Alcohol and drug recovery homes are getting a much-needed financial boost from the province, while Victoria adds additional standards that must be met.
For some time, recovery home operators have been struggling financially, as costs associated with previous regulations hammered the bottom line.
The province has announced an increase of five dollars to the daily funding for recovery homes.
“A lot of the people supported by these facilities face additional and significant barriers as a result of poverty,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Rate increases are a step toward addressing the cost pressures that facility operators must manage, and these increases will ensure that our most vulnerable populations have access to the support they need, when they need it.”
At the same time, the province introduced more stringent regulations so that addictions services would be more reliable.
They include ensuring employees have adequate training, providing policy information up front so addicts and families can make informed decisions, developing a service plan, and ensuring seamless transition for clients as they move out.
“For far too long, people and their families have struggled to find safe, appropriate care during the most vulnerable times in their lives,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “These changes will help ensure the individual needs of people on a recovery journey are heard, understood and respected when seeking help from a supportive recovery home in B.C.”
The province is providing up to $4,000 for recovery facilities undertaking those changes.
Susan Sanderson, executive director, Realistic Success Recovery Society said the additional per diems are welcome.
“Recovery home operators have been struggling to provide professional services without the financial recourses to adequately meet their obligations,” Sanderson said. “This funding is essential for a strong and viable addiction recovery sector to meet the growing needs of our clients.”
Surrey Coun. Brenda Locke was at the announcement and welcomed both the new regulations and the extra funding.
“As you know, there are more recovery houses in Surrey than anywhere in Metro Vancouver,” Locke told Pulse FM Monday.
She noted that many of those facility owners have been struggling.
“I know several recovery houses that are using their own credit cards to pay bills,” Locke said. “On the flip of that, there are recovery homes in Surrey that aren’t running appropriately, and I think these new regulations will ensure that starts to happen in Surrey.”
