The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) estimates at least $2.3 billion a year could be used more effectively for seniors’ care. In a Saskatoon Star Phoenix article, CMA President Louis Hugo Francescutti said that our system is “not oriented toward taking care of people who are living longer.” A survey released by the CMA said that 81% of Canadians aged 45 and older who were polled are worried about the quality of health care they can expect in the future. 95% of the people polled endorsed the need for a national seniors-care strategy. The CMA says a pan-Canadian strategy would allow older people to be cared for at home or in long-term care facilities, reducing hospital bed shortages. According to the association, a one-day stay in hospital costs up to $1000, but one day in long-term care costs about $130, while home care costs $55. More than 90% of survey respondents agree that finding ways to keep older people living at home for as long as possible and not in hospitals or long-term care facilities, would improve the entire health care system. United Way British Columbia manages the seniors program Better at Home. Funded by the provincial government, the program provides a range of non-medical supports to seniors so that they can stay living in their own homes longer. There are 46 communities across B.C. that offer Better at Home and another 14 communities set to open their doors this fall.
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