BC Seniors Services Falling Short, Warns Advocate

0:00British Columbia seniors advocate warns that services for the province's fast aging population are falling short and even declining. Dan Levitt's new monitoring senior services, 2025 report calls it Awakeup for governments and communities. While some areas like home support programs and rent aid have improved, overall gaps are widening as demand surges over the next decade. Waytimes for key surgeries tell a tough story. Knee procedures now take 61% longer and hit replacements 72% longer than six years ago, hitting senior 65 and older hardest. Low income folks pay over $9,000 yearly for one hour of daily home care free in places like Alberta and Ontario. These shortfalls hit families and hospitals hard. Long-term care shortages keep seniors stuck and acute beds costing tens of millions. Subsidized housing needs have grown 52% since 2019 with 13,000 approved but just 7% housed half, waiting over two

1:03years. Abuse against seniors is climbing too. Calls to the province's info and abuse line rose nearly 40% since 2019 with abuse reports up over 70%. RCMP violent crime stats against seniors increase 28% and Vancouver police saw 65 percent more financial fraud cases. Levitt urges a cross-government action plan with clear targets to catch up and prepare. Without it, the growing wave of need will overwhelm everyone involved. Vancouver news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey with the story.