As the population ages, Canadian policy makers and individuals are asking themselves the same question: Will we be able to pay for our long-term care needs in the future?
Currently, the amount individuals pay for residential Long Term Care (LTC) varies widely between provinces, with public funds picking up the majority, or even all, of the bill. However, the pressure on both individual and government finances is set to further increase as a consequence of a large, looming funding gap for the sector. Even now, those wishing to access the system can face long waits for LTC spaces, leading to unneeded distress for seniors and their loved ones. Further, the consequences of this access crunch have a significant bearing on other parts of our already stretched health care system. So what can be done to mitigate the current issues and looming challenges?