Photo: File photo

The Province has come up with millions of dollars to help seniors get more care.

The John Horgan government is increasing staffing levels in residential care homes to make sure seniors are getting the care they need.

The leader of the BC NDP said by investing $240 million over three years, government will increase the direct care seniors receive to 3.36 hours per-resident day, on average, in each health authority, by 2021.

This will mark the first time this average has been reached since the Ministry of Health set that target almost 10 years ago.

"In a province where people come first, it is unacceptable that B.C. seniors in residential care have gone so long without the level of care they need," said Horgan. "The investment we're making today means B.C. will finally hit its own target and deliver the quality care seniors deserve."

In 2016, the average direct care hours was 3.11 per-resident day. With this new investment, that average will increase to 3.24 by 2019, and reach 3.36 by 2021.

New funding of $48.4 million this year will add more than one million hours of care.

This investment will mean better working conditions and benefits for health-care aides. Currently, more than 50 per cent of aides are working part-time or casual shifts. In 2017-18, 330 health-care aides were converted to full-time positions, with another 500 to follow this year.

By the end of the strategy, the Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 1,500 new full-time equivalent positions will be added, including:

• 900 health-care aides;
• 165 registered nurses;
• 300 licensed practical nurses;
• 50 allied health-care professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers); and
• 100 other health-care workers, including rehabilitation assistants, activity aides and other allied health-care workers. 

The government is also providing approximately $3.3 million to create 384 new health-care aide seats in 11 post-secondary institutions throughout B.C.

In addition, dedicated funding is being provided to support seniors to continue living in their own homes longer and help delay or avoid them having to move to residential care.

As part of Budget 2018, $75 million over three years is being dedicated to expand respite care and adult day programs to better support family and friend caregivers.