There’s No Place Like Home – Except Somewhere To Live!
As our society ages there is an increasing need to provide care for the elderly. Yet ironically, the more elderly our loved ones become, the more we don’t want to look after them in our own homes. Instead, we turn to alternate facilities to care for them when they can no longer look after themselves.
Federal, Provincial and Municipal Social and Healthcare structures are still overburdened and under funded. Waiting lists for non-private alternate care facilities are under severe strain with a 12 – 18 month wait being commonplace.
When placement is finally made, the care that a loved one receives is too often one of functional process due to under funding - not of quality life care. Waiting lists at private facilities are almost as long – filled with those that can afford to pay from $1,500 - $6,500 a month.
Increasingly, various levels of government are encouraging those who need care to seek alternatives and are placing an emphasis on in-home care. This moves the burden away from care facilities - usually onto the shoulders of a family member.
As a result, the caregiving family member struggles with the stress of coping with a new, highly emotional situation while juggling the practical needs and requirements of the care recipient. We know from current statistics that the situation is only going to get worse.
What and where are the long term plans for long term care from all levels of government?
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