10/06/2026
Message for Premier David Eby and Mayor Mike Hurley
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Not every senior needs long-term care. Senior care should be a multi-level system based on each person’s needs.
Seniors with lighter care needs can receive home support and continue living independently.
Seniors with moderate care needs can attend senior day programs.
Seniors with complex needs who can no longer safely remain at home may require long-term care.
Senior day programs are especially important for seniors living with dementia or cognitive impairment. Instead of staying home alone all day, they can receive supervision, participate in activities and exercise, have meals, and socialize with others. These programs can help seniors maintain their abilities, independence and social connections for as long as possible. They can also provide a safer environment for someone who may forget to turn off the stove, forget medications, or become confused when left home alone.
This is also a major issue for families. Many adults today are working full-time, raising their own children, and caring for aging parents at the same time. They cannot simply stop working to stay home all day. A senior day program allows families to bring their parents to a safe and supportive environment before work and bring them home after work. This can help seniors continue living with their families while giving caregivers the support they need.
Burnaby currently has only 2 Fraser Health Day Programs for Older Adults, while Vancouver has 13 Adult Day Program locations listed under Vancouver Coastal Health. Nearly one in five Burnaby residents is already 65 or older. As our population continues to age, we need to start planning now, not wait until more families are overwhelmed.
Healthcare is primarily a provincial responsibility, but that does not mean the City cannot help. The City of Burnaby can work with the Province and Fraser Health to develop a long-term plan for senior day programs across Burnaby. The City can identify areas where services are lacking, explore the use of City-owned land and facilities for senior services, and work with non-profit organizations and healthcare partners to create more community-based care options. When major new housing developments are planned, the City should also explore opportunities to develop and reserve appropriate space for senior day programs and other senior services.
We plan childcare and daycare spaces because parents need somewhere safe for their children while they work. As our population ages, we also need to plan daytime care and support for our seniors.
Senior care should not begin only when someone needs a long-term care bed. We need a complete continuum of care:
Home Support → Senior Day Programs → Long-Term Care
Let's take care of the seniors who built Burnaby.
VOTE ALLEN CHEN for BURNABY CITY COUCIL
