Recommendation 1: That the BC government, working in collaboration with commercial distribution networks, invest $10M to create regional stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE) for future pandemic preparation for B.C.’s health care sector, with an emphasis on seniors’ living and care providers, including non-government home health care operators.

Recommendation 2: That the BC government invest $20 million over three years to fund a comprehensive, industry-led health human resource (HHR) strategy for the seniors’ care and living sector to address chronicworker shortages and improve quality of care for residents and clients.

Recommendation 3: That the BC government create a new provincial tax credit program, through which seniors who access non-government home health care or independent living services are eligible to receive a refundable tax credit up to $2,500.

Recommendation 4: That the BC government provide funding of at least $15 million per month to cover COVID-19 related costs for non-government long-term care, assisted living, independent living operators in BC. Along with being retroactive to mid-March 2020, such funding should be in place until medical orders are lifted.

Recommendation 5: That the BC Government allocate $30 million over three years to establish a COVID-19 Innovation Fund to assist non-government independent living, assisted living and long-term care homes to ensure safety, improve quality of life and reduce social isolation by:

1. implementing measures to ensure proper physical distancing through building enhancements and the implementation of creative visiting solutions;
2. improving access to new tools and technologies for better communication between seniors and their families; and
3. increasing and modifying existing recreational therapy programs to improve seniors’ quality of life.