MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 16, 2012 /CNW/ -The Canadian Home Care Association (CHCA) welcomes the recommendations on home care for seniors identified in the Health Council of Canada's report, " Seniors in need, caregivers in distress: What are the home care priorities for seniors in Canada?". Recognition of home care as an essential component of an integrated health system, provision of support and relief for family caregivers, leveraging innovative practices and ensuring investment and resources for home care are all important actions that the Canadian Home Care Association strongly endorses.
"Appropriately resourced home care programs play a critical role in managing wait lists, supporting health promotion and chronic disease management and enabling the frail elderly to live independently in their own homes," stated Nadine Henningsen, Executive Director, Canadian Home Care Association. "Governments must continue to recognize and resource home care as a cost effective and care effective strategy within the broader health system."
This comprehensive report presents a detailed profile of seniors (aged 65+) receiving home care and the family caregivers who provide support and care. The Health Council clearly recognizes the importance of home care as a cornerstone of the health system and profiles a number of innovative programs and policies that can be replicated across the country. "To ensure we meet seniors' desire and expectations to remain in or return to their homes, we need a seamless, integrated system," said John G. Abbott, Chief Executive Officer, Health Council of Canada. "We must optimize opportunities for seniors to remain healthy, independent and active participants in their communities. Home care is critical to achieving this goal."
The urgent need for support for family caregivers highlighted in the report is a welcome and critical component. "Integral to the delivery of home care services are family caregivers," confirmed John Schram, President, Canadian Home Care Association, "governments must implement policies and programs that support the health and wellbeing of this valuable resource."
While Canadians today are typically healthier and more independent longer in life, our aging population will require a new approach from our health care system. Home care programs make a huge contribution to an efficient and sustainable health system, and by acting on the recommendations in this report governments and stakeholders can realize that potential. The CHCA looks forward to working with all stakeholders to advance home care as an important component of an improved health care system that is responsive to seniors and all Canadians.
About the Canadian Home Care Association
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 in their homes with safety, dignity and quality of life.
Nadine Henningsen, Executive Director
Ph: 905 361-3277
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @CdnHomeCare
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