(Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

CENSUS STATS

Census data highlights need for more seniors care facilities and programs in Kamloops

Apr 27, 2022 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — The latest census data from Statistics Canada shows between 2001 and 2021, the population aged 85 years and older in Canada has doubled — with another surge expected by 2050. On a smaller scale, cities around B.C. including Kamloops have seen a similar trend.

Assisted living facilities, recreation programs and other senior services are in high demand, and there’s a lot of planning to be done to ensure the province and the city has enough housing, health care and programs in place.

“We kind of think it’s tomorrow’s problem. Well it’s no longer tomorrow’s problem,” says BC Care Providers Association CEO Terry Lake. “We absolutely need to take some steps today that will address the challenge.”

As more people reach their elder years, healthcare needs are going to grow, along with housing options for people with mobility challenges to live in.

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“We know that there’s still an RFP outstanding in the Kamloops region for 100 beds. But really over the last number of years we have seen maybe 500 new beds announced when we need 10 times that (amount) in the province of B.C.”

Lake acknowledges there are provincial incentives in place to recruit more care aides. But as it stands today, there aren’t enough facilities for this expanding demographic to live in.

“We are going to need probably 5,000 more long term care places over the next five years, and we don’t see any sign of that happening.”

Having an older proportion of the population also means the City of Kamloops will have to plan for accessibility with its facilities, parks and any other civic buildings.

“When we are renovating any of our facilities those are things that we’re looking at,” explains Recreation, Health and Wellness Supervisor Linda Stride. “And then obviously with any new builds, we’d be looking at ensuring they’re all fully accessible.”

Stride notes recreation venues and programs for seniors are extremely popular in Kamloops, and eventually the offerings will need to expand.

“In particular since the pandemic — since we’re coming out of it now we’re really seeing those numbers increase. Our programs are at maximum, so we’ve already had to open up additional classes, so that’s something that we definitely will be looking at.”

Growth in the aging population is not a surprise. But it is something that will need to be addressed in labour force and infrastructure plans sooner rather than later.

“We were once designated an age-friendly community and we really need to come back to that,” stresses Stride.