Seniors and adults living with cognitive and physical challenges will have strengthened supports to help them live independently with a significant increase in the number of adult day program spaces on Vancouver Island.

As part of the Province’s investment of $75 million over the next three years to expand respite care and adult day programs, Island Health has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to add approximately 7,400 more adult day program spaces in the region.

“More adult day spaces on Vancouver Island is part of the work we are doing to support seniors and adults with disabilities to continue living at home, which is what most people want,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The creation of these spaces also supports family and friend caregivers to take time for themselves to support their own health and well-being.”

By supporting people to socialize with their peers and maintain connections to the community, adult day programs can help combat isolation and loneliness that people sometimes face. Seniors and adults living with cognitive and physical challenges can receive health-care services like nursing and rehabilitation activities, nutrition and foot care, and participate in social programs like discussion groups and card games.

Adult day programs also support family and friend caregivers through support groups, information and education programs, and respite services to give caregivers a break from caregiving responsibilities. Respite services give caregivers a chance to run errands, get caught up on chores or simply take some time to relax.

The following Vancouver Island communities have been identified as priority areas for more spaces:

• Mt. Waddington
• Campbell River
• Comox Valley
• Saanich Peninsula
• Southern Vancouver Island (Greater Victoria)

By 2019, it is anticipated that Island Health will have more than 68,000 spaces. Increasing the number of adult day program spaces in communities throughout B.C. is part of work underway to improve the quality of life for seniors and adults living with cognitive and physical challenges in B.C.

The RFP is posted on the BC Bid website and proposals are being accepted until Nov. 16, 2018.  

Quotes:

Anne Kang, parliamentary secretary for seniors –

“This increase in adult day program spaces on Vancouver Island will help many seniors and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities to delay or avoid a move into a residential care home, and it will allow family and friend caregivers some much-needed time to recharge.”

Isobel Mackenzie, seniors advocate – 

“These new spaces will greatly increase the ability of family caregivers to enjoy a day or week of respite, something they tell us is crucial to relieving caregiver burden. Adult day program spaces have not been keeping up with demand and the waiting lists can be long. This is a very important step to addressing the shortage.”

Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health –

“Vitality is key to a long and healthy life and our adult day programs offer our clients both physical and social supports. We are pleased to be taking on more clients because we know they will benefit from these services.”

Quick Facts:

• One adult day program space is defined as a single day of service for one person.
• People interested in receiving caregiver respite or adult day program services, or know of someone who might be in need of these services, can contact the home and community care office in their health authority or have a health-care professional make a referral on their behalf.

Learn More:

For more information on expanding respite care and adult day programs, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018HLTH0063-001227

For more information on increasing staffing in residential care homes, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0072-001861

For more information about day program services in the Vancouver Island region, visit https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/adult-day-services