Independent living – it’s a big topic among seniors in the South Okanagan. If you spend any time among them, you will inevitably find that many have serious concerns about requirements beyond home medical services.
According to a new report by the “Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors’ Issues, this matter is going to come to the forefront of public consciousness soon,” The council was given the task of identifying how our society can support the participation, health and well being of older people in BC. Over the past year, they’ve had regular meetings, heard nearly 100 presentations, met with hundreds of British Columbians, and received written input from more than 200 individuals and organizations across the province.
Why do you think our government is going in this direction? Because they are seriously concerned about a dramatic shift in our population age, which is becoming significantly older. In a nutshell, the council has found that these changes are beginning to affect how our communities look and function, as seniors live longer and healthier than ever before.
The report states that “we have not always recognized seniors as valuable and contributing members of society, leading to a lack of opportunities for them to remaining active; sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise.”
It was also found that most older British Columbians don’t need or want to necessarily be supported through government services, with only a smaller percentage partaking of them. Still, many baby boomers have come home to nest, and this will create a burgeoning strain on home medical services which simply cannot meet all senior needs, especially those deemed non-medical.
So imagine having to go to see the doctor, but you can’t, because you either don’t drive, or don’t have the money to take a cab. The ride is essential to the senior, but not necessarily covered under home health care. A clean home is another example of non-medical care, but one which may lead to future health problems through an unhygienic environment. Nutrition is also important, with a good number having difficulties going shopping by themselves.
Situations such as these will become more common as our populations grow older. Think about that – because the median age in the South Okanagan is the oldest in Canada, with many not being able to count on receiving the same wages and benefits as younger people. But the vast majority of them are not finished being productive, and full participation of older people in society depends on taking into account their particular circumstances.
No matter how we slice it, this is going to become a hot button topic. We need a new vision for non-medical home support – one focused on prevention, maintaining quality of life and avoiding the high cost – financial and human – of institutional care. And it should dovetail, not be in competition with home medical support services.
Posted by Jorg Mardian RHN, CPT 