B.C. caregivers need more help says seniors advocate

The B.C. seniors advocate says nearly a third of unpaid family caregivers are stressed out to the point of breakdowndue to seriousgaps in seniors respite programs.

"This is a wake-up call for all of us," said Isobel Mackenzie.

"The evidence is clear that we are not connecting our unpaid caregivers, most of whom are family members, with the many supports that could bring them respite and reduce their stress."

• Report: Caregivers in Distress: More Respite Needed
• Ministry of Health responds to report

Mackenzie says her report proves B.C. has some of the worst levels of stress and distress among caregivers in Canada, and is calling for improvedaccess to adult day programs and respite beds, as well as increased home support.

The report collected data from "over 30,000 of our frailest seniors who are living in the community". Findings include;

• Twenty-nine per centof caregivers are in distress.
• Unpaid caregivers provide 19 hours of care per week on average. This increases to 30 hours per week for caregivers in distress
• Fifty-four per cent of caregivers would benefit from respite services however feware accessingthe help.
• There has been a reduction of clients and utilization in adult day programs in the last three years.
• Home support services are not keeping pace with the aging population.

Respite services for seniors fall into threecategories; Adult day programs outside of the home, in-home support, and respite bed stays.

Despite the growing need, Mackenzie found that a full quarterof the hours offered by currentadult day programsaren't being used, even in locations where there are waiting lists, indicating a need to improve and streamline program administration.

Mackenzie noted Alberta ishaving extraordinary success with an adult day program not currently offered in B.C. It focused on seniorswith highlycomplex care needs, and has been shown to reduceemergency room visits and hospital admissions by close to 50 per cent.

"I really hope the province looks at adopting that type of program in B.C.," said Mackenzie.

Health Minister Terry Lake acknowledges that the rapidly aging population is a concern when it comes to providing home-health services for seniors.

"Wemust take fresh approaches as we work to address the challenges we face in caring for our province's growing number of seniors," said Lake in a statement released by the Ministry of Health.