Canada's Aging Population
I believe Canada should take steps to implement a separate public program for its growing senior population. It is projected that by 2036, the senior population would double to 10.4 million and to make roughly one quarter of the population. The aging population of Canada is living longer and are healthier compared to previous generations. Health Care in Canada, 2011: A Focus on Seniors and Aging describes that the aging population are contributing to the rising public-sector health care spending. The government needs to make some decisions in the future in regards to Canada’s health care system to accommodate increasing aging population and their needs. In 2009-2010, it is reported that 40% of acute hospital stays were for senior patients.
The aging population’s length of stay is 1.5 times longer than non-senior adults. I believe that the government should shift from having the aging population waiting for a bed for a long-term care facility in the hospital to having the seniors being care for in their own homes. Canadian Medical Association recommends that the aging population to remain at home to promote the independence in their own homes and communities, and to avoiding costly institutionalization for as long as feasible (2013). In my personal experience, when completing my third-year extended practicum I noticed that 9 to 10 beds on the medical surgical ward was fill with alternate level of care patients who were either waiting for an assessment by the Geriatric Assessment Team or waiting for bed to open at the at the local long-term care facility (this occurs when someone passes away at the long-time care facility). This was disheartening to see because the hospital is ill equip to deal with the alternate level of care patients. The hospital staff were sometimes dealing with wandering patients who were diagnosed with dementia and medical emergencies at times. I am hoping to see some form of change soon for the aging population.
The aging population’s length of stay is 1.5 times longer than non-senior adults. I believe that the government should shift from having the aging population waiting for a bed for a long-term care facility in the hospital to having the seniors being care for in their own homes. Canadian Medical Association recommends that the aging population to remain at home to promote the independence in their own homes and communities, and to avoiding costly institutionalization for as long as feasible (2013). In my personal experience, when completing my third-year extended practicum I noticed that 9 to 10 beds on the medical surgical ward was fill with alternate level of care patients who were either waiting for an assessment by the Geriatric Assessment Team or waiting for bed to open at the at the local long-term care facility (this occurs when someone passes away at the long-time care facility). This was disheartening to see because the hospital is ill equip to deal with the alternate level of care patients. The hospital staff were sometimes dealing with wandering patients who were diagnosed with dementia and medical emergencies at times. I am hoping to see some form of change soon for the aging population.