2022-14 - A National Strategy for Senior Care in Canada
Whereas Statements
- Whereas #1 Statistics Canada reports that four out of ten Canadians are now classified as old or aging, with 19% aged 65+ and 22% between 55-64.
- Whereas #2 A study by the Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates that one million Canadians will have dementia by 2030.
- Whereas #3 Many developed countries, such as Denmark and the UK, have advanced senior care services that support aging populations in maintaining independent living.
- Whereas #4 Canada’s senior care system lacks uniformity, with inconsistent funding and oversight, leading to unequal access and negative impacts on elderly care.
Resolved Statements
Resolved #1 The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts as policy the development and establishment of a National Strategy for Senior Care to meet the needs of seniors at all levels of care.
Resolved #2 The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to develop and implement a National Senior Care Strategy to address:
- (a) Home care and health services
- (b) Respite care for caregivers
- (c) Intergenerational interaction programs
- (d) Programs to mitigate dementia onset
- (e) Institutional care home improvements
- (f) Addressing modifiable risk factors that improve brain health
- (g) Creation of national senior care standards
- (h) Increased public accountability in senior care
Resolved #3 The NCWC encourages Provincial Councils to support and implement national strategies for senior care to ensure consistent and effective services for the elderly at all levels of care.