BC’s Office of the Seniors Advocate released its 2025/26 annual report this month, and one number stands out for anyone waiting on care: the wait for a subsidized long-term care bed is getting longer, not shorter.
The report counted 7,029 people waiting for a bed, up 9% from the year before, with an average wait of 287 days, close to ten months. That’s a hard number to sit with if you or someone you love is on that list right now.
If you’re in that position, it’s worth staying in regular contact with your health authority case manager rather than waiting quietly for a call. Ask directly what’s realistic for your situation, and what support in the meantime, such as home support, respite, or assisted living, might help.