In April 2024 the C.D. Howe Institute published a 32-page Commentary - *Scenarios for Seniors’ Care: Future Challenges, Current Gaps and Strategies to Address Them*.  You can find the full commentary [HERE](https://www.cdhowe.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/FinalCommentary_656.pdf).  In this blog we will summarize some of the key points.

## Just the highlights

- $1 of every $4 of provincial healthcare spending goes to caring for people over 75 years-old
- A 13% reduction in ALC (Alternate Level of Care) days would be sufficient to prevent hospital bed shortages
- About 30% of new residents moving into long-term care could be delayed or prevented from having to move with expanded home & community care
- About half of seniors currently living in retirement homes have needs that would qualify them for public home & community care
- It costs tax payers less if seniors receive advanced care services at home, or in retirement homes, than in long-term care or hospitals
- Ontario should look to Quebec, where there are more senior care spaces, lower vacancy, lower rent, and they provide more support to senior households through tax credits

# Scenarios for Seniors' Care

Canada’s healthcare system is poised to face significant challenges due to the country’s rapidly aging population. The Commentary by the C.D. Howe Institute, *Scenarios for Seniors’ Care: Future Challenges, Current Gaps and Strategies to Address Them* by Rosalie Wyonch examines these challenges, explores existing gaps, and proposes strategies to meet the needs of the growing senior population.

Key issues include a surge in demand for seniors’ care due to the aging baby boomer population, coupled with constrained fiscal resources and insufficient capacity in retirement and long-term care (LTC) homes. 

# Challenges with Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Patients
ALC patients are individuals occupying hospital beds even though their care needs could be met in alternative settings, such as LTC homes or through home care. ALC patients represent a significant challenge to Canada’s healthcare system, occupying between 12.7% and 27.5% of acute-care beds across provinces and accounting for 15.5% of all acute-care bed-days.

**High Costs and Inefficiencies**
  - The cost of caring for ALC patients in hospitals ranges from $730 to $1,200 per day.
  - In comparison, LTC costs taxpayers about $225 to $253 per day.
  - Hospitals are ill-suited to handle the long-term care needs of seniors and provide suboptimal environments, often contributing to health declines.

**Systemic Barriers to Discharge**
  - A lack of available LTC beds and inadequate home and community care services prolongs hospital stays for ALC patients.
  - Physician incentives and risk aversion can favor longer hospital stays, as clinicians prefer to avoid complications related to insufficient post-discharge care.

## Opportunities to Improve ALC Patient Care
**Invest in Home and Community Care**
  - Expanding home care services and increasing subsidies can prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and expedite discharges.
  - Support services can help seniors stay in their homes longer.

**Increase LTC and Retirement Home Capacity**
  - Building more LTC spaces and expanding public and private retirement homes can relieve pressure on hospitals.
  - Enhanced tax credits or subsidies can improve access.

**Enhance Informal Caregiver Support**
  - Financial assistance and respite services can reduce caregiver burnout and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
  - Tax credits and training programs for caregivers can help.

![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/RE4vnlNd-Untitled%20(1200%20x%20700%20px)%20(1200%20x%20800%20px).png)

# Home and Community Care: Gaps and Recommendations
Canada's investment in home and community care is lower than that of other OECD countries, contributing to gaps in service and unmet needs.

*(OCED is Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and includes the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, South Korea, USA, and more)*

**Unmet Needs**
  - About 6.1% of Canadian households receive formal home care services, while 2.8% have unmet home care needs.
  - Unmet needs are highest in British Columbia and Ontario (3.1%).

**Funding Sources and Costs**
  - Government sources cover 52.2% of home care services, while 27% are paid out-of-pocket.
  - Nursing care services are more likely to be government-funded than personal support services.

## **Regional Variations in Care**
**Ontario**
- Public home care services are delivered based on assessments by health professionals.
- Third-party agencies handle service delivery. 

**Quebec**
- Seniors can access discounted home help through the Financial Assistance Program for Domestic Help Services.
- Rent in retirement homes can be partially eligible for tax credits.
 
**British Columbia**
- Home care services are subsidized based on eligibility and income level.
- Personal care and household tasks are included in home support services.

**Alberta**
- Home care is narrowly focused on medical support, offering limited assistance for household tasks.

## Strategic Recommendations for Home and Community Care
**Invest in Public and Private Services**
  - Increase investment in public home care services while enabling private sector expansion.
  - Vouchers, tax credits, and subsidies can help make private services accessible.

