The Need

We are not as healthy as we could be (Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, 2015).

We could be healthier if we changed unhealthy dietary habits that are estimated to cause 64,000 deaths in 2010 (Canadian Journal of Cardiology); improve the 45 per cent of Ontarians who are inactive and 18 per cent prevalence of obesity in Ontario; manage chronic illness and better support the 16 per cent of Ontario residents with mental health and substance abuse disorders.

We also know that there are also challenges in meeting the needs of an aging population. Seniors comprise 14 per cent of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) population in 2011, and that number is expected to grow 10 times more quickly to 25 per cent by 2036.

AgePyramid

Our unhealthy patterns are influencing the costs of health care. In 2010-11 Ontario spent 44.77 B on health – 40.3 per cent of total spending. Based on current trends, it is predicted that this share with expand to 44 per cent in 2017-18.

MinofFinance - Health care spending

Community-based care is at the forefront in helping to keep seniors at home and healthy avoiding costly emergency visits. Holistic care is a priority. For example, since 2009-10 18 per cent more patients are going home from hospital with support and 37 per cent fewer people are going to long-term care facilities and are instead receiving care at home.

MinofFinance - Patients at home

A different mix of care providers in the community is required including, for example, community paramedicine personal support workers, and occupational and physiotherapy assistants. It is anticipated that an additional three million Personal Support Worker hours will be required in the future. (Right care, at the Right time, and in the Right place.)

We also know that the existing Health workforce is aging. The Canadian Nurses Association estimates the need for 22,000 graduates to replace retiring nurses in Canada.

Connecting digitally to seniors in the community will enhance communication and prevent gaps in service avoiding costly emergency visits.

Algonquin College will play an important part in achieving better health by connecting, educating and informing our community through our programming, onsite learning enterprises, and advanced simulation environments.