Chapter 8 Flashcards
What were the key milestones in Canada’s healthcare system development?
1968: Medical Care Act (universal healthcare framework).
1972: Universal medical care implemented (public insurance for acute care).
1984: Canada Health Act (federal/provincial cost-sharing, 5 principles: public, comprehensive, universal, accessible, portable).
Recent shifts: Privatization, community-based care, for-profit home care creating access inequities.
How do older adults (65+) impact Canada’s healthcare system?
17% of population (2016) but account for:
50%+ acute-care hospital days.
45% of health expenditures.
Trends: Shorter acute-care stays, aging contributes only 0.8% annually to spending increases.
Compare home care and residential care for older adults.
Home Care:
Goal: “Age in place” with medical/social support.
Challenges: Varied provincial funding, focus on short-term/emergency needs, relies on family.
Residential Care:
24/7 supervised care (7% of 65+, 30% of 85+).
Includes non-profit/for-profit institutions.
List key challenges in Canadian LTC (long-term care)
Underfunding.
Workforce shortages.
Lack of integration with health/social systems.
Pandemic issues (PPE shortages, visitor restrictions, burnout).
What is the Ecological Model of Aging?
Theory: Adaptation depends on individual competence (health, cognition) and environmental press (demands from physical/social environments).
Criticism: Assumes passivity; later added proactivity (older adults actively adapt environments).
What are key concerns about older drivers?
Challenges: Age vs. competence in licensing.
Solutions: Family/physician oversight, alternative transit (taxis, specialized services).
Impact: Relinquishing licenses linked to depression (especially men).
How does crime affect older adults?
Low violent crime rates, but high financial fraud.
Hidden victims: Underreporting due to fear.
50% fear crime, impacting mental health.
Describe homelessness trends among older adults.
10–20% of homeless population are 55+.
Causes: Lifelong disadvantage or recent trauma (financial/health crises).
Women: Growing numbers; avoid shelters due to safety concerns
What are the pros/cons of aging in place?
Aging in Place:
Pros: Familiarity, independence.
Cons: Home maintenance costs, isolation.
Moving: Often triggered by health needs or proximity to family.
What housing options exist for older adults?
Independent: Family homes.
Supportive: Retirement homes (meals, cleaning).
Dependent: LTC facilities (high care needs).
Quality varies by integration (age-segregated vs. mixed).
What ethical challenges arise in LTC?
Autonomy vs. safety (e.g., scheduling baths/meals).
Principlism: Focus on dignity, privacy, justice.
Solutions: Ethics committees, resident-centered care.
Why do older adults migrate?
Primary Reasons:
Health accommodations.
Closer to family.
Better neighborhoods/services.
Types:
Amenity migration (healthy, climate-seeking).
Assistance migration (disability-driven).
What defines an age-friendly community?
Features: Safe housing, transportation, social inclusion, healthcare access.
Goal: Enable active aging through policy/environmental design.
How does gentrification affect older adults?
character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process
Why is person-environment interaction critical in aging?
Mismatch leads to stress/loss of independence.
Adaptations: Home modifications, social support.
3 environmental domains
Structural resources (housing)
Social support (family, friends)
Service support (home care, health services)
