| Policy Issue 1 |
Effect |
| Toronto has made serious
cuts to seniors education programs |
There is now a cost to
seniors for education programs.
Many programs have been
cut back or cancelled.
A great many cultural groups have disappeared.
Education programs in the Homes for the Aged are now mostly
closed. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 2 |
Effect |
|---|
|
Need comprehensive policy on elder abuse | Elder
abuse is a serious concern and a considerable problem in
Ontario. Elder abuse should not exist at all, but some
seniors are the victims of abuse.
Abuse often occurs with other problems, such as low income,
health problems, poor mobility, etc. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 3 |
Effect |
| Little attention to caregiver needs /
Increased attention in Ontario government policy to
"partnerships" between government and families. |
Caregivers are forgotten people
who are getting insufficient support.
Many caregivers are seniors
themselves.
Many caregivers do not know how to get services or do not
have the energy to go for them.
Caregivers have minimal support.
Caregivers usually get no compensation. |
What needs to be done? |
| Policy Issue 4 |
Effect |
| Neglect of mental illness and substance abuse policy. |
Mental illness, including depression, is common.
Drug use problems exist.
Mental illness problems not addressed.
Illness and hospitalizations result from over medication. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 5 |
Effect |
| Ageism is not directly addressed as policies |
Ageism is a core that cuts across all areas of life.
Governments are preparing for a large number of seniors in
the future (baby boomers), and are ignoring people who are currently
seniors.
Choice and personal empowerment for seniors are badly missing at the
present time. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 6 |
Effect |
| Privatization is a growing trend and is reflected in numerous
policy initiatives |
A great many services are being privatized (e.g., CCAC
contracts; new long term care) |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 7 |
Effect |
| Sexuality of seniors not recognized and reflected in policy |
Sexuality of seniors typically ignored or played down.
Long term care does not explicitly recognize seniors sexuality.
Sexual lifestyles and orientations that are other than, or only partly,
heterosexual are not typically recognized in seniors services. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 8 |
Effect |
| Little policy priority on moving to retirement. |
Needs of people who are about to retire or new to retirement
are not recognized.
Many seniors have difficulty coping at this stage of their
lives. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 9 |
Effect |
| Policy is not coordinated. |
Policies often contradict each other.
Policies do not support one another as they apply to seniors
lives. |
What needs to be done?
|
