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Island Health Cancellations Leave Seniors Uncared For
11 Sep
Summary
- Couple reports multiple home support visits cancelled by Island Health.
- Cancellations left them to care for bedridden mother-in-law.
- Advocate calls for systemic change and better funding for home care.
A couple in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, has raised alarms about the reliability of home care services after multiple planned support visits for their bedridden mother-in-law were cancelled by Island Health over a recent weekend. The couple stepped in to provide care, which they note has severely limited their personal freedom over the past five years.
Island Health stated that while overtime is permitted, various factors can lead to cancellations, particularly during long summer weekends. They emphasized that clients with the highest needs or no backup care are prioritized, and optional visits may be rescheduled.
B.C. Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt described the situation as a systemic failure across the province, attributing inconsistent home care delivery to underfunding and staffing shortages. He called for a provincial plan to ensure reliable service, as families often bear the burden when care is interrupted.
