ events hosted by my office,” he said.

The report, which is a follow-up to the first report released in 2009, includes 143 findings and 176 recommendations, many with specific dates for completion.

“While the findings in the report come as little surprise to those of us who hear the stories of seniors each day, having confirmation from the Ombudsperson means that the government can no longer ignore the issue,” Macdonald said. “The government has responded. And their response is an admission that they have failed seniors in this province.”

Macdonald said another part of de Jong’s announcement that he agreed with, and suggests is also a long-needed service, is that the government will study, and eventually establish, an Office of the Seniors’ Advocate.

“The establishment of a Seniors’ Advocate is obviously the right course of action, just as it was when the Opposition put forward legislation to create this office in 2007.  The government could have passed that legislation five years ago but instead they refused to allow our proposed legislation to even be debated.

“Seniors just can’t wait any longer. The government needs to take action today. The government needs to immediately bring forward legislation to establish a Seniors’ Advocate during this Legislative session,” he stated.

“Seniors are an important sector of our community and it is critical we plan to meet the needs of this growing population,” said Ron Cantelon, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health. “The focus of the action plan is not only on the system of care but also compliments initiatives that support healthy aging to improve the quality of life for all B.C. seniors and help them remain independent for as long as possible.”

Health authorities expect to spend over $2.5 billion on home and community care this year for seniors – an increase of 60 per cent from 2001.

‘Improving Care for B.C. Seniors: An Action Plan’ is available online at: www.seniorsbc.ca.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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