VICTORIA – Seniors in British Columbia will have more long-term care options and choices starting this month.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says beginning July 15, seniors requiring long-term care no longer have to accept the first available bed and can instead choose from three preferred options while waiting in their own homes for the right placement.
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Dix says people want to be able to choose a long-term care home that works for them and their families.
He says the changes will ensure that people who have been on a wait list the longest get the highest priority in care home placements.
Dix says they will also ensure seniors are providing their consent to live at a long-term care home, addressing access recommendations made by seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie in a 2015 housing report.
Mackenzie said offering seniors more choice and options to long-term care helps them and their families.