WHEREAS Interior Health Authority has recently made further cuts to the Home Support Services for Seniors in our region, eliminating all services to any senior who is considered to be an Intermediate Level 1 client; AND WHEREAS there are now seniors who had been receiving up to three baths per week but no longer qualify for any bathing assistance unless they have special issues such as incontinence and then they would now only qualify for one bath per week; AND WHEREAS this action will not only impact negatively on the health of the affected seniors and will eventually result in increased acute care costs, but this is an unacceptable humiliation to individuals who may require additional bathing for personal conditions such as incontinence: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities appeal to the provincial government to have Interior Health Authority immediately amend its current bathing policy to adequately accommodate those seniors who require assistance with bathing; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, given that the provincial governments goal was to have seniors age in their own surroundings and remain in their homes for as long as possible, they must then implement and retain those services to ensure that seniors remain safe and healthy and, in doing so, are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.
Ministry of Health The Government of British Columbia Government is committed to ensuring seniors have the necessary supports to allow them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Health authorities provide home care nursing, community rehabilitation services, home support services, adult day services, meal programs, caregiver relief and respite, and end-of-life care, to enable British Columbians to live independently. In 200607, the Province of British Columbia Province is expected to spend more than 500 million dollars in home care and home support services for the Provinces seniors. This is a 26-per-cent increase in funding since 2001. The average number of hours per home support client per year has increased by 23 per cent from 200001 to 200405 and the number of clients has increased by eight per cent since 2001. Approximately 73 per cent of home support clients receive assistance at no cost to themselves. There is absolutely no charge for home care, which includes nursing and community rehabilitation services, regardless of income. Home support services are designed to help clients remain independent and in their own home as long as possible, providing personal assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming and light household tasks that help to maintain a safe and supportive home. Health authorities provide home support services based on an individualized assessment of client needs. Client service plans are regularly reviewed and modified in response to clients changing needs, including the need for personal assistance. Health authorities, including Interior Health, are actively working to enhance home support and other community-based service options to address client needs, focusing on those individuals with the highest care needs.