MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, November 6, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Congratulations to Revera and the International Federation on Ageing on their informative report on Canadians' attitudes and assumptions about aging. The Revera Report on Ageism is an excellent tool to begin the conversation and understand that ageism is not an old person's problem; it is a societal problem and a collective responsibility.
The Canadian Home Care Association (CHCA) believes that well resourced home care programs can play a major role in supporting our aging population by providing necessary supports to optimize opportunities for seniors to remain healthy, independent and active participants in their communities. Today's seniors are typically healthier and more independent longer in life, and as identified in the Revera Report on Ageism are both positive and optimistic about aging and life in general. Building on this momentum of optimism, we must re-examine our approach to long term care and challenge society's preconceived ideas and negative attitudes towards seniors. Revera, in collaboration with their partners and contributors, is doing just that through their "Age is More" initiative at www.ageismore.com.
"Today, four in five seniors living at home have at least one diagnosed chronic condition", stated John Schram, President of the CHCA "Those living with chronic conditions are the highest users of health care services, but the system is not designed to address the health needs of this population."
According to the Revera Report on Ageism, nearly nine-in-ten seniors aged 66 and older who encountered ageism from the government, attribute it to programs and policies that do not take into account the needs of older people.
"Technological advancements have opened up new options for supporting aging at home," said Nadine Henningsen, Executive Director of the CHCA. "Today's mobile, user-friendly technology has the potential to fundamentally change health care and support a more efficient, person-centred approach regardless of the care setting."
This direction is supported in one of the three recommendations stated in the Revera Report on Ageism, - 'to invest in technologies that can help older people live independently for longer.'
The CHCA has commissioned the development of a report that will examine the potential for technological innovations to enhance independence and improve health outcomes in the home setting. We look forward to sharing the findings and working with governments and stakeholders across Canada to advance technology and build an integrated health system that supports aging at home.
The Canadian Home Care Association (CHCA) is a not for profit membership association dedicated to ensuring the availability of accessible, responsive home care and community supports to enable people to stay safely in their homes with dignity, independence and quality of life.
