Premier Gordon Campbell’s government has failed to deliver on its 2001 promise to provide 5,000 new residential care beds for seniors, according to a study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Last fall, Health Services Minister George Abbott announced the government had exceeded its commitment with 5,322 net-new beds.
But only 3,589 were created between 2001 and 2008 -- a shortfall of the commitment by almost 1500 beds, according the CCPA report called “An Uncertain Future For Seniors.”
The discrepancy between the government’s announcement and the study findings resulted because of over-counting and inaccurate reporting by the ministry, said CCPA research associate Marcy Cohen, one of the authors of the study.
The CCPA obtained data using Freedom of Information requests filed with B.C.’s regional health authorities.
“The numbers we got from the health authorities were very different than the numbers that were being provided by the Ministry of Health,” said Cohen.
Besides falling short of the 5,000-bed commitment, she said the new beds created were all assisted living units, which do not provide the same level of service as residential care.
The report found there were actually 804 fewer residential care beds in 2008 than there were in 2001.
Seniors around the province are feeling the effects, said Cohen, and the situation will only get worse as the population continues to age.
“I think one of the most important impacts is that there are too many people still waiting in hospital, occupying hospital beds and going to emergency because there are inadequate services in the community,” she said.
The results of the study were not surprising, said Joyce Jones, community co-chair of the B.C. Health Coalition.
“The report bears out what we’ve all thought for many years was the actual truth,” she said.
The CCPA is calling for a full public consultation process on home and community care, the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, and an increase in the number of residential care beds.
The B.C. Health Coalition is also asking for an independent advocate to lobby on behalf of the seniors in the province, Joyce said.
“It’s time to deal with the issue -- whatever government comes in,” she said.
Garrett Zehr reports for The Hook.
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driftwolf
3 years ago
liars
They say "because of over-counting and inaccurate reporting by the ministry".
What a nice turn of phrase for "because the ministry is run by a bunch of lying, corrupt Campbellites who are being given a free ride by the Canwest and Black Press".
Thanks Tyee for yet again highlighting what kind of government we currently have.
Curt
3 years ago
sad state of affairs
Not surprised by this. The public, non-profit homes are being shut down and replaced with private for profit homes with less staff and activities. It's happening all over the place. Having had relatives in both a public and a private home, and although we had a couple of problems in the public, the private home was far, far worse for our family member. Unbelievable what these managers/owners expect from staff when they're aren't enough staff, let alone how the residents are left alone so much because of staffing levels. Then you have a doctor who insists on giving drugs to control these poor souls against family's wishes, but does so anyway. Sad state of affairs. If you have someone in one of these homes, pay attention and be there whenever you can, at all hours.
G West
3 years ago
Just more BC Liberal lies
I'm surprised anyone even pays more than a moment's attention to anything they say....
Campbellwearsatutu
3 years ago
Abbott would say.........
George Abbott states "We have created over 5000 (incremental) long term and (assisted) living beds"
Colin Hansen states "Security costs for the olympics is an agreed amount between the federal goverment and BC,with BC paying our share of (Incremental) costs"
Gordon Campbell states "The fact of the matter is BC is the best place on earth according to all our (incremental)reports"
And I say "The fact of the matter BCers are going to put an (incremenal) X beside the NDP candidates name and return BC to one of the better places to live"
What the LLLL is a "Incemental" bed?
Cheers-EYES WIDE OPEN
Skywalker
3 years ago
Money can cover lies.
The liberals can play fast and loose with the truth to the point of outright lying to the public. They are betting than none of the media will hold them to account. They may be right but let's hope that all the money in their war chest won't be enough to hide the truth.
brg61
3 years ago
Many of us face terrible choices.
Curt's "Sad state of affairs" comments
leaves me in a tough place.
My mother is 82 and living with parkinsons
disease. She lives in the apartment next
door to me. A fall in early January left
her in hospital for 7 weeks. She recieved
excellent care and recovered to a point
that surprised her doctors and care givers.
Our family was told that her condition
will progress to a point where long term
care homes will be anavoidable. They
advised us to move her right away.
We don't want to rush into such a major
decision and Mom's strong recovery has
bought some time. What is the living
conditions in many of these homes like?
Are the staff properly trained? Are
contracts with private companies adequate
enough to provide a profit AND proper
standards for care?
Many of us will face such questions. I
feel we should be able to trust our
loved ones are living their final years
in dignity.