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Growing Need for Home Support Workers as Population Ages

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Home care offers seniors an alternative to residential care homes

Victoria, BC - March 11, 2010 - Canada's population is getting older. The proportion of seniors, persons aged 65 years or older, in the country was 13.9% in July of 2009. By 2030, this percentage is expected to drastically increase to almost 25%.

It's no surprise then that home care is the fastest growing segment of Canada's health care system, with the majority of home support users 85 years old and over. As the population continues to age, there will be a higher demand for home support workers and community health care workers to provide home care.

In recent years financial backing for much needed home support services has dropped. Luckily, it is anticipated that funding will increase 80% by the year 2026, not only because the population is getting older, but also because more and more seniors desire to age at home, rather than in a long-term care facility. With long-term care being more expensive, home support services are becoming the more popular care option.

Home Support and Community Health Care workers help with dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, preparing meals, and assist with household chores. Perhaps the most exceptional aspect of this care giving position is that the health worker interacts one-on-one with the client and provides companionship by devoting all allocated time to that one individual client as opposed to dividing their time between residents at a care home.

If you are interested in a career where you can help others, a Community Health Care diploma is a great place to start. Find out more about social work careers at UCW Academy of Health.

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