**Reduce Informal Caregiver Burden**
  - Provide respite services and financial assistance to informal caregivers.
  - Foster innovative technology to support seniors and caregivers.

**Tailor Solutions by Region**
  - Replicate successful provincial models, such as Quebec's tax credits, to improve accessibility in other provinces.

![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/ysL87AXk-Untitled%20design%20-%202024-05-09T175819.215.png)

# Tax Credits for Seniors’ Care
The report emphasizes that tax credits can help make senior care more accessible and affordable. However, Ontario lags behind Quebec in providing comprehensive tax credits.

## Quebec's Model
**Home Support Services Tax Credit**
- People over 70 can claim up to 38% of eligible expenses (up to $7,020).
- Eligible expenses include personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, and nursing.
- Rent in retirement homes is partially eligible if it includes supportive services.

**Independent Living Tax Credit**
- Seniors can claim 20% of expenses for home modifications to improve accessibility.

**Respite Services Credit**
- Caregivers can claim 30% of expenses for respite services.

## Ontario's Model
**Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit**
- Seniors over 70 can claim 25% of eligible expenses up to $1,500.
- - Eligible expenses include personal support, assistive devices, and medical equipment.

**Federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit**
- Seniors can claim up to $10,000 for accessibility modifications.

## Recommendations for Ontario's Tax Credits
**1. Adopt Quebec’s Refundable Tax Credit Model**
  - Include rent deduction in retirement homes for services like housekeeping and personal care.
  - Raise the reimbursement rate to provide comprehensive support.

**2. Expand Eligible Services**
  - Include more services like personal care, nursing, meal preparation, and housekeeping.

**3. Increase Overall Support**
  - Raise the value of tax credits to reflect Quebec's support levels.

![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/sq3O573E-Screenshot%202024-05-09%20at%204.53.21%20PM.png)
*This is an example from the C.D. Howe Commentary that highlights the difference in tax credits available for Quebec seniors and Ontario seniors.*

# Key Statistics on Senior Households and Spending Patterns
Understanding the economic challenges faced by seniors is crucial to shaping effective policies.

**Household Composition and Spending**
  - 13.5% of Canadian households include a senior over the age of 75.
  - 42% of senior households consist of a single person, and 35% are couples.
  - Average household spending is $14,440 on housing and $3,260 on healthcare.

**Affordability Challenges**
  - Below-median income senior households spend 46% of their expenditures on shelter and food.

**Housing Adequacy and Core Need**
  - Senior households have higher rates of inadequate, unsuitable, or unaffordable housing.
  - In Ontario, 52.3% of senior renters face housing challenges, and 23.9% live in core need housing.

# Conclusion
The report *Scenarios for Seniors’ Care: Future Challenges, Current Gaps and Strategies to Address Them* provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in senior care. Addressing these challenges will require strategic investments in home and community care, expanding long-term care and retirement home capacity, and leveraging tax credits to make senior care more accessible. By taking a proactive approach, Canada can better meet the needs of its growing senior population while ensuring fiscal sustainability and a high quality of life for all seniors.

A summary of Scenarios for Seniors’ Care: Future Challenges, Current Gaps and Strategies to Address Them - C.D. Howe Commentary no. 656

It's May 3, 2024, this is the week in elder care news.

## Seasons Cambridge resident Joan Tomlinson kicks off Strides for Sick Kids
Joan Thomlinson is aiming to walk 98 laps around the outdoor walking track at Seasons Cambridge while raising money for Sick Kids.  Joan calls it 'Strides for Sick Kids'.  Last year Joan walked 97 laps and raised $1600.  Joan turned 98 this year, and she is aiming to raise $2098 by walking 98 laps.  Good luck Joan!

Read more about Strides for Sick Kids [HERE.](https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/98-year-old-cambridge-senior-pledges-to-walk-98-laps-in-support-of-sickkids-8680896)

[HERE](https://fundraise.sickkidsfoundation.com/stridesforsickkids?utm_source=cambridgetoday.ca&utm_campaign=cambridgetoday.ca:%20outbound&utm_medium=referral) is a link to Joan's Strides for Sick Kids fundraising page.

## Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare proposed a Hospital Reactivation unit to free up hospital beds
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has proposed a Hospital Reactivation Unit to free up hospital beds, while also improving quality of care for ALC patients.  An ALC patient could be someone in the hospital waiting for long-term care.  ALC patients take up 30-50% of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare acute care beds.  Key elements of the Reactivation Unit include a dining room for communal meals, access to a gym or rehabilitation staff for physical therapy, and activity spaces like TV lounges for recreation.

Learn more about Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare's plan [HERE](https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/mahc-says-new-plan-involves-rethinking-how-alc-patients-are-cared-for/).

## The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence calls for caregiver compensation, respite, home care, and improved workplace policies

The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence released a report on the results of their survey of 3,100 caregivers. (Click [HERE](https://canadiancaregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CCCE_Caring-in-Canada.pdf) to read the full report)  Respondents provided an average 5-hours of care per day.  50% of caregivers experienced financial stress in the past year, and one quarter reported poor mental health.  The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence says the report highlights the need for compensation for caregivers, respite so they can take a break, easily accessible home care, and workplace policies to support people juggling work and care.

Read the full story [HERE](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/national-strategy-must-recognize-caregivers-as-backbone-of-society-centre-1.6868586).

```
https://youtu.be/3jb3QPE2Dlo
```

Strides for Sick Kids, an innovative idea to open up hospital beds, and a report on caregivers in Canada

The Canadian Dental Care Plan rolled out today, providing 1.7-million seniors in Canada with dental insurance.  What is it, who is eligible, and how do I join?

# What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The [Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html), or CDCP, is a federal initiative to extend dental insurance to Canadians who don't have private insurance.  It covers most dental care such as cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, and dentures.  Complex dental services, like crowns and partial dentures, require federal pre-authorization, which will be available in November.  

CDCP is free for eligible Canadians, but like private dental insurance, it doesn't necessarily mean a visit to the dentist is free.  Depending on your income there may be a co-pay.  Also, the dentist may charge rates higher than the CDCP fee, which will come out of your pocket.

# Who is eligible for the Candian Dental Care Plan?

To be eligible you need to meet all the following criteria:
- Don't have access to dental insurance
- Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
- A Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Filed taxes for 2023

As of today, only seniors 65+ are eligible for CDCP.  In June this will extend to people with disabilities and kids under 18, and in 2025 all Canadians will be able to sign up.

## Coverage

Coverage is based on something called adjusted family net income.  Adjusted family net income is:

***Your family net income***

*minus* ***Any universal child care benefit and registered disability savings plan***
 
*plus* ***Any universal child care benefit and registered disability savings plan amounts repaid***

*From Canada.com:*
![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/SKgqdvwh-Screenshot%202024-05-01%20at%206.35.54%20PM.png)

If your adjusted family next income is:
- less than $70,000 you get 100% of eligible coverage
- $70,000 or more but less than $80,000 you get 60% of eligible coverage
- $80,000 or more but less than $90,000 you get 40% of eligible coverage.  

![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/A8FnpiB9-Screenshot%202024-05-01%20at%206.28.10%20PM.png)

Just because you qualify for 100% of CDCP coverage doesn't necessarily mean a visit to the dentist is free.  Oral health care providers may charge more than the CDCP fee.  In that case you will be responsible to pay the difference out of pocket.


# How do I join the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

To get started you need to [apply](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html).  Once accepted, you can make an appointment with a dentist, independent hygienist, or denturist.  You'll need to check the [Provider Search](https://www.sunlife.ca/sl/cdcp/en/member/provider-search/) to find an oral health care provider that accepts CDCP.  Only about 16% of oral health care providers currently accept CDCP, so there's a chance you will need to find a new dentist.  And as a reminder, make sure you ask your oral health provider about any costs that won’t be covered by the plan.



Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for Seniors - who, what, when, where, and how?

Stressful wait times for long-term care, the provinces plan to fix it, and a new mobile dental care program. It's April 26, 2024, this is the week in elder care news.

# Long wait times for long-term care making it difficult on families and seniors

Stories of excessive wait times for long-term care that can jeopardize the health of seniors, and put significant stress on families continue to be reported.  Monica Sarabura shared the story of her 93 year-old mother, Theresa, waiting for long-term care.  It's not just long wait times, but conflicting information about applying for care, and care options that have been frustrating for Monica and her family.  So often the responsibility falls on family caregivers to be the primary source of care while waiting for a bed in long-term care for weeks, months or even years.

