Home Care: More Than Care at Home

This commentary argues that current discussions on home care are being framed far too narrowly. Home care is not simply a means of providing medical or nursing care at home. Rather, any home care initiative should be conceptualized broadly to include supports for independent living: technical aids and equipment, attendant services, homemaker services, respite care, brokerage, and information and referral services. Long-standing problems with respect to the availability, affordability and delivery of these supports and services are described. Any new home care initiative should begin to tackle these problems as the first step in the design of a comprehensive program. In fact, most Canadians will require these supports and services at some time in their lives. A comprehensive home care program would significantly improve the quality of life for substantial numbers of Canadians and their families.

ISBN – 1-894159-27-6