A recent report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information says one in six informal home caregivers suffer from distress. These results, coupled with the findings of a recent report from the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) suggesting retention of professional home care staff is the top human resource challenge facing the seniors care sector, indicates a broad approach is required to address the labour challenges associated with a rapidly aging society.
A special series on dementia care by the Globe and Mail this week has further highlighted the scale of the challenge - particularly as it relates to providing care for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
BCCPA received over $300,000 earlier this year to develop a human resources strategy for the seniors care sector. The BC Cares initiative is being developed by an expert committee of stakeholders that includes officials from the BC Ministries of Health and Advanced Education, care providers, employers, labour leaders and educators. Based on current employment forecast data and extensive consultation, the recruitment and retention of home care aides have been identified as a top priority.
As a result, BCCPA and the Health Employers Association of BC have agreed to update the home support elements of their June 2010 labour market report. Home care providers across the province have been asked to complete an updated survey this month. This will ensure the project has access to the most current and accurate recruitment and retention data from this sector - particularly in light of significant changes to the delivery of home support services that have occurred in the BC Lower Mainland since the initial survey was conducted in the spring.
The results of this updated survey will help the BC Cares project committee complete a comprehensive series of recommendations later this year that will help ensure BC has access to a sustainable supply of seniors care aides to meet growing demand.
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