The Union of B.C. Municipalities has called on the provincial government to provide greater access to health care and housing for seniors.
The call came Sept. 19 under the umbrella of three resolutions presented at the organization's annual general meeting in Vancouver.
The first two, sponsored by the North Central Local Government Association, requested the provincial government take immediate action by implementing the following recommendations put forth by the province's Seniors' Advocate, including:
• developing and implementing strategies on rural seniors housing, rural health, rural seniors' homes and community care, and rural transportation;
• creating and implementing a long-term care and assisted living plan and community care based on equity; and,
• improving upon and better promoting the Travel Assistance Program and Hope Air to facilitate access to health-care services for rural seniors.
The resolution said the report noted significant challenges faced by seniors aged 65 or older living in rural regions, including limited access to healthcare, lower incomes, and inadequate options for long-term care and affordable housing.
A second suggested establishing a ministry or minister devoted to addressing the unique needs of rural communities, work that could include the needs to rural seniors.
A third, sponsored by Burnaby, focused on increasing direct daily care for residents in seniors' long-term care facilities.
Prince Rupert Coun. Teri Forster said increased hours could include helping seniors with housekeeping and other things.
“Four hours of direct patient care is not unreasonable,” she said.
