New Nanos Poll: Canadians say senior care an urgent election issue

OTTAWA, Oct. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - As Canadians celebrate National Seniors Day today, a new poll shows that the vast majority (83%) think it is important that the long-term health needs of seniors be addressed during this federal election campaign. The poll findings strongly support the ongoing efforts of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) to make the creation of a national senior strategy an issue for all candidates.

More than 25,000 Canadians have endorsed the CMA's call for action through www.demandaplan.ca.

In commissioning the poll, the CMA continues to connect with Canadians in calling attention to the fact that Canada's older population is set to almost double over the next 20 years, while the 85 and older population is set to quadruple. These demographic facts demand that our federal leaders act now.

Quick facts:

• Only 11% are confident and 31% somewhat confident that when they are 65 years of age or older they will be able to afford either daily home care or to reside in a private long-term care facility with the quality of life they would like.
• Only 10% are confident and 32% are somewhat confident that they will have appropriate supports (family, friends, or ability to pay for services) to provide the health care services they will need as they age.
• Almost half (43%) have a family member or close friend who is elderly and in need of daily home care or lives in a private long-term care facility.

Quotes:
"On this, National Seniors Day, we are seeing growing momentum as the federal parties engage with Canadians on how they would address the greatest looming challenge facing our nation: specifically how they would create a national senior strategy," said Dr. Cindy Forbes, the CMA President. "There are just 19 days remaining in the federal election campaign, the CMA and the over 25,000 supporters who have called for action on senior care through www.demandaplan.ca want action now."

Methodology:
These observations are based on a hybrid telephone (land- and cell-lines) and online random survey of 1,000 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between Sept. 12–15, 2015 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,000 Canadians is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care.

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

For further information: For a copy of the polling results or to request an interview, please contact: Email: [email protected], Tel: [phone]