Find the full story on [The Hamilton Spectator](https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/what-terrible-option-would-you-choose-family-fears-lengthy-wait-for-long-term-care-will/article_18ce6b05-3135-5c8e-a1c1-bbabfb33b202.html).

# Ministry of long-term care fast-tracks construction of new homes
The Ministry of long-term care is trying to open up more beds to ease long wait times, and free up space in our hospitals. Stan Cho, the Minister of Long-Term Care, announced an additional $155-million in funding to fast track the construction of long-term care homes.  Eligible projects will receive an additional construction subsidy of up to $35 per bed, per day for 25 years.

Learn more at [insauga.com](https://www.insauga.com/1555m-allocated-for-long-term-care-homes-in-ontario-minister-announces-in-mississauga/).

# Toronto Public Health offers mobile dental care to 2,600 residents

Toronto Public Health delivers smiles with free mobile dental care to long-term care residents.  Mayor Olivia Chow announced the mobile dental care program for the 2,600 residents of the 10 long-term care homes operated by the City of Toronto.  We love seeing innovative solutions that help provide care to our seniors.

Read more [HERE](https://www.toronto.ca/news/toronto-public-health-delivers-smiles-with-free-mobile-dental-care-to-long-term-care-residents/).

This week in elder care news - April 26, 2024

It's April 19, 2024.  This is the week in elder care news.

## Long-term care needs 13,200 additional nurses and 37,700 PSWs to meet care tatgets

Staff shortages are making it difficult for long-term care to meet care targets. According to a document obtained by The Canadian Press, there is a need for over 13,000 additional nurses and 37,000 PSWs in Ontario. The Provincial government set a goal of four hours of daily direct care for residents by 2025.

Learn more about this story on [Global News](https://globalnews.ca/news/10426313/ontario-long-term-care-target-document/).

## A Toronto woman is suing a long-term care home for negligence

Trudy Crock is suing Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor for negligence after her Mother, Joan Chapman, saw a drastic decline in her condition after moving in.  Six months following the move a geriatric psychiatrist at Sunnybrook discovered some of Joan's medications were mistakenly stopped.

You can find this story on [City News](https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2024/04/16/toronto-woman-suing-long-term-care-home-for-negligence/).

## Kiknu is the first long-term care home in Nova Scotia built in a First Nations community

Mi’kmaw elders and seniors in Nova Scotia celebrate the opening of the Kiknu.  Kiknu is the first long-term care home in the province to be built in a First Nations community. Mi’kmaw culture has been embedded into many aspects of the home, including the building’s turtle shape, which represents the Indigenous reference to Turtle Island, as North America is known.

In speaking to families and long-term care stakeholders, most agree quality of life is far superior for residents when they can transition to a home the feels and functions similarly to the home they were moving from.  Culturally approporiate food, activities, and traditions are significant contributors to this.

[Click here](https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/04/17/eskasoni-province-celebrate-opening-new-long-term-care-home) for the news release from Nova Scotia.

Staff shortages make it difficult to meet LTC care targets, a Toronto woman is suing a LTC home for negligence, and the first long-term care home in Nova Scotia to be built in a First Nations community

Today I attended the [Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organization](https://www.ossco.org/) (OSSCO) 55+ Lifestyle & Learning Expo. The expo was a grassroots, senior focused event with educational seminars - and a great way to learn about some of the products and services available to help anyone 55+. Oh, and it’s FREE to attend! 

The next OSSCO Lifestyle & Learning Expo is September 12, 2024 at the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.  According to the [OSSCO website](https://www.ossco.org/event/2024-ossco-signature-events/), registration opens in August. If you are in the area it’s worth checking out - even if you don’t need any of the products or services on exhibition, it’s good to know what’s out there.

```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WnFThUgTU5c
```

OSSCO 55+ Lifestyle & Learning Expo - Spring 2024

It's Friday April 12, 2024, and this is the week in elder care news.

# Bill 7 continues to make headlines

The Canadian Press is reporting that Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Ontario Health are keeping silent regarding the amount of money that seven patients have been fined for not accepting transfers from a hospital to a long-term care home not of their choosing.  The three opposition parties say the law should be repealed, but at a bare minimum the government should be up front about how its law is affecting patients and their families.

Read more about this story on [CBC](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-hospital-fines-1.7171266).

