Climate Readiness in British Columbia’s Long-term Care Home Sector
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Year 2024
- Principal investigator Jennifer Baumbusch
- Co-lead(s) Lara Croll, BC Care Providers Association
- Host institution University of British Columbia
- Research location University of British Columbia - Vancouver Campus
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Team members
- Lara Croll, BC Care Providers Association
- Elizabeth Bruch, Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy
- Anna Bunce, Ministry of Health
- Lisa Dawson, Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils
- Matthew Fagan, Northern Health
- Christine Meng, University of British Columbia
- Victoria Pickles, Island Health
- Kirsten Rossiter, Fraser Health
- Myles Seargent, Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (CCGHC)
Healthcare is one of the largest industrial contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, and is responsible for 5.2% of national emissions. We are also increasingly aware of the health impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect older adults. Long-term care homes (LTC) homes, where frail older adults requiring complex care receive round-the-clock nursing care, are a critical component of the healthcare continuum of services. Yet, in comparison to hospitals, the LTC home sector receives relatively little attention in climate policy or research. The purpose of this project is to (a) assess climate readiness of the LTC home sector in British Columbia and (b) identify priorities for research, policy and practice in this area. We will assess climate readiness by: (1) conducting a cross-sectional survey of LTC homes in British Columbia to collect information related to sustainability and climate readiness, and (2) have a sub-set of LTC homes complete the Long-term Care Scorecard developed by the Canadian Coalition for Green Healthcare. After gathering this information, we will hold a virtual summit to share the findings and develop climate readiness priorities for research, policy and practice.