Vancouver Coastal Health rolls out small care homes amid growing long-term care waitlists
CBC
Vancouver Coastal Health says it’s moving part of its long-term care system into regular neighbourhood homes, a shift that comes amid a ballooning waitlist for long-term care as the number of seniors in B.C. grows.
Under the new model, the health authority says it will purchase existing houses in neighbourhoods and retrofit them to operate as licensed long-term care sites.
Each home will house up to 10 residents, with private rooms and shared kitchens, living rooms and outdoor spaces. People living in such homes will receive around-the-clock clinical care.
Health Minister Josie Osborne said the model is meant to preserve dignity and connection.
“They are an important part of B.C.’s continuum of seniors’ care, bridging the gap between independent living and long-term care, and providing the right level of support as people’s needs change,” Osborne said in a written statement.
Yasmin Jetha, VCH’s vice-president of community services, said the household-style model is evidence-based and better suited for many seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
“What we know ... with all the research being done, is that the best way for caring for seniors is in a home-like environment,” she said.
“You smell coffee in the morning. You can have toast and tea. You're not waiting for someone to come and bring your tray, but you're actually living your life.”
Jetha says the health authority is now working with B.C. Housing and local governments in Vancouver, North Vancouver and Richmond to purchase homes.
Some senior advocates are welcoming the move.
Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, says the model will also help reduce staff turnover among long-term care workers, which she says is one of the biggest problems in the sector.
“Staff burn out very quickly,” she said.
Tamblyn Watts says people working in long-term care facilities last about 18 months on average.
“But we know that staff like small homes, they like the experience, and they like that it reduces wear and tear on their bodies when they're providing the kind of care."
WARNING: This story discusses child sexual abuse material and contains graphic details of alleged sexual assault
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