Home Care Crisis in Canada - Ontario Sees Mass Exodus of Caregivers from In-Home Care to Facilities Leaving Families Behind
More people need long-term health care worldwide, including in Canada. However, home health services are finding it hard to staff providers leaving families in a lurch.
In some parts of the United States, labor shortages have affected the long-term health care industry, limited available care, and increasing the cost.
In Ontario, Canada, nurses, home health aides, and therapists are leaving their jobs in large numbers for jobs in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
"We lost literally over 3,000 nurses and skilled therapists and personal support workers to other parts of the health-care system," said Sue VanderBent, the CEO of Home Care Ontario, representing home-care providers in the province, quoted on CP24's website.
Wages Part of the Problem
Wage parity is considered part of the issue as in-home caregivers make less than their counterparts in hospitals and facilities. However, being at home is preferred by most people who require long-term health care services.
A Home Care Ontario survey of 1000 people aged 55 and older showed that 91% would rather stay in their homes if the proper care were available.
Research in the United States has shown the same type of preference for in-home care. Most Long-Term Care Insurance claims pay for benefits for home health care.
Cost of Care Rising Quickly
Home care services are not cheap and are increasing in Canada, just like in the U.S. Home care agency costs average between $28C and $35C depending on the types of services required. The average cost in Ontario averages between $20.00C to $30.00C per hour for general home support, personal care, and companionship services, with professional services like nursing and rehab services increasing the overall costs.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
There is Long-Term Care Insurance available in Canada, but many Canadians think all their long-term care costs are paid by their national health system.
In the United States, Long-Term Care Insurance is widely available and pays huge benefits, helping policyholders stay in their homes. In 2020 over $11.6 Billion in benefits were paid out from Long-Term Care Insurance policies.
You must have a policy in force before you need care and your health changes. Ideally, the best time to obtain coverage is before retirement in your 40s or 50s.
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The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
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Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
There are many people today that have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can use the money in your home to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, add retirement income, or even pay for in-home care if you need care now.
You can ask questions to LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show 62 Who Knew in the LTC NEWS feature "Ask Mike." His expertise in caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages can be a valuable resource - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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