# LaPointe-Fisher Nursing Home in Guelph is closing
LaPointe-Fisher Nursing Home in Guelph shocked residents and staff this week when they announced they will cease operations as of November 29, 2024.  LaPointe-Fisher’s director of quality improvement said the closure is due to the age of the building and the investments needed to maintain its state of repair.

Staff and residents were told Wednesday April 10, 2024 of the move.  Read more about this story on [GuelphToday](https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/shock-and-dismay-guelph-nursing-home-announces-its-closing-8585579).

# Canada's largest senior care conference
Together We Care, Canada's largest senior care conference, happened at the Toronto Congress Centre earlier this week.  I spoke to the CEO of ORCA about her takeaway from the conference.
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/skTwFlLF230?si=Zmdg1JIqVMZZbcZc
```
You can read about Daniel's experience at Together We Care on [Tuesday](https://www.elderado.ca/blog/109/wednesday-at-the-2024-together-we-care-conference-co-hosted-by-orca-and-the-oltca) and [Wednesday](https://www.elderado.ca/blog/109/wednesday-at-the-2024-together-we-care-conference-co-hosted-by-orca-and-the-oltca).

April 12, 2024 - This Week in Elder Care News

# Wednesday at Together We Care

The day started with an address from the Minister of Seniors & Accessibility, Raymond Cho.  I think he said he's 87-years old, but you wouldn't guess it with his energy.  He speech was similar to what I heard at the AgeWell conference last October, but it's good to see him at the conference.

# Morning Session
During the morning session I attended *Unlocking the Potential of Social Media and Storytelling in Senior Living to Attract Talent* by Nathan Jones of Dash Media.  I was interested in hearing what tactics and strategies Nathan shared.  His big message was that there's a lot of value in your resident's stories.  Nathan shared a number of examples of viral clips his company produced of seniors sharing a story.

# Together We Care Trade Show
Lunch was again set up buffet style, with a number of stations scattered around the trade show.  I found this to be one of the best times to network - sit down at a table where people are already eating and strike up a conversation. 

After lunch I made it a point to walk the rest of the trade show floor.  

## FIRST ONSITE
At lunch I met Kristin Mccutcheon from [FIRST ONSITE](https://firstonsite.com/en-CA/?utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=FOS+Brand+Campaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_term=first%20onsite&hsa_ver=3&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_mt=e&hsa_src=g&hsa_acc=4884188584&hsa_grp=154223327705&hsa_tgt=kwd-404466523876&hsa_ad=677903029677&hsa_cam=15558205600&hsa_kw=first%20onsite&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8diwBhAbEiwA7i_sJdBfZB_lsCdOJgbo7Ud4Q5zydwPyf9AH6lfzdZYVtGJeQ4gIRwtxiRoCyu4QAvD_BwE) - they offer emergency mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction services.  In 2014 there was a major fire at Fairview Lodge, a long-term care home where I volunteer, so I was interested in learning more about what FIRST ONSITE does.
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/TOJ7ifihT3E?feature=share
```


## Corporate Canine Therapy
Dogs at your booth on the trade show floor is a surefire way to draw a crowd at your booth.  I spoke to Jessica from [Corporate Canine Therapy](https://www.corporatecaninetherapy.ca/) about their senior programs.
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/BIKkP-G0gjc
```

## Global DWS
If dogs are a great way to draw a crowd, free (great) coffee and tea, as well as robots are a great way keep that crowd coming back.  Lee from [Global DWS](https://www.globaldws.com/) showed off Charlie, a greeter robot - 1 of 3 robots on display.
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/oM4J-hMObpc
```


## ConsidraCare
I met Tauseef, COO of [ConsidraCare](https://www.considracare.com/), at an elder care event in 2023.  Tauseef has been really generous to me with his time and advice, and it's always great to see familiar faces at a conference.  ConsidraCare offers home care, and at the conference they were talking to nurses and PSW's about how their platform can help them be their own boss and own a franchise.
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/3s47XM0VYfk?feature=share
```

# Afternoon Session
I took part in a really informative session by Denise Bedard and Azar Varahra, *Implementing Small HOME Model in Long-Term Care Homes: Bringing Residents Closer Together.*. The session presented a model of long-term care that empowers residents to be more involved in decisions and activities related to their day-to-day left.  The Small Home Model is homes for up to 12 residents who live in a home that functions more similarly to homes we live it.  Residents are empowered to take more control over day-to-day tasks.  There was a lot of interested discussion during the session and afterwards.  We are a long way from adopting a model like this on a large scale, but it represents innovation we can work towards that can help imporve quality of life for long-term care residents.

# Closing Remarks
The tone around the closing of Together We Care was optimistic.  There were a lot of great workshops, informative discussions, and interesting innovation on the trade show floor.

Just after the close of the conference I got a minute with Cathy Hecimovich, [ORCA](https://www.orcaretirement.com/) CEO, where I asked her what her takeaway is from the 2024 Together We Care Conference.

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/skTwFlLF230
```

