– by Shauna Dorko, Owner, Sidney SeniorCare –
While we continue to enjoy our unseasonably warm fall, we brace ourselves for the inevitable cooler, wetter days ahead. Although we look forward to cozy nights inside the comfort of our homes, not all of us equate “home” with comfort, care or security.
To pick up our discussion of seniors housing from our last column, suitable housing options that are affordable, comfortable AND meet seniors’ needs are few and far between in our province. As well, many seniors seem to be forced out of their homes prematurely due to either a lack of support or financial challenges.
The Office of the Seniors Advocate reports that up to 86% of B.C. seniors felt they could remain living at home with increased home support and adaptations. Home Support improves quality of life and extends the time, in some cases significantly, that seniors are able to live independently in their own homes IF they have financial means. However, 36% of these same seniors believe they will have to move in the future due to no longer being able to afford their current arrangements.
When home support is not available or affordable, Assisted Living becomes the next step. With an estimated 10% vacancy rate and decent availability, at least in larger communities, options include publicly subsidized and private-pay Registered Assisted Living, and private-market assisted living residences. With the 70% of net income fee structure for subsidized living, leaving little disposable income left over, a current recommendation suggests the minimum amount of income left be raised from the current $325 to $500.
With Residential Care, including nursing homes, long-term and facility care, availability varies throughout B.C., especially for a “preferred” bed. Residents are charged a percentage of their net income, with a Temporary Rate Reduction (TRR) available in case of financial hardship. Many seniors are often forced into residential care before clinically necessary, resulting in less privacy, overcrowding and separation from friends and family. B.C.’s Seniors Advocate recommends that our provincial government enforce a higher standard of accommodation, including the provision of single room occupancy with en suite baths for 95% of beds by 2025. All options should be carefully considered before admission to this level of care, with more attention to seniors’ needs and preferences.
Raising awareness of all subsidy and grant programs available to seniors is more important than ever and a topic we will cover in our next column. Until then, let’s continue to advocate for our seniors!
* Excerpts taken from Bridging the Gaps, March 2015 and Seniors’ Housing in B.C, May 2015, Office of the Seniors Advocate. Written in collaboration with Sherrin Griffin. We welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas for future columns. Please email us at news@seasidemagazine.ca with “Seniors” in the subject line.
