The B.C. seniors advocate says nearly a third of unpaid family caregivers are stressed out to the point of breakdown due to serious gaps in seniors respite programs.

"This is a wake-up call for all of us," said Isobel Mackenzie.

"The evidence is clear that we are not connecting our unpaid caregivers, most of whom are family members, with the many supports that could bring them respite and reduce their stress."

Mackenzie says her report proves B.C. has some of the worst levels of stress and distress among caregivers in Canada, and is calling for improved access to adult day programs and respite beds, as well as increased home support.

The report collected data from "over 30,000 of our frailest seniors who are living in the community". Findings include;

Twenty-nine per cent of caregivers are in distress.

Unpaid caregivers provide 19 hours of care per week on average. This increases to 30 hours per week for caregivers in distress

Fifty-four per cent of caregivers would benefit from respite services however few are accessing the help.

There has been a reduction of clients and utilization in adult day programs in the last three years.

Home support services are not keeping pace with the aging population.

Respite services for seniors fall into three categories; Adult day programs outside of the home, in-home support, and respite bed stays.

Despite the growing need, Mackenzie found that a full quarter of the hours offered by current adult day programs aren't being used, even in locations where there are waiting lists, indicating a need to improve and streamline program administration.

Mackenzie noted Alberta is having extraordinary success with an adult day program not currently offered in B.C. It focused on seniors with highly complex care needs, and has been shown to reduce emergency room visits and hospital admissions by close to 50 per cent.

"I really hope the province looks at adopting that type of program in B.C.," said Mackenzie.

Health Minister Terry Lake acknowledges that the rapidly aging population is a concern when it comes to providing home-health services for seniors.

"We must take fresh approaches as we work to address the challenges we face in caring for our province's growing number of seniors," said Lake in a statement released by the Ministry of Health.