B.C. housing costs mean more seniors could end up in residential care: advocate
VICTORIA — The advocate for seniors in British Columbia says costs for both renters and homeowners are going up while home and community supports are failing to meet demands.
Isobel Mackenzie released her annual report Thursday saying increased costs and lack of services could drive up the number of seniors moving into residential care.
Mackenzie said up to 15 per cent of seniors already in care could be living independently if they had proper supports.
Seniors who rent are at greatest risk because they have the lowest median income of any group over age 25 and unlike the rest of the population, face challenges with fixed incomes, she said.