Sunshine Coast Faces Long Wait Times for Long-Term Care Beds

Residents of the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia are expressing deep concerns over the increasing wait times for long-term care beds. As the crisis escalates, families are left struggling to find adequate support for their loved ones. The situation has drawn significant attention, with many caregivers feeling the weight of burnout as they await placement for those in need.

Wait times for long-term care beds have steadily risen for nearly a decade, with the most recent data revealing a median wait time of **231 days** within the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region. This marks a staggering **250-percent increase** since 2018, according to the provincial Office of the Seniors Advocate.

Personal Struggles Amid Growing Crisis

Evi Blueth, a resident of the Sunshine Coast, shared her story of care for her partner Ivan, who suffers from cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Blueth described her experience as overwhelming, stating, “I felt like they weren’t hearing me; they didn’t believe me.” She believes the specific needs of the Sunshine Coast have been overlooked by provincial authorities.

After placing Ivan on the waitlist for a long-term care bed in **2023**, Blueth encountered challenges in navigating the system. “They’re rude. They don’t answer you. They don’t seem to feel any sense of accountability,” she remarked about her interactions with VCH.

Despite her persistent requests for assistance, she noted that she required help well before her partner was added to the waitlist. “I needed help two years before that, and I was asking for it,” Blueth stated.

Government Response and Community Impact

In response to the growing demand for long-term care, VCH acknowledged the difficulties families face. “We understand how difficult this situation can be for families and the frustration while waiting for placement of a loved one in a long-term care site,” the health authority stated. They are reportedly exploring innovative strategies to increase the number of long-term care beds available.

Currently, there are **204 long-term care beds** and **four hospice spaces** on the Lower Sunshine Coast, with approximately **40 high-need individuals** waiting for placement. The latest census indicates that about one-third of the populations in Gibsons and Sechelt are over the age of **65**, highlighting the pressing need for additional resources.

B.C. Seniors Advocate **Dan Levitt** described the situation as an urgent crisis, stating, “We’re falling short. We need **50 percent more beds** built in the next decade.” Local leaders are also voicing their concerns. John Henderson, Mayor of Sechelt, characterized the current situation as “bordering on inhumane,” while Silas White, Mayor of Gibsons, urged the provincial government to take immediate action to address the long-term care gap.

Despite the provincial government investing approximately **$3.5 billion** over the past five years into primary care and long-term support services, many residents, including Blueth, are left questioning the effectiveness of these efforts. “Why aren’t we getting better care?” she asked, reflecting the sentiments of many who are enduring similar struggles.

As the demand for long-term care continues to rise, the Sunshine Coast community faces a long and challenging road ahead, grappling with the urgent need for support and change.