Isobel Mackenzie said in her annual review that there were just over 5,500 total calls to the information line in 2019, an increase of 27 per cent from the year before.

Key recommendations include the use of rapid testing protocols and clear guidelines on how essential family caregivers can stay safely connected to their loved ones.

A North Okanagan manufacturing company says it has created a solution to one of the biggest issues surrounding lockdown restrictions during the pandemic.

"We really do need to find a way to try and reestablish safe contacts so people can have that connection back again."

There are currently about 6,000 long-term care beds across the Interior Health region.

Outside administrators have been appointed to run other Retirement Concepts care homes in Nanaimo, Comox and Victoria.

Seniors in British Columbia will have more long-term care options and choices starting this month.

Those jobs range from care-aids to registered nurses.

Skyrocketing rents and dwindling affordable-housing units in Vancouver are driving seniors to the brink of homelessness, forcing some to couch surf, seek roommates or even live in cars, advocates say.

The survey found seniors feel safe and respected, but many say they aren't getting the care or services they need.