Critics are raising concerns about the impact of the provincial budget on senior care, particularly due to delays in the opening of long-term care facilities.
While the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) appreciates the additional funding allocated to the overall health-care system, it highlights that seniors are not benefiting from these funds.
BCCPA CEO, Mary Polak, expressed disappointment, stating, “The lack of funding for seniors in this budget is concerning. Currently, there are 7,000 seniors waiting to access long-term care, with an average wait time expected to increase to 290 days.”
Polak warns that the government’s decision to slow down the construction of seven new long-term care facilities across the province will have repercussions on the already strained health-care system.
She emphasizes, “The impact of these delays will be felt by individuals facing long waits at emergency rooms. This situation is set to worsen if immediate action is not taken.”
Pointing out that the allocated $2.3 billion may not cover the additional costs incurred by delayed senior care, Polak urges the government to review its expenditure priorities.
The NDP government’s postponement of redevelopment projects, such as Burnaby Hospital, has also drawn criticism. SFU economics professor Lindsay Meredith notes that delaying senior care will further burden emergency rooms and acute care hospital beds.
Meredith suggests looking at models from countries like Scandinavia, which have robust senior support systems to alleviate the strain on acute care facilities. He stresses the importance of keeping seniors out of expensive acute care beds by providing alternative care options.