Medical support staff cutbacks — does anyone care?

More health care dollars slashed — cuts affect us all.

Recently, the British Columbia government announced to staff at hospitals and extended care facilities across the province, that there were going to be job cuts, pay cuts and shorter hours in dietary and housekeeping departments in an effort to cut more from the health budget. In a system that has already cut costs to the bone and deeper, another cut is hard to imagine. So CVNews has done some digging and what we have discovered has raised a great many questions that don’t seem to be receiving any reasonably believable answers. [Read more]

More broken promises, neglect of elders deepens

Seniors in residential care facilities are now paying more for less.

With the increase in residential care rates for seniors and the announcement of layoffs of staff at Interior Health’s Columbia House in Invermere, residents are going to be paying more while services are going to be cut.

“When the government initially announced the increases to residential care fees they promised that the extra $54 million that would be raised would go towards improving care, but that is not what is happening in Interior Health facilities in this area,” said Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald. [Read more]

Public pressure needed to protect seniors

BC Ombudsperson releases recommendations on seniors care; health ministries fail to implement majority of recommendations.

In response to the BC Ombudsperson’s report on seniors care, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald says that the BC Liberal government is not treating seniors with the respect they deserve.

Entitled ‘The Best Care: Getting it Right for Seniors in British Columbia’, the report authored by Ombudsperson Kim Carter outlines a number of failings in residential care, and lays out ten recommendations to the Ministry of Health Services and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport to improve the quality of life for frail and vulnerable seniors in care. [Read more]

Seniors to Campbell — devastating rate hike not 'fair and equitable'

by Helga Boker. An open letter to Premier Gordon Campbell by the Columbia House Family Council in Invermere about the devastating impact of residential care rate increases.

Dear Mr. Campbell,

We are APPALLED with the new rate structure for Long-Term Care Residents. How can this Government stand with any kind of dignity when you proudly announce “Resident Rate Increases are expected to generate around $53.7 million in additional revenue”? This news release also stated that “Residents receive full coverage for most prescription medication and equipment as well as some over-the-counter drugs”. This statement is completely misleading and has ABSOLUTELY NO TRUTH. [Read more]

Columbia Valley seniors complain to premier about residential care rate increases

In a press release dated October 8, 2009, BC Health Minister Kevin Falcon laid out new room rates for residents in long-term care facilities across the province, increases of up to 29%, equating in fees as high as just under $3000 per resident, starting in January, 2010.

In a response the following day, MLA Norm Macdonald laid out the dire situation in which the residents in all long-term care facilities in British Columbia are about be put. “For the Minister, these are just numbers, they don’t mean anything,” said Mr. Macdonald. “But for seniors, these increases will have a devastating impact.” He went on to say, “Seniors in care are among the most vulnerable in our society, and they often have no choice in where they live. This government is taking advantage of that vulnerability with a rate increase that is simply outrageous.” [Read more]

MLA to host seniors tea in Invermere

Nov 12, Invermere –

Columbia Valley seniors are keeping their issues on the top of the political agenda, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

“My office continues to receive numerous calls from seniors asking for my assistance,” said Macdonald. “Issues range from the level of care in residential care facilities to the increasing cost of living for people on fixed incomes.

“It is important for seniors to realize that they can ask for help. My office is able to provide assistance with issues relating to health care, pharmacare, housing, residential care and assisted living to name a few.” [Read more]

BC specifies 'rights' in residential care

Bill of rights for residents promotes better care.

by Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport

The Residents’ Bill of Rights was introduced today to ensure that residents in British Columbia care facilities know their rights, which will be publicly displayed inside all residential care facilities throughout the province, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport.

“The Residents’ Bill of Rights supports government’s throne speech commitment to provide residents in care facilities with a set of rights that promote health, safety and dignity in an environment to support high-quality care,” said Chong. “The legislation builds on B.C.’s commitment to care that will protect adults of all ages by providing a public display of residents’ rights, improving transparency and accountability in care facilities.” [Read more]

'Fair and equitable' rate jump for residential care

Government to raise $53.7 million in revenue on the backs of seniors in residential care.

by Norm Macdonald MLA

Beginning January 2010, seniors in residential care facilities will now pay $53.7 million more. The BC Liberal government’s latest move to increase revenues comes at the expense of the most vulnerable seniors, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

Fees for room and board in residential care facilities will increase as much as 29%, which Health Minister Falcon claims is defensible.

“For the Minister, these are just numbers, they don’t mean anything,” said Macdonald. “But for seniors, these increases will have a devastating impact.” [Read more]

Columbia House funding society passes torch

by Lake Windermere District Benevolent Society

After serving the Columbia Valley successfully for some 25 years and raising more than $862,000 for long term care services, the Lake Windermere District Benevolent Society has decided to cease operations.

In June 1977 the Board of Directors of Windermere District Hospital passed the following resolution: “The Windermere District Hospital (now the Invermere & District Hospital) requested the Provincial Government to assist in establishing an Intermediate and Personal Care Home in invermere. The hospital board will make land available for this institution, placing it near to the hospital so that existing services such as dietary and laundry need not to be duplicated. The board is willing to subdivide the hospital property and lease or deed the land to a new society.” [Read more]

Seniors’ housing needs studied

The District of Invermere is eagerly awaiting the results of a study currently underway to assess the needs for housing for the growing number of seniors in the community. The study is being funded by the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, a philanthropic organization created in 1985 “to support sustainable real estate and land use practices for the benefit of British Columbians”. [Read more]