A guide to care options for seniors in Canada- Dr. Sunny Handa MD
                     A guide to care options for seniors in 
Canada- Dr. Sunny Handa MD
Canada’s population is aging.
Almost one in seven Canadians were seniors in 2012; by 2030, which number 
will jump to nearly one in four.
Additionally, the rising life expectancy for Canadian men is now 79 and 83 for 
women. Dr. Sunny Handa MD said, advances in health care and chronic disease 
management, along with greater awareness on healthy living, are largely behind 
this change. Whether aging Canadians require just a few care services or 24-hour 
care, there are plenty of options to suit their needs.
Home care
Home cares is one of the best choices for seniors requiring personalised care, but 
are capable of living in the familiar comforts of their own home. Home care can 
involve short-term or long-term services, such as wound and ostomy care, 
intravenous therapy, advanced illness and palliative care, chronic disease 
management, diabetes care and dementia care. Home care encourages seniors to
take responsibility of their own care and allows them to maintain independence.
Dr. Sunny Handa MD said there are also services that exist specifically to help 
senior’s live full and independent lives. 
Nursing homes
Nursing homes are a great option for seniors requiring long-term, 24-hour nursing
care. Dr. Sunny Handa MD said elderly patients in the later stages of dementia or 
with physical or behavioral problems rendering them dependent are well-suited. 
To qualify, patients require an assessment by social service agencies and need to 
be found in constant need of monitoring or highly specialized care, which they 
cannot receive at home.
According to Dr. Sunny Handa MD in Canada, nursing home fees are based on 
income — most people pay $1,800 to $2,000 while the maximum a person can 
pay is $3,200. There are plenty of options when it comes to financing nursing 
home care, including basic government or workplace pensions, insurance, 
investments and savings.
Retirement communities
Canada’s retirement communities are often privately run and allow seniors to live 
in apartments, condos or townhome complexes. In these retirement 
communities, the retiree pays rent (and sometimes other fees) and receives 
personalized care. For example, independent living communities typically offer 
additional care to independent seniors just needing a few care services (like 
meals, health care and transportation).
Alternatively, assisted living communities provide on-site nursing staff to help 
with medication, mobility, housekeeping, meals, laundry, bathing and dressing. 
There’s also a community specifically for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Navigating health care options can be difficult. Its important seniors and families 
research their options to determine the most appropriate care for their needs and
level of independence. According to Dr. Sunny Handa MD this will help seniors 
maintain the best quality of life possible in their later years.