Keeping aging people in their homes isn’t working, says B.C. seniors’ advocate

VICTORIA — A growing number of caregivers in British Columbia are feeling distressed, and the province’s seniors’ advocate says that could be a costly problem for the health-care system.

Isobel Mackenzie’s office has released a report saying 31 per cent of home-care clients now have a caregiver in distress, meaning they’re angry, depressed or feel like they can’t continue providing care.

The report says the number has jumped seven per cent since the last study in 2015.

Policies designed to keep aging people in their homes aren’t working because the data shows services like home support and adult day programs aren’t keeping pace with the needs of caregivers, Mackenzie said.

“Something is falling off or getting lost in the message between the policy level decisions and announcements and what’s being delivered and authorized on the front lines, because they’re not the same,” she said.

The report shows that the population is aging and those receiving care are increasingly frail, with complex needs. But the study says homes support and adult day programs have declined.

Some people can’t access those services, especially in rural areas, Mackenzie said, while others don’t get as much help as they need or what they’re offered is inflexible and doesn’t work.

“When you add all of this up, what you see is the burden is shifting from the public caregiver to the private caregiver, to the family caregiver. And that is why we are seeing increasing distress levels.”

Mackenzie’s report recommends that the government increase access to home support, adult day programs, and care funding, and empower caregivers to help their loved ones through training and better access to financial assistance.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said Wednesday that he intends to act on the report.