As the founder of Tuktu Care, a company dedicated to serving seniors and individuals with special needs in British Columbia, I have witnessed firsthand the significant challenges our community faces. With the recent election behind us, it is crucial for Premier David Eby to reflect on why his government barely secured a one-seat victory. The voices of two vital segments of society — vulnerable seniors and early-stage entrepreneurs in the care sector — cannot be ignored any longer.
The Deteriorating Conditions for Seniors
The statistics paint a troubling picture. According to the BC Seniors Advocate, nearly 40% of seniors report a decline in their health due to inadequate access to essential services. Moreover, the number of seniors receiving home support has dropped by over 25% since 2019, signaling a system that is failing to meet our needs. A report from Statistics Canada reveals that over 1.5 million seniors in Canada live below the poverty line, with many of these individuals residing in British Columbia.
The BC Care Providers Association has also reported that 83% of seniors want to age in place, yet access to the necessary support to make this a reality has diminished. According to a recent survey, 43% of seniors in BC are worried about having enough money for basic needs, and many have resorted to cutting back on essentials such as food and medicine.
Margaret, a 72-year-old retiree, articulated the frustration shared by many: “I feel abandoned by a government that promised to support us. Every day is a struggle to make ends meet.” Lorraine, another senior, added, “I can’t even get help for simple tasks like housekeeping. It feels like I’m invisible.”
Our customers echo these sentiments. For instance, Tom, an 80-year-old who relies on our services, stated, “Without Tuktu, I don’t know how I would manage. I just need a little help to keep my independence.” These voices highlight the urgent need for a systemic overhaul in how we provide care to seniors.
Despite the growing demand for support, the government’s preference for working only with established non-profits or larger corporates has left many innovative solutions (often originating from startups and local innovators) in the shadows. The current approach perpetuates the status quo, preventing much-needed change. The care industry cannot rely solely on traditional non-profit models, which cater to the certain group of the segment but often fail to cater to the overwhelming demand, or high-cost agency models that only a few can afford. According to the BC Care Providers Association, the cost of home care services has risen by 15% over the past two years, leaving many seniors unable to afford the help they need. What about those who were once middle class but now live on fixed incomes?
I have knocked on countless doors, only to be redirected from one person to another, with little interest from the government in backing innovative startups. “It’s disheartening to have to discount our services simply because most seniors struggle to pay,” I often find myself saying. “If we received some government support, we could provide better care that is scalable and community focused.”
A Call for Government Action
Premier Eby, it’s time for your government to pivot. Ignoring the needs of vulnerable seniors will lead to dire consequences for your administration. We need a proactive strategy that not only addresses current issues but also invests in innovative models that work closely with communities and leverage technology.
We, as entrepreneurs, are willing to support and collaborate with the government, but we need a response. By fostering partnerships with social enterprises, mission-driven innovators and community organizations, the government can create a more sustainable and effective system for delivering essential services. Investing in technology-driven solutions, such as telehealth and digital caregiving platforms, can bridge the gap and enhance the quality of care. For example, companies like Tuktu can offer scalable solutions that provide care directly to seniors in their homes, using technology to facilitate connections between caregivers and clients.
Learning from Other Provinces
Looking eastward, Quebec has demonstrated a proactive approach in addressing the needs of its aging population and fostering innovation in the care sector. For example, the province has invested over $50 million in digital health initiatives aimed at enhancing home care support for seniors, including partnerships with innovative startups to develop technology that improves accessibility and efficiency in service delivery. Quebec’s “Aging at Home” strategy emphasizes collaborative models that integrate community-based services with technology, ensuring that seniors receive comprehensive care while maintaining their independence.
In contrast, many of the programs implemented by the BC government in recent years, primarily support larger non-profit organizations or established corporates often with huge overheads. While these approaches are valuable, the demand for senior care is immense and growing, necessitating a shift in how we think about solutions for the future. By championing a broader approach that includes partnerships with for-profit startups, the government can move beyond the status quo and foster a dynamic care ecosystem that leverages technology and fresh ideas to effectively address the increasing needs of our aging population.
A Post-Election Imperative
With the US elections as a reminder, BC progressives should be warned: if we don’t take care of those who are not represented, they will make their voices heard at the ballot box. This is a critical time for our government to not just listen to seniors and early-stage entrepreneurs but to take urgent action. Care must be affordable for everyone, and access must be improved through innovation. This is not just a challenge; it is an opportunity to bring about meaningful change by supporting those who are often overlooked.
Now is the time to work together and change the status quo. If Premier Eby’s government continues to be unresponsive, it will face significant repercussions in future elections. As seniors feel increasingly neglected, there is a risk they may shift their support away from the progressive base towards more right-leaning alternatives that promise to address their needs.
Conclusion
Premier Eby, I urge you to listen to the voices of the vulnerable seniors and the innovative entrepreneurs in British Columbia. The alarming trends affecting our communities must not be overlooked. This is an urgent call to action. We need a government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens—one that actively supports social enterprises and fosters innovation. The people of British Columbia deserve better care, better support, and a brighter future. Together, we can create a system that works for everyone, but we need your leadership and commitment to make it happen.
Let us unite to ensure that British Columbia remains a place where seniors can thrive and where entrepreneurs can innovate without barriers. The time for change is now.
About Tuktu Care: Tuktu Care (www.tuktu.ca) is an innovative platform dedicated to providing tailored support for seniors and individuals with special needs. Over the past three years, Tuktu has successfully served thousands of seniors and individuals with special needs, connecting them with community members who provide essential services at a fraction of the cost of traditional professional agencies, all while earning multiple awards and recognition for our innovative approach to care.
About the Author: Rustam Sengupta is the founder of Tuktu Care, with a passion for enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations through innovative solutions.