Home care needs in Canada
Archived Content
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.
Description: Home care needs in Canada
Home care needs in Canada
Home care services allow people of all ages to receive care at home rather than in a hospital or long-term care facility.
Home care services include short-term care for recovery; long-term care for disabilities, chronic conditions or age limitations; and end-of-life care. Care provided by family or friends is not included.
About 1.2 million Canadian adults needed home care services
Of these,
- 26% had their needs unmet.
- 10% had their needs partially met.
Benefits of home care use
- Ability to remain at home
- Reduced costs associated with institutional options
- Improved quality of life
- Decreased mortality
Top barriers to obtaining home care
- Availability of services
- Personal characteristics
- Cost
- Ineligibility; doctor does not think it necessary
Factors associated with unmet home care needs
- Age - 35 to 49 years of age were more likely to have unmet home care needs
- Not having long-term care insurance
- Fair or poor self-perceived health
- Living alone
Negative effects of unmet home care needs
- Overall poorer health
- Increased use of other health services
- Admission to nursing homes
- Reduced emotional well-being
Who paid for the home care services, by household?
- 52% were paid for solely by government
- 27% were paid for solely out-of-pocket
- 8% paid for at least in part by government and/or insurance
- 7% were paid for solely by insurance
- 6% were paid for by other sources
Sources
Gilmour, H. 2018. "Formal home care use in Canada." Health Reports 29 (9): 3–9.
Gilmour, H. 2018. "Unmet home care needs in Canada." Health Reports 29 (11): 3–11.
- Date modified: