Fraser Health Reports Emergency Senior-Care Staffing Issues Amid Rising Elder Admissions
A growing senior population is straining B.C.’s health system as emergency rooms and long-term care homes face unprecedented staffing gaps.
Aging Population, Overwhelmed System
Fraser Health is facing a senior-care crisis — and it’s putting emergency departments and long-term care (LTC) homes under significant pressure. As admissions of older adults rise sharply across the region, staffing shortages have led to temporary emergency room closures, extended wait times, and concerns about the safety of vulnerable seniors.
In early August, Mission Memorial Hospital and Delta Hospital reported temporary emergency department service interruptions due to a lack of available physicians, a decision that underscores the fragile state of health infrastructure (Fraser Health).
But the issue goes beyond emergency medicine — and straight into the heart of senior care.
The Crisis Behind the Numbers
Fraser Health serves one of the fastest-aging populations in Canada, and the numbers are sobering:
- The number of British Columbians waiting for publicly funded long-term care tripled between 2016 and 2025, now topping 7,000.
- Nearly 50% of new long-term care residents are admitted from hospitals — not home — indicating a sharp increase in “emergency” placements.
- Despite this demand, LTC bed supply has grown just 8% in the last decade, according to the Office of the Seniors Advocate BC.
These numbers point to a growing imbalance: more seniors need care, but the infrastructure and staffing can’t keep up.
“A System at Breaking Point”
“We’re seeing hospitals backlogged because seniors are stuck in beds, waiting for long-term care spots that don’t exist,” says Dr. Karen Liu, a geriatrician and policy advocate. “Frontline workers are burned out, and seniors are paying the price.”
The issue isn’t just bed capacity — it’s people.
Many senior-care homes in Fraser Health report staffing levels below recommended standards, leading to rushed care, medication delays, and fewer emotional and social supports for residents. Frontline workers report frequent mandatory overtime, burnout, and moral distress, making recruitment and retention even harder.
Related: Nature’s Cure in the Valley: Elderberry, Nettle Tea, and the Healing Traditions of Fraser Valley Farms
Related: AI Fitness Apps & Wearables: The Future of Health for BC Residents
Why It’s Happening — And What Comes Next
Several deep-rooted issues have brought the system to this point:
- Underinvestment in LTC Infrastructure: With the senior population projected to increase by 49% by 2035, experts say the pace of new bed creation is far too slow.
- Insufficient Community Supports: Seniors often enter hospitals because in-home care options are unaffordable or unavailable, particularly in rural areas.
- Workforce Shortages: The province has struggled to attract and retain enough qualified nurses, care aides, and physicians, especially in elder-focused specialties.
Despite these pressures, provincial health officials say they’re working on solutions, including:
- Fast-tracking international nurse credentials
- Funding new LTC beds in priority regions
- Expanding home-support programs for aging in place
Still, critics argue system-wide reform is needed — not just patchwork fixes.
Public Frustration and Hope for Change
For families, the situation feels personal.
“My dad waited six weeks in a hospital bed before getting a care home placement,” says Langley resident Janelle Morrison. “The nurses were amazing, but they were stretched thin. It shouldn’t be this way.”
Online forums and social media reveal growing frustration among caregivers and seniors alike, but also a groundswell of advocacy pushing for change.
The BC Seniors Advocate has laid out a bold roadmap, including:
- Expanding affordable assisted living
- Increasing transparency in waitlist management
- Raising staffing ratios to reflect real care needs
What’s at Stake
The current crisis in Fraser Health isn’t just about staffing numbers — it’s about how we value and protect our aging population. As elder admissions rise and frontline caregivers sound the alarm, one thing is clear: the time for meaningful, system-wide change is now.
If ignored, this could be just the beginning of a larger healthcare reckoning across Canada.
