I recently had a conversation with my doctor and she highly recommended I get the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. I had RSV last December over the holidays and I can tell you, it’s no joke. Problem is, it typically costs between $250 and $300.
She also recommended a pneumonia vaccine and, while she did mention the free option, she gave a real sales pitch for the one she described as far more effective, which in B.C. typically runs between $130 to $150. And, don’t even get me started on shingles vaccines.
This makes no sense to me, because if these vaccines keep me from using our already overly-taxed health-care system in other ways, including hospitalization, doesn’t it make sense to supply these preventative measures?
That’s the same question the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is asking candidates leading up to the Oct. 19, provincial election. CARP has created an election primer for seniors to use as a guide with five key points to put to candidates who show up at your door or make appearances in your community. After all, seniors tend to have to highest voter turnout in both federal and provincial elections, which means we have the power, so let’s not waste it.
British Columbia must invest in best-in-class vaccines for older adults
CARP wants the province to provide free shingles, high-dose flu, RSV and the latest approved pneumonia vaccines. According to CARP, forcing seniors to pay out of pocket sends a signal from public health that “vaccinations are a luxury item and may be ignored without any real negative consequences. High-cost vaccinations create a two-tier healthcare system, with inequitable outcomes for seniors on low and fixed incomes.” And, I agree.
Tackle the health care worker shortage
According to MOSAIC Settlement and Employment Services for Newcomers, there are many internationally trained health-care professionals in B.C. who are ineligible to work here. CARP wants the province to increase the number and availability of training seats and invest in bridging programs, which will allow newcomers and foreign-trained Canadians to quickly apply their skills in B.C.
There is no question our health care system is in crisis. Last year, the Sunshine Coast Division of Family Practice reporter there were approximately 5,000 residents on the Sunshine Coast without a regular doctor — with no quick solutions in sight.
Fund better home care
According to CARP, the antidote to over-crowded emergency rooms and hospital wards, waiting lists for long-term care and caregiver burnout, is funding better home care. There’s no doubt, most seniors want to stay in their own home as they age, which is where home care helps save the system money.
According to CARP, even for a person with the highest needs, home care is about half the cost of long-term care and one-tenth the cost of a hospital stay.
Paid tax relief to caregivers and for home adaptations
Right now, caregivers in B.C. are entitled to the provincial Family Caregiver Tax Credit, which is non-refundable so only benefits people who pay taxes. That means loved ones who have given up their employment income to provide care, receive no benefit.
And, when it comes to home adaptations, CARP wants the B.C. government to encourage residents financially to invest in home modifications to ensure they can age in place, which will lower overall costs incurred in hospitals and care homes.
Free or reduced transit rates for seniors
In the case of the Sunshine Coast, increased and improved transit is already an election issue, but when it comes to seniors, affordable access is vital, particularly for a ferry-dependent community. Access to affordable transit can contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes for seniors. It enables them to attend medical appointments, participate in community activities, and engage in social interactions, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are prevalent among older adults.
Vote
So, my advice is to read the platforms of the candidates running in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding and, if given the opportunity, ask them where they stand on these issues. The NDP’s Randene Neill and Conservatives’ Chris Moore, both have campaign offices on Cowrie Street in Sechelt, while the Greens’ Chris Hergesheimer’s office is on Gower Point Road in Gibsons, Greg Reid, the independent candidate from Powell River can be reached at [email protected].
Questions? Coast Reporter offers information here on the who, what, where and how to vote.
