The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stress test for many sectors, but perhaps none was more disrupted than long-term care (LTC).
Across Canada, LTC facilities, large and small, are facing the same rising tide of complex challenges. The answer isn't just more resources; it's smarter resources. Technology offers efficiency and innovation, but only if it prioritizes patient care and accessibility.
A silver tsunami looms
According to the Canadian Institutes for Health Information, currently, there are 29 LTC beds per 1,000 seniors (65+), with 2,076 total LTC homes.
A Conference Board of Canada report estimates a staggering need for 199,000 beds by 2035 – nearly double the current capacity.
This surge isn't just numerical; it's demographic. Not only is more of Canada’s population aging rapidly, but they’re also living longer.
The fastest-growing age group is those 85 and older, projected to triple to 2.5 million in 25 years. According to Statistics Canada, the number of people over 85 in the 2021 Census was over 861,000. That’s 2.3 per cent of the population, an increase of 12 per cent from 2016 and more than double the amount recorded in the 2001 Census. This increase continues despite lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This isn't happening in a vacuum. The pandemic stretched health care thin, and a growing family physician shortage adds further strain. Families, often the backbone of care, are themselves under increasing stress.
Tech can help, but not alone
Simply throwing more of the same at the problem won't work. The U.S. and others are exploring technology as a solution, aiming to improve resident health and alleviate caregiver burdens.
A 2022 citizen panel identified technology as key to enhancing resident experience, improving health outcomes, managing costs and even improving the work experience for caregivers.
However, technology can't replace human connection. The pandemic highlighted the devastating impact of social isolation on both residents and families. Fear of loneliness is a major reason why many seniors resist LTC facilities.
The good news? Technology can also bridge that social gap, facilitating connection and communication.
Accessible solutions for all
Technological solutions need a clear value proposition – they must demonstrably solve real-world problems.
Accessibility is paramount; solutions must benefit all LTC facilities, regardless of size. As healthcare technology rapidly evolves, ongoing evaluation is crucial.
New solutions need to be targeted at the most pressing challenges facing the LTC sector – the sector that will be caring for a growing number of Canadians in the years to come.
The Communitech Fast Track Health program supports innovative solutions and fosters partnerships between tech companies and healthcare providers to address critical challenges in LTC such as staffing shortages and quality of life.
Sources:
Sizing Up the Challenge. Meeting the Demand for Long-Term Care in Canada (cma.ca)
How many long-term care beds are there in Canada? | CIHI
A portrait of Canada’s growing population aged 85 and older from the 2021 Census (statcan.gc.ca)