12: Public Policy

Question 1

steps to put everything together

Answer 1

Step 1: understanding the comprehensive picture
Step 2: recognizing the goal is reaching healthy aging communities
Step 3: Devising public policies

Question 2

Guidelines for policy actions

Answer 2

○ For executive branches of the government
○ With regard to a class of issues
○ Consistent with law and institutional customs

Question 3

T or F: public pension = provincial, healthcare = federal

Answer 3

F:
Public pension = federal
Healthcare = provincial

Question 4

Issue with public policy

Answer 4

Reactive not proactive

Question 5

Research

Answer 5

systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions

Question 6

The study of the size, structure, and distribution (age) of human populations … what is this

Answer 6

demography

Question 7

the study of distribution and determinants of health .. what is this

Answer 7

Epidemiology

Question 8

2 ways to collect data in Scientific Research

Answer 8

1. surveys
2. epidemiological studies (clear aim, specific target population)

Question 9

what is the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) goal

Answer 9

“to improve the quality of life and health of older Canadians by understanding and addressing the consequences of a wide range of factors associated with aging”

Question 10

what type of lag exists in policy making

Answer 10

Culture or structural lag

Question 11

A life-course approach to social policy is being advocated to prevent what?

Answer 11

intergenerational conflict
- recognize that traditional view of a life course with 3 distinct stages (education, work, retirement ) is no longer the societal norm
- 3 stages overlap, citizens have the right to learn and work at any age

Question 12

T or F: policies are always cohesive between different levels of government

Answer 12

F: policies are addressed by several levels of government in different but often uncoordinated ways

Question 13

T or F: some programs are partially funded at one level (federal) and delivered at another level (provincial)

Answer 13

T - ex. education

Question 14

The British North America Act

Answer 14

gave the federal government jurisdiction over social matters and economic security but left other, related responsibilities to the provinces

Question 15

downloading fiscal responsibility

Answer 15

When federal debt and deficits grow = transfer payments to the pronvince are reduced = provinces reduce transfer payments to regional and municipal governments

• lower level of government must now pay for a service that must previously have been provided by a government agency

Question 16

At the federal level, programs for seniors are provided by at least 8 major departments

Answer 16

1. Employment and social development canada
2. The public health agency of canada
3. Division of aging and seniors
4. Health Canada
5. First nations and inuit health
6. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
7. Veterans Affairs Canada
8. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

• similar multi-departmental responsibilities exist at the provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal levels

Question 17

what inhibits incohesive policy-making, fosters a lack of coordination among agencies, and creates gaps in the ideal continuum of services

Answer 17

Uncertainty over jurisdictional responsibilities

Question 18

Public policy on issues of aging is a shared responsibility of who?

Answer 18

the state, the individual, and the family, as well as some private sectors

Question 19

T or F: Policies must accomodate gender, marital, ethnic, regional, class, urban-rural, and other personal differences among only the recipients

Answer 19

F: recipients & those who provide care and service

Question 20

Apocalyptic view of public policy argues ….

Answer 20

population aging means we can no longer finance all the health, social and economic benefits that older adults need

Question 21

T or F: Policies include a mix of univeral and need-based benefits

Answer 21

T

Question 22

Debate is fuelled when the following questions about economic and social security are raised:

Answer 22

1. Should the public provide universal and complete pensions, or should individuals, through the private sector, be responsible for building their own pension benefits?
2. Should the family or the state be responsible for the care and welfare of older citizens?
3. Do older adults have the right, because of their past contributions, to be cared for in the later years?
4. Should expensive health-care services, such as transplants and hip replacements, MRI scans, pacemakers, and kidney dialysis, be rationed or restricted on the basis of age rather than need, or should there be copayments?
5. Should scarce resources be reallocated to the elderly in the interest of social justice?

Question 23

There should be programs and services that meet needs along a continuum from “_______” to “_______”

Answer 23

individualism to collectivism

Question 24

privitization

Answer 24

way for gov. to reduce spending and demonstrate fiscal restraint to the voting public
- argue it would ease the public financial burden

Question 25

Researchers/ public concerns with privatization

Answer 25

1. If private sectors are more efficient
2. If access to services will be restricted to those who can afford them
3. If low quality of care may result if public services are discontinued
4. If the required standards of care are unenforceable or are reduced so that a private entrepreneur can generate profit

Question 26

Policy makers should be guided by fundamental principles and core values to …..

Answer 26

• Enhance well-being and independence
• Ensure comprehensive coverage and full access to the benefits provided by policies
• Contain costs
• Respect fundamental human rights
• Meet the diverse needs of aging population

Question 27

Values/principles help to eliminate discriminatory practices against older people, and they ensure older adult’s….

Answer 27

-autonomy
- independence
- safety
- security
- dignity
- self-esteem
- privacy
- right to choose

Question 28

Policies and programs for older adults are often most effective if they are created with the following criteria and related question in mind

Answer 28

1. Not exclusively based on age as a criterion for access or eligibility
2. Developed by following needs assessment and research reviews that facilitate evidence-based decision-making
3. Inclusive benefits-ask who is included and excluded
4. Based on sharing through user fees
5. Client centred
6. Coordinated and integrated
7. Based on collaboration and co-operation between ministries or agencies at all levels of government
8. Protective of legal and human rights
9. Designed to ensure that a minimum standard of living is maintained throughout the later life of all older citizens
10. Evaluated and revised, as necessary
11. Flexible
12. Sustainable