The second issue that I think is important and
have not addressed is the issue of how programs that help seniors are funded.
Any seniors, as well as others in society and in government, believe that seniors
and society would be well serviced by seniors living at home. The home support
program and the report into those services 19-June-19 show there is a need
for more and better services for many seniors. The report was thorough but did
not address the issue of those who are supporting the non-medical needs of
older adults in BC. Those who volunteer to help seniors stay at home by
providing services such as Friendly visiting Transportation, Light yard work, minor
home repairs, Light housekeeping, Grocery shopping, etc.
Where I
live we have programs like, Better at Home, Seniors Transportation Access and
Resources (STAR), Meals on Wheels and some communities such as Richmond have
their Seniors Community Support Services programs. All of these are great
programs but are reliant on funding from Charity groups such as United Way or
government grants to operate. The charities and the government funders are
always looking at the most efficient and cost-saving way to deliver services.
This means that many organizations that could provide the services may lose
funding if another organization says they can provide the same service at a
lower cost.
This change
of service provider causes a chain reaction where recipients of the service
have to adjust to new demands or changes in procedure and many volunteers who
worked with the small group may decide to not work with another group, so new
volunteers need to be recruited. This causes a disruption in service for
seniors. I think it is a problem that is important because these volunteer programs make it easier for seniors to stay at home and supplement the home
support programs but how they are funded and the effect a change of funder or
service provider on seniors receiving the service is ignored when we talk about
this issue.
