Jack Mar, Chapter 11 Chair and April Lewis, B.C. Representative had the opportunity of meeting B.C. Ombudsperson, Kim Carter when she presented a summary of her report entitled The Best of Care:  Getting it Right for Seniors in British Columbia to an audience in White  Rock on May 16, 2012.

The much awaited event was co-sponsored by the Semiahmoo Peninsula Seniors Planning Table and Sources Community Resources Society.

The report which is Part 2 was unveiled in February 2012 and includes 143 findings and 176 recommendations in the four areas of Home and Community Care; Home Support; Assisted Living and Residential Care.

In the area of elder abuse which is a major advocacy issue for CARP, the report recommends the mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or neglect by home and community care staff as well as guidelines on when to report incidents to police.

It was interesting to note that the Fraser Health Authority which oversees an area from Delta to Hope with an ever-expanding increase in its senior population only increased its residential care facility numbers by 25 beds.

The Ombudsperson recommends you contact your local politicians to urge them to act upon the recommendations in this timely report.

To view document go online to www.bcombudsperson.ca or call 1-800-567-3247.

The office of the Ombudsperson is British Columbia’s independent voice for fairness working on your behalf.  Make your concerns be known.  Together we can ensure the best of care for all seniors in B.C..  Together we can get it right.