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- Be Aware Health Care | June 5th, 2024
Be Aware Health Care | June 5th, 2024
Should You Grow Old In Your Own Home?
Good morning readers. When you think about dealing with old age many think of senior care facilities. It’s not uncommon. But if you ask Canadians where they want to be in old age, over 85% say in their own home. This is what’s commonly referred to now as Aging-in-Place. It’s not surprising most would, but what’s actually better. You’re own home or a dedicated care facility.
We analyzed 8 studies to get an answer to this question. 88% say “Yes”. None of the articles suggested it was worse. And the final 12% say “Possibly”. The studies suggest aging-in-place improves safety, autonomy, quality of life, social connectedness, and reduce hospitalizations.
And while this kind of care system comes with challenges, just know that many are pushing for this kind of change.
How do you prefer to age?
In this week’s email of last week’s news:
Ontario News
Toronto Protests Privatization of Healthcare
Providing Stability to Healthcare Workers
Nurse Practitioners Vital in Addressing Healthcare Challenges
Ontario Health Regulators Enhance Patient Experience
Canada as a Whole
Pan-Canadian Milk Network Monitors Bird Flu in Dairy Cows
Federal Government and Alberta Invest $627 Million in Seniors Care
Concerns Raised Over Travel Nurse Spending
Ontario News
Toronto Protests Privatization of Healthcare
Thousands marched in Toronto against Doug Ford's healthcare privatization plans. Led by the Ontario Health Coalition, protesters voiced concerns over hospital closures and privatization moves. The rally saw support from Ontario Green Party leaders, emphasizing people over profits in healthcare. Health Minister Sylvia Jones defended the government's stance, advocating for expanded healthcare access beyond the current system.
Providing Stability to Healthcare Workers
HOOPP welcomed 35 new employers in 2023, expanding its membership to over 460,000 and 670 employers. The stable pension plan provides secure retirement benefits to healthcare workers. A survey showed that enhanced retirement benefits led to increased productivity and reduced employee financial stress. HOOPP's expansion aims to offer retirement security to more healthcare workers, contributing significantly to the Canadian economy.
Nurse Practitioners Vital in Addressing Healthcare Challenges
Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in addressing Ontario's healthcare challenges, offering timely and accessible care, especially in underserved areas. Research highlights higher patient satisfaction and better health outcomes with NP-led care. To maximize their potential, Ontario needs innovative care models and expanded educational programs to transform healthcare delivery.
Ontario Health Regulators Enhance Patient Experience
Ontario Health Regulators provide an online platform for residents to address healthcare concerns and complaints. It offers information about regulated health professionals, guides users through the complaint process, and promotes transparency and accountability. Patients can verify credentials and disciplinary history, ensuring informed decision-making and supporting patient rights.
Canada as a Whole
Pan-Canadian Milk Network Monitors Bird Flu in Dairy Cows
Canadian scientists launched the Pan-Canadian Milk Network to monitor H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows, prompted by an outbreak in U.S. cows. Their surveillance aims to act as an early warning system, complementing efforts by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Ongoing testing remains a priority for early detection and containment.
Federal Government and Alberta Invest $627 Million in Seniors Care
The "Aging with Dignity" agreement allocates $627 million over five years to improve seniors care in Alberta. The initiative supports home care, palliative care, and services in continuing care homes, ensuring seniors can age in their communities with dignity and support. It includes increased training, mental health support for care workers, and expanded caregiver supports.
Concerns Raised Over Travel Nurse Spending
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services spent $91 million on travel nursing in 2023, raising concerns about nurse retention and recruitment. Variations in spending across health authorities and surging costs throughout the year highlight the need for addressing reliance on travel nurses. Plans are underway to reduce reliance by 2026, with an investigation into health sector contracts ongoing.