B.C. seniors and families are invited to be part of the development of a comprehensive action plan to ensure more accessible, transparent and accountable approach to seniors' care.
"Today, we are announcing concrete actions to improve the lives of seniors, their families and their caregivers," said Health Minister Michael de Jong. "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."
However local seniors advocate, Lola Dawn Fennell, is not jumping on board just yet.
The manager of the Prince George Council of Seniors said the action plan is a reaction to .
"[It's] a quick band aid to the Ombudsperson's scathing report... they had no choice but to come up with something quick as the [report] clearly shows exactly how badly care of B.C. seniors has been, and is lacking."
B.C. ombudsmen, Kim Carter, released the second part of her 400 page report after a three year investigation into the care of seniors in British Columbia in early February.
Based on the findings, Carter suggested 143 findings and 176 recommendations, designed to improve care, home support, assisted living and residential care services for seniors.
"Our report focuses on key areas where significant changes should be made with many recommendations that can be implemented quickly," said Carter in a press release.
The recommendations to the ministry of health and the five regional health authorities include: providing clear information to seniors and their families, tracking key home and community care date and reporting it publicly in an annual home and community care report, ensuring equal treatment, benefits and protection of seniors in residential care and enhancing dementia and end-of-life care services in residential care.
Fennell believes that the action plan may help some seniors in large communities but is concerned on the lack of impact it could have for the North.
"I question whether this action plan will truly benefit seniors and especially seniors in the North... for example, the government plans to enhance the seniorsbc.ca website so seniors and their families have access to information. What about the seniors who are not computer savvy? What about rural residents who have limited access to the Internet? Seniors need actual support services, not more information," said Fennell.
The plan also outlines the creation of the Office of Seniors Advocate where all concerns and complaints are dealt with.
In June 2012, a toll-free phone line for seniors and families will also become available.
Fennell said by creating another position in government, it will further muddy the bureaucratic waters.
"Is this just creating yet another bureaucracy for seniors and their families to wade through?" she asked.
The plan aims to support healthy aging to improve the quality of life for B.C. seniors to help them remain independent for as long as possible.
The province is providing $15 million to the United Way of the Lower Mainland, to expand the availability of non-medical home support in up to 65 communities across the province over the next three years.
The province is also providing $1.4 million to the BC Association of Community Response Networks to support prevention and education activities in collaboration with local stakeholders to end abuse and neglect of older adults in B.C.
For more information about the Improving the Care of Seniors: An Action Plan visit www.gov.bc.ca/connect.
