Recent Canadian health statistics highlight that many people want to age at home, while falls and caregiver strain remain major concerns.
The Story
As British Columbia’s population ages, families across the province are increasingly focused on how to support older loved ones to stay safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible, a goal many seniors share.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 81% of Canadians want to age at home. CIHI has also noted that supporting people at home can improve quality of life and help preserve long-term-care capacity for people with more complex needs.
For many older adults, keeping independence may depend on having help with everyday activities. Those supports can include assistance with tasks such as bathing and dressing, preparing meals and staying hydrated, alongside help with medication routines and maintaining a safe home environment.
Falls are a leading safety concern. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that falls account for 89% of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadians aged 65 and older, and 34% of fall-related hospitalizations involve a hip fracture.
Home support can also be significant for family members providing care. CIHI reports that more than two in five unpaid caregivers of home-care clients experience distress, and among caregivers experiencing distress, two in three say continuing to provide care is difficult.
In practical terms, respite and shared day-to-day support can help relieve some of the burden on family caregivers while allowing seniors to remain in familiar surroundings and routines, when their needs can safely be met at home.
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