Understanding Health and Social Services for Seniors in Canada

Canada’s demographic trend presents key challenges for health and social services for seniors. Just as demand for services, especially in health care and related areas, is expected to grow, the revenues for their provision are expected to shrink. These challenges will need to be addressed proactively to ensure system readiness and viability.

This report provides a uniquely comprehensive overview of seniors care in Canada in 2015 that can inform the design of future programs, plans, and strategies to better address seniors’ needs. It presents the social and economic context of seniors’ health in Canada; notes measures that are being or can be implemented to help individuals remain independent for as long as possible; looks at the services currently available; and explores challenges to seniors care programs. Finally, the report presents good practices and emerging approaches, from both Canada and other countries, that are improving the provision of and satisfaction with seniors care among clients and their families.