Correction, November 15, 2012: The original version of this report, published July 11, 2012, contained an error in the calculation of hospital occupancy rates. Footnote 25 on page 18 indicated that the number of acute care beds in BC in 2009/10 was 7370; the correct number is 7994. The resulting corrected occupancy rate is 96.8 per cent (not 97.0 per cent).
This study finds that access to home and community care services for seniors in BC has declined significantly over the past decade. Seniors who cannot get home and community care are more likely to end up in hospital, leading to hospital overcrowding and long wait times for all British Columbians. Recommendations include improving access to home and community care and creating a more integrated system, which will improve seniors' health and independence and reduce pressure on hospitals, the most expensive part of the health care system.
CCPA not only does first-rate research; it also connects with the real world by putting powerful information in the hands of advocacy groups and by presenting intelligent, progressive ideas in the media. It is a BC jewel and I urge everyone to support it.
— Kathleen Ruff, founder, RightOn Canada