Census findings will have direct impact on seniors' health care - Conroy
Katrine ConroyVICTORIA—The Campbell government must begin investing more in care for seniors, with census data showing a rapid growth in B.C.'s seniors population, New Democrat Seniors Health Critic Katrine Conroy says.
"Seniors’ health facilities continue to operate in crisis mode as inadequate support for long-term care continues to escalate along with our aging population," said Conroy, the MLA for West Kootenay-Boundary.
Statistics Canada data from the 2006 Census shows large-scale changes in the age distribution of Canada's population as a result of aging. According to the census, the number of people aged 65 and over increased by more than 446,700 since 2001, and this figure is expected to accelerate in 2011 when the first baby-boomers turn age 65.
"The census information provides more evidence that the Campbell government must stop neglecting seniors’ health care," she said. "According to recent population projections, the proportion of seniors in the Canadian population could nearly double in the next 25 years and this will have a direct impact on our health care system."
An example of current problems that will worsen in the future without a change of policy is the set of violent attacks between patients at the North Peace Care Centre in Fort St. John, which Conroy said is a direct result of funding cuts related to the Campbell government’s regionalization of mental health services.
"The North Peace Care Centre is attempting to care for seniors while also caring for patients with psychiatric conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. They are ill equipped to treat or manage these patients and this has resulted in violent attacks between residents. As demographic changes occur we must ensure investment in quality long term care before incidents like this become a growing trend," said Conroy.
