British Columbia is preparing for a seniors’ boom that will change the way housing and care are delivered.

It’s all part of planning for an emerging generation of seniors, many of whom are healthier, more active and living longer than in the past.

As the province’s baby boomers near 65, health care planners are recognizing that many seniors want more choices besides home care or the traditional care facilities that first became popular in the 1970s.

They want to remain active in their communities and have supports that enable them to enjoy a quality lifestyle.

The province is responding with more flexible housing and care options. And more safeguards to protect seniors’ health and safety.

Assisted living gives seniors, people with disabilities and other adults who want to live on their own, but need some personal assistance, the choice of apartment-style living with support services, such as help with dressing, grooming or taking medications. Residences can be publicly funded, offering seniors a comfortable home for 70 per cent of their after-tax income, or privately funded, providing accommodation at market rates.

Because health and safety is important to seniors and other assisted living occupants, legislation introduced by the provincial government, the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, requires all assisted living residences in British Columbia to be registered and meet health and safety standards.

Any health or safety complaints will be investigated by the province’s assisted living registrar Susan Adams. Following the opening of her Vancouver office this May, Adams has been working to register the more than 100 assisted living residences in the province.

The standards she upholds cover everything from safe building design to ensuring occupants’ rooms are clean and that balanced and nutritious meals are served. They also include requirements for helping occupants to take their medications. Over time, the standards will evolve, in consultation with consumer groups and housing and care professionals, to keep pace with changes in assisted living.

This commitment to quality care is just part of the province’s overall strategy of providing more choices that better suit the lifestyles of a new and vibrant seniors’ generation, while ensuring facility care is available for those who need it.