One of five seniors aided by homecare programs - Ageing And Disability - Brief Article

Community Action, July 15, 2002

OTTAWA -- One-fifth of Canadian seniors living in private households received assistance with daily living because of health problems, according to Statistics Canada. The greatest number--42%--got that help from family, friends and neighbours.

Paid employees, government or non-government organizations and volunteers provided care in 34% of cases and 24% received a mix of formal and informal assistance.

Seniors with health problems who live alone or have no surviving children are more likely to draw on formal sources of assistances, the study said. Thisstudy is the second in Statistics Canada's report on use of home care services.

613-951-2326