1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. Principles
Dignity
Participation
Security
Fairness
Independence

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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.