# Conclusion
I feel good about what I was able to accomplish at Together We Care.  Admittidly, my expectations for the conference were likely a little too high.  The AgeWell Age Tech conference I was at in October 2023 provided so many opportunities for connecting with key stakeholders in elder care.  Together We Care is a much larger conference than the AgeWell Age Tech conference, but most participants didn't seem use the conference app to connect or schedule a 1-on-1. 

I got to speak to A LOT of people about Elderado.  I'm glad I wore a tshirt that encourage everyone to ask me about Edlerado, and documenting my time gave me a good reason to introduce myself, as well as extend my reach.

One thing I could have done better is add more people I connected with to LinkedIn.  I'm usually on top of this, but not this time.

I'm glad I attended this years conference and I'll certainly keep the 2025 Together We Care conference on my radar.

Thanks for following along!

Daniel

Wednesday at the 2024 Together We Care Conference co-hosted by ORCA and the OLTCA

This is my first year attending the Together We Care conference, and I decided I'm going to document it.

# Why am I at Together We Care?

1. Network
2. Raise Awareness about Elderado
3. Learn more about the problems facing retirement & long-term care homes.

```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yf3OHHLyfS4
```

# Tuesday at Together We Care
At the opening of the conference it was remarked that Together We Care is the biggest senior care conference in Canada.  Together We Care is co-hosted by the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) and the Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA).  There's 1,800 people here today.

This conference began with the usual opening remarks by leaders of the host organizations, and then was followed up by an address by the Minister of Long-Term Care, Stan Cho.  This was the first time I've seen Minister Cho speak live - he was a great story teller and seemed to turn the room after Premier Doug Ford's video remarks only got a luckwarm response.  I managed to get a minute with Minister Cho before he had to depart.  Minister Cho invited me to the Ministry office to demo Elderado.  It's out there now, so Minister Cho, if you happen to read this, I'm going to follow-up with you until it happens!

## Senior Living Occupancy Recovery Roadmap
During the morning session I was most interested in Jodi Flanagan's session, Senior Living Occupancy Recovery Roadmap.  Jodi is the President of [Senior Living Pro](https://www.seniorlivingpro.ca/).  Two of my takeaways from Jodi's session were:

- Vacancy value - what is the cost of an empty retirement home suite for an operator?
- Relationship based selling - building real trust and connections with perspective sellers.

Jodi does a lot of work helping retirement homes put their best foot forward for prospective residents, but I wanted to know from Jodi what she thinks someone who is looking at moving into a retirement home should look for during a tour.  This is what she said:
```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iXfV1aVtGs0
```


# Tradeshow

I really like how they set up lunch.  There were buffet stations set up around the tradeshow floor, which encouraged attentees to meet in mingle - which was a big positive for me.  Together We Care doesn't have as many natural opportunities to connect as the AgeCare Age Tech Conference did, so I need to create opportunities to network.  I ate lunch with a lovely woman named Sam from Tender Care Living Center, who is in charge of culinary at her long-term care home.  After lunch it was time to walk the tradeshow floor.

There are a lot of exhibits.  I didn't count, but I heard there are over 200.  I only got to explore half the floor today.  There are lots of pharmacutical companies and staffing agencies, but I was looking for cool tech, or products that I think could be useful for caregivers.


