Seniors in British Columbia are living longer and staying healthier later into life, according to new data from the Monitoring Seniors Services 2024 Report.
However, the report reveals a troubling increase in waitlists for essential services that support healthy aging.
The report, released last month, by the Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA), tracks trends across demographics, healthcare access, surgeries, housing, income supports, and elder abuse.
“Unfortunately, despite government investment in seniors’ services, we continue to fall behind meeting many basic needs,” said BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt.
“There is less home care, long-term care beds, rent subsidies and subsidized seniors housing available today per population compared to five years ago,” he added.
“This is particularly worrisome when the seniors’ population in B.C. has grown 45 per cent over the past 10 years and will continue to increase over the next decade.”
Levitt called for urgent action, saying, “The new government must develop an action-oriented, measurable cross-ministry seniors’ plan that defines how it will meet the growing needs of a population we have known for decades will access significant public services as they age.
"Seniors and their families must feel that health care, housing and social supports will be available when they’re needed.”
Key findings
The population aged 85+ has increased by 10 per cent, and those 65+ by 15 per cent in the last five years.
Hospitalizations and emergency visits slightly decreased for those aged 65+, and dementia rates remained stable.
Waitlists for hip and knee replacements rose by 53 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively, for individuals aged 65+.
The number of people waiting for a publicly-subsidized long-term care (LTC) bed surged 150 per cent, with over 6,500 on the list in 2023/24.
Seniors assessed as eligible but not urgent waited an average of 225 days for LTC from the community.
Publicly subsidized home support clients increased by 11 per cent, but the rate of clients per 1,000 seniors fell by seven per cent.
Applications for subsidized seniors’ housing rose by 59 per cent, with only six per cent of applicants receiving a unit last year.
Subsidies under the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) decreased by eight per cent.
Levitt also highlighted the growing strain on community programs.
“The Better at Home Program, which delivers transportation, housekeeping, meal programs and other services to help seniors remain living at home, is providing more supports to more people, but the waitlist has increased 56 per cent over the past five years,” he said.
“The vast majority of seniors want to age in place, and we must do a better job helping people live safely at home – and out of hospital and long-term care – for as long as possible.”
Elder abuse
The report also revealed a 92 per cent increase in abuse reports to the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) over the past five years.
Meanwhile, RCMP data showed an 88 per cent rise in fraud cases targeting seniors and an 18 per cent increase in violent offences against seniors.
Levitt expressed deep concern.
“The trend in the increase of reported abuse against seniors is especially concerning because incidents often go unreported,” he said. “Often the victim feels embarrassed, fears retaliation or is unwilling to get a family member or other loved into trouble.”
Levitt urged anyone who suspects elder abuse to contact police, health authorities, Crime Stoppers, SAIL, BC211, or his office for support.
The Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA) is an independent provincial body tasked with monitoring seniors’ services and reporting systemic issues.
For information and assistance, seniors and caregivers can call 1-877-952-3181 or visit seniorsadvocatebc.ca.
