In 2012, there are about 22,000 caregivers in B.C. that are over the age of 60 and looking after children 20 and older with a disability. These aging parents are growing in number and are finding it difficult to provide care for their adult children with developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
Community Living lobbied the government in 2008 to establish the Registered Disability Savings Plan. The government pays a matching grant up to 300% along with a bond of up to $1,000 a year to low-income people with a disability. Now, Community Living works with 18,900 clients and expects an increase by 14% in the next five years.
Other agencies, such as the non-profit Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network, works with families with a disabled child to build a network of medical support, finances and long-term housing. Currently, the agency works with 67 clients with disabilities, about half of whom are older than 40. Families pay $200 a month for membership, and get help with representation agreements, will/trust/estate planning, and join a network of families in similar situations so they can share their own experiences.
Where else can you find health networks in Canada? Here are a few!
BC: Integrated Health Network (IHNs)
AB: Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
MB: MB Healthcare Providers Network
ON: Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs)
QC: Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux
NB, NS. PEI: Horizon Health Network