In Alberta, and globally, demographics have never been as relevant and important, particularly since senior living is now a crucial and pricey part of health care.
The numbers underscore the urgency. People worldwide are living longer! Today, most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond. Every country in the world is experiencing growth in both the size and the proportion of older persons in the population. By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60+.
According to Jason Nixon, Alberta’s Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, “Alberta is currently home to approximately 830,000 seniors. The demographic is projected to grow to more than one million by 2033. As our senior population grows, Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring older Albertans can age with dignity, surrounded by the communities they helped create.”
In the Edmonton region, senior living options are many, although there are availability issues and costs; and the often unavoidable and practical bottom-line question: who pays?
Maneuvering the various aspects (and speed bumps) of senior living is neither easy nor cheap. With all the options and stages for senior care, whether private or government funded or subsidized, there are costs to consider. Government stats show that 40 per cent of total provincial and territorial budgets goes to health spending, primarily hospitals, drugs and physicians.
Suddenly, the realities of demographics are also a factor. Analysts warn about the senior tide, the urgent need for the health care needs of an increasingly aging population. Current stats show that while 65+ makes up 16 per cent of the population, it requires 45 per cent of public-sector health care dollars.
There is a practical bottom line about senior living. Regardless of individual circumstances and situations, senior living is pricey, and maneuvering the fine print can get tricky. Various government sponsored programs are available. It is why, when an Alberta senior turns 65, AHCIP mails a package outlining information about available assistance programs and services.
While Alberta Blue Cross doesn’t directly fund assisted living, they administer programs that help with overall living expenses and health care costs for seniors, such as the Coverage for Seniors program, which provides premium-free coverage for prescription drugs and other health-related services not covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans with disabilities or chronic illnesses live independently at home and works with Alberta Blue Cross to provide funding for basic medical equipment and supplies.
Local senior living options range from aging-in-place, independent living and assisted living to memory care and hospice care.
Aging-in-place (sometimes called home-based care) is usually for seniors who increasingly prefer to stay in their homes and communities rather than moving to institutional settings. The trend has led to a surge of in-home health care services, including telehealth consultations, in-home nursing and mobile diagnostics. Technology like smart home devices and medical alert systems are enabling seniors to maintain their independence while staying connected to caregivers and health care providers.
Independent living is designed for seniors who are generally able to live independently but want the convenience and social opportunities of a community setting. They are often built as stand-alone homes in a neighbourhood and are usually limited to 55+. They offer social events, exercise classes, group travel and other activities that foster mental and physical engagement and enhance quality of life as people age.
Assisted living is geared for seniors who need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, medication management and meal preparation, but who do not require the intensive medical care provided in a nursing home. Residents typically live in a private apartment or a shared room, and meals are usually served in a communal dining room where residents can socialize. Assisted living communities offer additional amenities, such as social events, fitness activities and more.
The Ministry’s Amber Edgerton elaborates that, “About 93 per cent of Alberta seniors live in private dwellings, and a recent survey found that the majority want to stay in their homes as long as possible. Our government is listening, and the Assisted Living and Social Services is making sure Albertans have access to a broad and comprehensive range of supports, including medical and home care as well as community and social services to help Alberta seniors age independently and with dignity.
“We have expanded supports to include in-home health care, meal services and help with daily tasks such as housekeeping and transportation, making it easier for Alberta seniors to stay where they feel most at home. This approach also helps keep space available in hospitals and care homes for those who need it most.”
Len Frank, director of health integration with Alberta Blue Cross, crunched the numbers and the impact on health care supply and demand in Alberta.
“The 65+ demo is 16 per cent of the province’s population, and expected to exceed 20 per cent by 2051. The common health care needs of Alberta seniors are consistent with the needs of seniors throughout the country.
“More than 73 per cent of seniors have at least one chronic disease, like hypertension, osteoarthritis, diabetes and COPD, and require ongoing medication management, monitoring and coordinated care. Mobility and fall prevention are also a significant health care issue because falls are a leading cause of hospitalization among seniors 65+.
“Cognitive health is also spiking, as nearly 477,000 Canadians 65+ live with dementia, creating an increased need for memory care, caregiver support and specialized Long-Term Care (LTC) services.”
When it comes to the contemporary wants, needs and must haves of seniors, the Edmonton area has many and diverse senior living options. Whether it is aging-in-place, assisted living or long-term care, the services and the costs vary.
“Location is and always has been an important factor in choosing retirement living,” says Kendra Kozakewich with Christenson Group of Companies, the operator of senior living communities in Edmonton and throughout Alberta. “Being close to family and friends, family doctors or familiar stores and restaurants, etc.; people often feel more comfortable moving into a building that is in a community they know. There is a feeling of safety that comes with that.
“Retirement communities have come so far, they no longer look like care homes or hospitals. They are bright, spacious and look similar to other buildings in the area, so they are more inviting to a younger demographic of senior. Our communities offer choice in a number of ways, like dining, housekeeping, laundry services, companion care and optional personal services.”
While knowing the available financial assistance possibilities is important, the new trends in senior living emphasize the focus on personalized care, technology, holistic well-being and overall quality of life.
