The BC Care Providers Association says the province needs to be getting ready for a higher demand for long-term seniors care beds.

Vice president of public affairs Mike Klassen says there already is a pinch for those long-term spaces.

“We have shortages right across the province, in particular feeling it in the Interior. It’s a red flag for people in local government, and the province and the health ministry who are very well aware. Health authorities must know that this demand is coming,” Klassen says.

“That long-term care piece for the baby boomers who are not that far away. I mean, within sort of 15 to 20 years, many of them will be in their eighties and nineties and needing that additional help.”

A report released by the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation says 18 per cent of B.C.’s population is aged 65 or older, and it says that will increase to 25 per cent in 15 years.

The CMHC report also found that vacancies for seniors homes overall went up last year, for the first time since 2012. Klassen says he expects that may not be a trend going forward.