The DSS Board fully supports the latest report from the BC Seniors Advocate: “Billions more reasons to care. Contracted long-term care: Funding review update.”

Specifically, the DSS Board supports the four main recommendations put forward by the BC Seniors’ Advocate.

1. Public money subsidizing long-term facilities designated for direct care must be spent on direct care, and not on other expenses. If not used for direct care, those funds must be returned.
2. There must be complete transparency in monitoring standards, and in reporting on performance using those standards. Reporting must also be standardized.
3. Define profit. Are management fees profit? Are mortgage payments for private facilities profit?
4. The financial status and reports of long-term care facilities that are publicly subsidized must be made public.

DSS Board member Adriaan de Vries has written an easy to read synopsis of the report.

We are honored that the important work of Dignity Seniors Society has been recognised through this important funding from the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund. This funding will support us to rebuild our organization, after surviving the devastating effects of the COVID Pandemic on our services. This timely, supportive, and encouraging vote of confidence has inspired our Board to surge forward with our pre-COVID-19 strategic plan for building capacity in all aspects of our organization.