## Gerry

[Gerry](https://mygerry.com/) helps share information with families who have a loved one in long-term care.  Currently family members have to rely on calling or visiting the long-term care home.  Gerry automates this process by providing you access to information that care providers to your loved ones are inputting into their own system.  Gerry co-founder, Kamran Kirmani, shared more about this.
```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TEimQ0imoFg
```

## ONESource Moving Solutions
Moving an aging loved one comes with all sorts of challenges your don't have to deal with during a typical move.  Typically there will be a need to sell, store, or discard items.  This can be a difficult process that needs a compassionate touch.  Nicole Ridley from [ONESource Moving Solutions](https://onesourcemoving.ca/) shared their approach to helping a senior relocate.
```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/X-SL4qtwDlU
```

## Chef Jasper
Interested in a robot chef?  [Chef Jasper](https://www.chefjasper.com/) is a robot that can prepare up to 9 different meals per hour.  Chef Jasper Engineer, Milad Asgari, shared more information about their robot cook.
```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_QGRQsDbvDI
```

## Smpl Technology
Technology can be complicated.  [Smpl Technology](https://smpltec.com/) aims to simplify that.  Easy-to-use phones, one touch radios, and more.  Smpl COO, Gary Rotman, shares details about their aging at home electronics.
```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B1GihV6XjlY
```


## wissner-bosserhoff
The [wissner-bosserhoff](https://www.wi-bo.com/en-WI) booth was getting a lot of action.  I stopped by to hear from Christopher Loy about their Sentida bed.
```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E15pBQjN0vs
```


# Afternoon sessions

In the afternoon I had a more relaxed schedule.  [PointClickCare](https://pointclickcare.com/) is a name I hear a lot, so I decided to attend their session where they outlined their updates for 2024.  After that I attended a Newtorking Bootcamp put on by Sheri Tomchick, Founder of [Plan A Long Term Care Staffing & Recruitment,](https://www.jointheateam.com/) and [StaffStat](https://staffstat.ca/).  It's the first time I've attended a networking 'bootcamp' at a conference, and Sheri shared a number of nuggets that were good reminders.  If you've ever read Dale Carnegie's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, it was almost a coles note version.

# Day 1 Verdict

I had a good day 1.  The custom t-shirt was a good investment.  I had 8 people come up to me because of it.  I was really happy I was able to connect with the Minister of Long-Term Care, Stan Cho.  Also, it was great to meet so many new people, and learn about some of the challenges facing elder care.  I've heard tonight's dinner is the best opportunity all conference to network, but you know what they say - what happen's at the Together We Care 'Margarittaville' dinner stays at the TWC Margarittaville dinner!
```
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xvs5sCXJJco
```



Tuesday at the 2024 Together We Care Conference co-hosted by ORCA and the OLTCA

Today, April 2, is National Caregivers Day.  It's a day to honour all caregivers - a job that can feel lonely, and be thankless at times, but it can also be the best job in the world.  I didn't know what a caregiver was when I first started - I thought I was just helping out my Grandparents and my Mom.  But with time I've been able to see the crucial role caregivers play.

# What is a caregiver?
The [Ontario Caregiver Organization](https://ontariocaregiver.ca/) defines a caregiver as ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour.

# Why should young people be caregivers?
When we think about caregivers to seniors, most of us think of adult children taking care of their aging parents.  Today, I want to make the case to younger people why they should be caregivers to their Grandparents.  Here's 5 reasons Grandchildren should be caregivers.

**1. The stories.**

I'm telling you, the stories you will hear are incredible.  It can be hard to think of grandparents as their younger selves, but they were your age at one point.  You may hear stories that make you laugh and cry, be inspired and in awe - you might even hear some stories your parents have never been told.  Just the stories alone are worth it.

**2. Life lessons.**

Your Grandparents have lived through times we can hardly imagine.  The world has changed a lot in the 20th and 21st century, and it will continue to change.  Your Grandparents have lived through it, and they have incredible perspective.  Sure, they might not be on Tik Tok, but you will learn a lot by listening to what they have to say.

**3. Moments.**

You will create so many snapshots in time that you will cherish.  When I reminisce about my Grandparents, the big events and celebrations are great, but it's the spontaneous moments that make me smile.  It could be something that happened at lunch, an inside joke you shared, really anything.  You can't predict when you will create these moments, but if you keep showing up, they will happen.

**4. Family history.**

Maybe you don't really care about your family history today, but I bet one day you will.  When your Grandparents are gone, parts of your family history will be harder to piece together.  Take the opportunity to learn about where your Grandparents grew up, what their parents were like, and what traditions they had.

**5. It feels good.**

Whether you are helping with daily tasks, or chatting over a cup of coffee, you have the power to make your Grandparents day.  Even if they can't show it, making time to be there matters, and it feels pretty damn good to be able to brighten up someone's day.

You don't have to be a nurse or have any medical training to be a caregiver, you just have to be present.  Some days will be hard, and at times life will get in the way, but I'm telling you that you wont regret the time you spend together.


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