Sustaining the Caregiving Cycle: First Nations People and Aging

1
Sustaining the Caregiving Cycle First Nations
People and Aging

• AFN Presentation to the Special Senate Committee
  on Aging
• Richard Jock
• Chief Executive Officer
• May 2007

2
First Nations Seniors Profile

• Senior First Nations population expected to
  double from 2001-2017 (28,200 to 59,500)
• By 2010, First Nations life expectancy will
  increase from 59.2 to 72 years among men, and
  from 65.9 to 79 years among women
• First Nations population is growing at a higher
  rate (50 is under the age of 25)
• Increased demand on vital resources in First
  Nations communities

Stats cited originate from First Nations
Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS)
2002-03 Report on First Nations Seniors Health
and Wellbeing
3
Profile (ctd)

• Over 40 of FN Seniors suffer from impacts of
  Residential Schools
• FN Seniors are nearly twice as likely to report
  one or more chronic health conditions (85.2 vs.
  47.8)
• Arthritis affects 45.5 of FN seniors
• FN seniors have a median personal income of
  12,991 and a median household income of 24,650
• Nearly 80 of FN seniors rely on income from
  government sources

4
Understanding Aging

• Age 55 is a more culturally appropriate
  definition of aging
• Time for teaching the understanding of life and
  showing great respect for wisdom of Elders
• Strong, vital role for Elders and the recognition
  of their intrinsic value and contribution to the
  well-being of their communities and the world
  beyond

5
A Wholistic Approach

• FN Wholistic Policy Planning Model highlights
  key determinants of health across the lifespan

6
Gaps in Programs/Services

• Almost half of FN seniors are in need of one or
  more homecare services
• Only one third (34) of those in need received
  care
• 58 of FN seniors live in Band-owned housing and
  over a third report mold or mildew in their homes
  
• Only 0.5 of FN communities have long term care
  facilities, forcing most FN seniors requiring
  care to leave their home and community

7
Fiscal Challenges

• Decade-long caps of 2-3 on INAC and Health
  Canada spending increases for core services in
  First Nations communities
• Almost 20-year national moratorium on the
  construction and operation of personal care homes
  in FN communities
• 1 bed per 99 individuals living in FN communities
  vs. 1/22 for the general Canadian population

8
Fiscal Challenges (ctd)
9
Key Recommendations

• Remove 2-3 caps on core and health services
• Support comprehensive continuing care program
• Increased support for caregivers
• Enhanced NIHB program, responsive to changing
  needs vs artificial cost containment
• Adjust social security programs to address needs
  of low income seniors
• Promote social participation/active living
  programs for FN seniors