The demographic profile of Ontario is one of an aging society. The number of people aged 75 and over is projected to rise from 865,000 in 2010 to almost 2.2 million by 2036. The 90+ group will more than triple in size, from 79,000 to 291,000. Projections indicate that in twenty years, 10.6 per cent of the population will be over 75 years old. [Ontario Ministry of Finance]
Loss of Independence
Seniors, as a group, are healthier and more active; and the seniors of the future are predicted to be amongst the healthiest in history. Notwithstanding this, a consequence of aging is that the likelihood of developing chronic conditions and long term illness increases which can compromise the prospect of independence.
Most seniors wish to remain independent during their older years. Successful aging requires a holistic approach – avoiding disease and disability; maintaining cognitive ability; and engaging with life. One of the most significant and least desirable outcomes for a community dwelling senior is to be prematurely institutionalized because of the lack of home and community care based health and social support options.
“96% of respondents in Ontario are more likely to agree that Canada needs a national seniors’ health care strategy.”
Ipsos Reid
Growing numbers of seniors are ‘at risk’ at home because they need more help than is currently available in the health care system. Private supportive home care delivered by Living Assistance Services and other private agencies can help seniors stay out of care facilities and remain or go where they want to be…at home. Living Assistance Services elderly care provides an optional service which both compliments and relieves the burden on the overloaded publicly insured system by providing additional first rate private care at a time, place and for as many hours as required by the Care Recipient, family, or physician. In many cases, Home Care can be scheduled within confines of the family budget and may be cancelled at any time.
Home Care For Seniors
It is a fact that too many Ontarians receive primary health care in hospital emergency departments and too many hospital beds are used to care for non-acutely ill people who could be at home with supports. The system must change to help these people get more appropriate elderly care through a well resourced and well-coordinated home care system that is integrated with the broader health sector, including private agencies such as Living Assistance Services.
Edited by David Porter
Home Care Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Finance, Ipos Reid