In a striking assessment of the elder care system, Joanne Castonguay, the Commissioner of Health and Welfare, has called for a significant shift in the government’s approach to caring for the elderly. In her pointed critique, Castonguay asserts that the current focus on CHSLD accommodations is unsustainable and inefficient, urging for a pivot towards more home care services to meet the challenges posed by the rapidly aging population including the seniors of our borough of Park-Extension.

Releasing her fourth and final evaluation on the performance of home care services today, Castonguay paints a concerning picture of the current state of elder care. Despite the growing needs of the elderly, the long-term care and service system managed to deliver only 116.7 million hours of care in 2023, barely over a third of the actual requirement. This shortfall is expected to widen in the near future, given the demographic trends.

A striking revelation in her report is the disproportionate spending on CHSLD accommodations. These facilities account for a staggering 62% of long-term care expenditures, yet cater to only 16% of the users. This mismatch highlights a misallocation of resources, underscoring the need for a strategic redirection of funds.

Castonguay also criticizes the lack of uniformity and coherence in the existing elder care programs. The varying criteria across programs create unnecessary barriers to access, making it difficult for seniors to receive the care they need. To address this, she recommends the establishment of regional offices, aiming to streamline and simplify the process of accessing services.

In a further recommendation, Castonguay urges policymakers to reevaluate the tax credit system for home care maintenance. The current system, she argues, is biased towards senior residences (RPA), inadvertently disadvantaging those who opt for home care. This recommendation is part of a broader call to reorient the elder care system towards more personalized and home-based solutions.

In summary, the Commissioner’s report serves as a wake-up call for a systemic overhaul of elder care. Prioritizing home care and addressing inefficiencies in the current system are essential steps towards a more sustainable and effective care model for the aging population.