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Towards an
Elder Health
Framework
for Ontario
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.
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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.
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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
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Background
Fragmented
Difficult to access
Ontario Health
System
Inadequately
funded
Overly illnessoriented
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Elder Health Coalition Vision
Commitment
to health and
well-being of
older people
in our
communities
Services for
seniors should
be built on
respecting the
Canada
Health Act
System
transformation
that is
comprehensive
and integrated
Concepts of
accountability
and diversity
are inherent in
health policy
direction and
strategy
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Principles
Dignity
Independence
Fairness
Participation
Security
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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
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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
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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.
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Strategies must promote the true
potential of older persons
through:
Education
Public
Awareness
Prevention
Promotion
Best
Practices
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Strategies must include
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Support for positive aging
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Combat ageism and promote
respect
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Support for maintaining the
rights of older persons to make
their own decisions care choices
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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.