Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate

April 25, 2015

Reflections on Year One

The Face of BC Seniors

56% (459,000) - age 65-7430% (246,000) - age 75-8414% (115,000) - age 85+

820,000 Seniors in BC (17% of population)Projected to grow to 1.35 million, or 24%, by 2031

Less than 4% of BC seniors live in residential care (3.7%)

1.7% of 65-84 year olds16.6% of 85+ year olds

Less than 4% of BC seniors receive home support

2.3% of 65-84 year olds12.5% of 85+ year olds

20% rent80% own their homeNearly 2/3 seniors live in urban areasMedian income is $24,60052,000 earn $16,200 or less11% of seniors are employed

The Face of BC Seniors

Role of the Seniors Advocate

Health care Personal supportHousingTransportationIncome support

Monitor Analyze RecommendInformReport

HousingTransportationFragmentation of servicesLow incomesCaregiver burnoutMulticultural / LGBTQAgeism

Issues for seniors in B.C.

Snapshot of Frail Seniors in B.C.

Snapshot of Frail Seniors in B.C.

Three client profiles

Assisted Living & Supportive Living

YesHome First

Target population: ALC awaiting placement

GoalReturn to the community with enhanced supports and wait for bed

Can we do better?

Home First disposition after three months (2012-2014)

Total 707 admits from acute care (all RC eligible)31% - remained at home with home care26% - deceased: private home care (no service req’d)28% - proceed to residential care as planned

Results from VIHA

Social model of careFocus on competencies not deficiencies Brentwood House pilot showed

- Decrease in rate of cognitive decline- Decrease in medication use- Increase in communication and

languageover the community population

Licensed Dementia Housing

Therapy Provision in RC

RAI indicator BC Alberta Ontario

Rec’d PT last 7 days 11.6% 25.2% 57.7%

Rec’d OT last 7 days 8.9% 22.2% 1.8%

Rec’d speech-lang therapy last 7 days

0.2% 0.6% 0.4%

Rec’d rec therapy last 7 days 21.8% 42.3% 6.8%

Next Steps

Shift cultureShift resourcesAlign incentives

Questions and Discussion

Contactwww.seniorsadvocatebc.ca

Toll-free 1-877-952-3181In Victoria: 250-952-3181Open Monday to Friday, 8:30-4:30Translation services available in more than 180 languages.

info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca