Canada: Report Offers Solutions for B.C.’s Aging Population

B.C.’s health system is not prepared for the challenges of its aging population and changes are needed, according to a policy paper released today by the B.C. Care Providers Association. The association represents about 150 private and non-profit community agencies caring for about 25,000 B.C. seniors living in long-term residential care facilities. The paper — the second released by the association on issues facing seniors in the continuing care sector — explores ways B.C. can improve services to seniors in the community with the goal of the province becoming “an aging centre of excellence.” Nearly one-quarter of B.C.’s population is expected to be 65 years or older in the next 20 years. The association’s first policy paper dealt with funding issues, and recommended that B.C.’s five health authorities consider reallocating one percent of their acute care dollars into home- and community-care services for seniors each year for the next five years. The second paper explores such issues as new continuing care models, ways to improve dementia care, use of technology to reduce social isolation of seniors, and ways to improve the safety and health of seniors.
    
Source/more: Vancouver Sun

David Wingate is an elder law attorney at the Elder Law Office of David Wingate, LLC. The elder law office services clients with powers of attorneys, living wills, Wills, Trusts, Medicaid and asset protection. The Elder Law office has locations in Frederick and Montgomery Counties, Maryland.