August 2025 Message from the Seniors Advocate

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer weather. As we move through these warmer months, I want to share some important updates from my office.

As you may have heard, we recently released a systemic review on supply and demand issues in long-term care. Our report, From Shortfall to Crisis: Growing Demand for Long-Term Care Beds in B.C. found that the province is not prepared to care for its most vulnerable seniors today or in the future.

The increasing shortage of long-term care beds is leaving too many seniors and caregivers without timely support. We’re calling on government to act now to address this issue by increasing capacity, plan for growth to ensure people can age with dignity and care.   

This report has been a long time in the making. When I first toured the province after being appointed Seniors Advocate, I consistently heard from seniors and caregivers about the stress and hardship caused by long waits for long-term care. It quickly became clear that this issue required deeper examination.

Even amid these challenges, I continue to be inspired by the strength and spirit of older adults across B.C. Seniors always tell me the key to healthy ageing is staying active. Just a few weeks ago at the Across the Lake Swim in Kelowna I met Corey, a woman in her nineties, who arrived in her scooter, pulled on her wetsuit and took off with the swimmers of all ages to swim across Lake Okanagan. She placed first in the 80+ age category.

More and more seniors like her are defying stereotypes and redefining what it means to grow older. Although many face barriers and unique challenges, older adults in B.C. are finding meaningful ways to embrace active ageing.

In closing, I would like to thank the exceptional seniors and caregivers I met in my recent tour around the West Kootenay region. I was amazed at their strength, resilience and determination in the face of the many challenges that come with living in a rural area.

As always, I thank you for your continued interest in the work of my office and wish you all a happy and active summer ahead.

Sincerely,

Dan Levitt