Towards an Elder Health Framework for Ontario A summary presentation by: Doris Grinspun RN, MSN, PhD (c), O.ONT. Elder Health Coalition Co-Chair & Executive Director, RNAO. Towards an Elder Health Framework for Ontario

Purpose To identify essential elements that must be addressed in the development of provincial policy and integrated services for older persons in Ontario. Outlines policy directions that must be considered in any decision that affects older persons in Ontario. To be used as a guideline and a lens for future policy work and to review current programs and polices.

Objectives Heighten awareness of elder health issues and change negative attitudes Support the development, delivery and evaluation of accessible and integrated services Ensure interdisciplinary care is a cornerstone of elder health services Support the health of older persons through health promotion and disease prevention

Overly illness-oriented Background Fragmented Difficult to access Inadequately funded Overly illness-oriented Ontario Health System

Elder Health Coalition Vision Commitment to health and well-being of older people in our communities System transformation that is comprehensive and integrated Services for seniors should be built on respecting the Canada Health Act Concepts of accountability and diversity are inherent in health policy direction and strategy

Principles Dignity Participation Security Fairness Independence

Proposed Elder Health Policy Directions Support an orientation to health and wellness rather than illness Enhance community support for elders Establish a comprehensive and integrated system of elder care Promote recognition of the true health potential of seniors through education, public awareness, health promotion, disease prevention and best practices

Enhancing Community Support for Olders Persons Examples Provide comprehensive home care that includes supportive and personal care Implement a comprehensive falls program for older persons in LTC Facilitate a range of supportive housing arrangements at a reasonable cost

Establish a Comprehensive and Integrated System of Elder Care Strategies that support comprehensive and integrated care include a range of strategies along a continuum of care. Programs must be integrated with existing services so there is a coordinated access in local regions. Strategies must be acceptable, affordable and tailored to local need, emphasizing wellness, taking into account the social determinants of health and creating incentives for public policy.

Strategies must promote the true potential of older persons through: Education Public Awareness Promotion Prevention Best Practices

Strategies must include Support for positive aging Combat ageism and promote respect Support for maintaining the rights of older persons to make their own decisions care choices 1 2 3

Conclusion Ontarians must be committed to a philosophy of active ageing that supports the contribution of older persons to the life of a community. Older persons are entitled to a quality of life that supports their optimal health, ageing in place and life choices. The primary target of the Elder Health Framework is older persons, all Ontarians will reap the benefits – personal, social and economic – with the transformation of elder health and elder care in a society that values its oldest members.