– by Shauna Dorko, Owner, Sidney SeniorCare –
Fall can cause anxiety for seniors with poor weather causing transportation challenges, higher hydro bills and potential SAD due to time spent indoors. The issue of quality housing becomes even more acute at this time of year.
As stated previously, housing is without a doubt the most pressing issue that seniors face in BC. High living costs together with low incomes force seniors to live in substandard housing conditions at a time in their lives when they urgently need safe, comfortable housing options, accessible support services and amenities. The median annual income for seniors is $24,000, while 50,000 seniors are living on $20,000 or less.
There are three main types of housing available to seniors – independent living, assisted living and residential care. Independent living includes both home ownership and rental housing with in-home support options available, some subsidized and others not. Assisted living involves a community setting with other seniors including access to prepared meals, housekeeping, entertainment, and social/recreational opportunities. Residential care is often referred to as long-term facility or ‘nursing home’ care, providing the 24 hour supervision and specialized care required for complex cases. The suitability of each housing option is dependent on the individual senior’s health and available support services.
Seniors have expressed that they want to live as independently as possible, and most are fully capable with the right resources and services in place. A very small percentage actually needs to move to residential care. The challenge however of finding available, appropriate and affordable housing is a real cause of frustration and concern. Seniors and their advocates tell us that there are very few financially-accessible facilities that meet their needs in terms of security, amenities and companionship opportunities with fellow seniors.
The surprising truth is that most seniors receive only very limited government-subsidized support for housing or daily care. In fact, less than 4% of seniors live in residential care facilities, less than 4% who are living independently receive provincial home support services, less than 2% live in provincially-subsidized assisted living environments, and less than 4% receive government-subsidized rent or housing assistance. Furthermore, only 15% of seniors at age 85 or greater live in residential care, less than 1% live in provincially-subsidized assisted living, and a mere 13% receive home support. Rather shocking, isn’t it?
We’ll continue this discussion on seniors housing in the November issue of Seaside Magazine. Until then, let’s continue to advocate for seniors!
* Excerpts taken from the May 2015 Report on Seniors’ Housing in B.C., Office of the Seniors Advocate
Written in collaboration with Sherrin Griffin. We welcome all comments and suggestions emailed to news@seasidemagazine.ca.
