Advocating for seniors

MLA Report

By Carole James  

Seniors have worked hard to build a province that is a place of opportunity, safe communities and exceptional services. Their taxes, contributed over many decades, have helped to pay for our infrastructure and the social safety net that distinguishes Canada as supremely livable, progressive and fair.

Our seniors are an enormously valuable resource to our communities. The province would be in dire straits without the thousands upon thousands of hours seniors donate to community organizations each year, as well as the family and economic support that seniors quietly and diligently provide.

It's time for a grateful society to show more respect for seniors who have given so much.

As seniors age, we need to ensure supports are in place to care for them with dignity and respect. Government must be building a system that includes a range of services and care, and do it in a way that helps seniors to be as independent and mobile for as long as possible.

When families and spouses take on the care of their loved ones, they sometimes need the relief provided by respite care. Without this support, caregivers can become exhausted, and it's vital that the system can respond to their needs to prevent additional illness.

There are smart ways to deliver services. For instance, more investment in homecare is good for seniors and saves resources.

The Ombudsperson's report on seniors, released two years ago, included a blueprint for government to follow including standards for care homes, consistent care across the province and better transparency. But government has been very slow to act on the 176 specific recommendations. Many have been completely ignored.

One of the recommendations called for the establishment of a seniors advocate - something the Opposition has been pushing the government to do for years. Legislation to enable the appointment was passed before the May 2013 election, and finally the government has appointed Isobel Mackenzie to the position. She started on March 31.

Now more than ever, BC seniors need an advocate who will stand up, hold the government to account and demand better care for BC seniors. It's essential for us to comprehensively address the serious issues facing seniors such as elder abuse, neglect, isolation, and a lack of standardized care at some residential facilities.

Unfortunately the government's legislation doesn't give the seniors advocate the kind of independent authority that the Opposition wanted. This position will be part of the Ministry of Health. But at least it's a start.

I'm concerned when I hear stories of seniors held in hospital beds for long periods of time, because suitable care beds in the community are not available. We can do better, and I am committed to compelling government to act. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work with seniors, respect their voices, and learn from their wisdom and knowledge.

1084 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3K4
Phone: 250 952-4211
Carole.James.mla@leg.bc.ca
www.carolejamesmla.ca