12: Public Policy Flashcards
steps to put everything together
Step 1: understanding the comprehensive picture
Step 2: recognizing the goal is reaching healthy aging communities
Step 3: Devising public policies
Guidelines for policy actions
○ For executive branches of the government
○ With regard to a class of issues
○ Consistent with law and institutional customs
T or F: public pension = provincial, healthcare = federal
F:
Public pension = federal
Healthcare = provincial
Issue with public policy
Reactive not proactive
Research
systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions
The study of the size, structure, and distribution (age) of human populations … what is this
demography
the study of distribution and determinants of health .. what is this
Epidemiology
2 ways to collect data in Scientific Research
- surveys
- epidemiological studies (clear aim, specific target population)
what is the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) goal
“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”
what type of lag exists in policy making
Culture or structural lag
A life-course approach to social policy is being advocated to prevent what?
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
T or F: policies are always cohesive between different levels of government
F: policies are addressed by several levels of government in different but often uncoordinated ways
T or F: some programs are partially funded at one level (federal) and delivered at another level (provincial)
T - ex. education
The British North America Act
gave the federal government jurisdiction over social matters and economic security but left other, related responsibilities to the provinces
downloading fiscal responsibility
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
At the federal level, programs for seniors are provided by at least 8 major departments
- Employment and social development canada
- The public health agency of canada
- Division of aging and seniors
- Health Canada
- First nations and inuit health
- Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- similar multi-departmental responsibilities exist at the provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal levels
what inhibits incohesive policy-making, fosters a lack of coordination among agencies, and creates gaps in the ideal continuum of services
Uncertainty over jurisdictional responsibilities
Public policy on issues of aging is a shared responsibility of who?
the state, the individual, and the family, as well as some private sectors
T or F: Policies must accomodate gender, marital, ethnic, regional, class, urban-rural, and other personal differences among only the recipients
F: recipients & those who provide care and service
Apocalyptic view of public policy argues ….
population aging means we can no longer finance all the health, social and economic benefits that older adults need
T or F: Policies include a mix of univeral and need-based benefits
T
Debate is fuelled when the following questions about economic and social security are raised:
- Should the public provide universal and complete pensions, or should individuals, through the private sector, be responsible for building their own pension benefits?
- Should the family or the state be responsible for the care and welfare of older citizens?
- Do older adults have the right, because of their past contributions, to be cared for in the later years?
- 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?
- Should scarce resources be reallocated to the elderly in the interest of social justice?
There should be programs and services that meet needs along a continuum from “_______” to “_______”
individualism to collectivism
privitization
way for gov. to reduce spending and demonstrate fiscal restraint to the voting public
- argue it would ease the public financial burden
Researchers/ public concerns with privatization
- If private sectors are more efficient
- If access to services will be restricted to those who can afford them
- If low quality of care may result if public services are discontinued
- If the required standards of care are unenforceable or are reduced so that a private entrepreneur can generate profit
Policy makers should be guided by fundamental principles and core values to …..
- 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
Values/principles help to eliminate discriminatory practices against older people, and they ensure older adult’s….
-autonomy
- independence
- safety
- security
- dignity
- self-esteem
- privacy
- right to choose
Policies and programs for older adults are often most effective if they are created with the following criteria and related question in mind
- Not exclusively based on age as a criterion for access or eligibility
- Developed by following needs assessment and research reviews that facilitate evidence-based decision-making
- Inclusive benefits-ask who is included and excluded
- Based on sharing through user fees
- Client centred
- Coordinated and integrated
- Based on collaboration and co-operation between ministries or agencies at all levels of government
- Protective of legal and human rights
- Designed to ensure that a minimum standard of living is maintained throughout the later life of all older citizens
- Evaluated and revised, as necessary
- Flexible
- Sustainable
