A popular local health series puts a magnifying glass on the future of long-term care in Simcoe County.
The topical Thursday evening event is part of the Our Health series with a panel of experts taking a deeper dive into the timely and relevant topic during a live broadcast that gets underway at 7:30 p.m. on all Rogers TV channels across Simcoe County. It can also be viewed online.
Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health in Toronto, states that if we reach the age of 65, current analysis show that on average, we will have another 20 years to live, of which 17 will be “pretty good." However, in those later years, most seniors will need some assistance because of frailty or cognitive decline.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on seniors and has shone a light on several practices in the long-term care home system that made this population particularly vulnerable during this crisis," the Our Health team says.
"This has left many of us worrying about what the future holds for our aging parents and ourselves when it comes time to tap into available long-term care resources."
Led by moderator Dr. Keith Rose, the panel discussion brings together leaders from three local long-term care providers (Hillcrest Village, Jarlette Health Services and the County of Simcoe Health and Emergency Services) to discuss lessons learned during the pandemic and how this knowledge will shape future planning and reform in the long-term care sector.
Also on the panel is a 75-year-old baby boomer who will speak about alternative long-term care options.
