Healthy aging is an integral part of healthy living and has a significant impact on population health. As one ages, factors that affect health include economic status, availability of health-care and community services, and infrastructure such as transportation and appropriate housing.
COVID-19 and long-term care (LTC) in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-standing systemic problems in Canada for older adults, especially those living in LTC homes. The tragic outcomes in LTC are in part a result of decades of neglect of the sector. During the pandemic, COVID-19 cases in LTC homes accounted for 69% of deaths in Canada (the worst outcome globally), whereas the international average was 41%. The tragic outcomes in LTC are in part a result of decades of neglect of the sector. Staff levels have been reduced while the workforce mix and training have not evolved to align with the complex needs of seniors. In addition, many homes are old and not designed for modern infection prevention and control practices. CNA is calling for a cohesive, pan-Canadian approach to long-term care that guarantees quality of care, no matter where it is delivered by:
- Implementing national standards for long-term care in Canada
- Providing dedicated funding to the long-term care sector tied to meeting these standards.
CNA recommendations to the federal government