'Increasingly significant' abuse and neglect of seniors noted in report from B.C. advocate

A report released by B.C.'s seniors advocate into the abuse and neglect of seniors found a significant increase in reports over the past five years.

A report released by B.C.'s seniors advocate into the abuse and neglect of seniors found a significant increase in reports over the past five years.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, care for seniors in the province has been under a spotlight as some homes and health-care facilities dealt with devastating and deadly outbreaks.

Seniors' Advocate Isobel Mackenzie released her findings and recommendations Wednesday, saying the rising abuse and neglect in seniors in the province existed well before the pandemic and will remain if left unaddressed.

"Public concern about the dignity and safety of frail seniors who live in long-term care were heard by governments at all levels and commitments to improve were quickly promised," Mackenzie's summary of her findings said.

"While the conversation about the health, safety and well-being of seniors has been dominated by COVID-19 over the past two years, we need to remember there are issues that existed prior to, and will remain long after, the current pandemic recedes."

In putting together the report, the seniors' advocate's office said it reviewed existing data, conducted a provincial survey with more than 1,500 respondents, completed a province-wide consultation with service providers from 109 organizations and reviewed current legislation and programs.

"The abuse, neglect and self-neglect of seniors can take many forms," Mackenzie said.