Amidst the looming realities of a quickly aging population in Canada, the importance of long-term care (LTC) has never been greater. Defined as continuing care accommodation for patients with complex medical needs unsuitable for home care1, LTC in Canada faces many systemic challenges. Read more to explore some issues and trends in accommodated care.
Misconceptions — To much surprise, the federal Canada Health Act excludes LTC from its coverage, leaving regulation and funding to provincial governments, which has resulted in regional variability in healthcare delivery. Additionally, a lack of consistent definition and expectations for LTC adds to patient confusion surrounding the level and types of care structures offered, how care is measured, and who controls ownership of said facilities. Old Age Security (OAS) and the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) also fall short of covering LTC costs. With rising demand expected to outstrip capacity improvements, the ability for Canadians to access services is likely to become more competitive. The cost of public care in nursing homes and private homes is projected to triple by 2050, and provincial shortcomings in updating LTC bed quality are evident, with 40% of nursing homes in Ontario failing to meet current provincial standards.
Growing Personal Strain — From 2011 to 2018, the number of LTC beds in Ontario increased by only 0.8%, while the Ontario population aged 75+ grew by 20%. Consequently, Canadians face inevitable out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses, with households spending over $9.4 billion OOP for LTC services beyond publicly funded services in 2019. The average bed wait time is 689 days, and projections indicate a 120% increase in older adults relying on home care support by 2050, coupled with a 30% decline in available close family members to provide unpaid care, as the aging baby boomer population coincides with shrinking family sizes. Consequently, this leads to increased burnout and an overall loss of national economic productivity as the pressures placed on caregivers intensify.
Global Comparisons — Finally, Canada lags behind other nations with similar aging population outlooks in LTC support. Canada’s funding allocations disproportionately favour institutional care over home-based care, with a mere $1 (14%) spent on home care for every $6 (86%) spent on institutional care2. In contrast, Denmark allocates 64% of its continuing care budget to home-based care3. How come? Canada spends more on hospital care instead, as patients currently await LTC service access in hospital beds. This situation could potentially be improved with additional investment into Canada’s home and community care infrastructure.
1Canada, H. (2004, October 1). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-continuing-care/long-term-facilities-based-care.html
2 Ageing well - queen’s university. (n.d.). https://www.queensu.ca/sps/sites/spswww/files/uploaded_files/publications/1%20Ageing%20Well%20Report%20-%20November%202020.pdf
3 Enabling the future provision of long-term care in Canada - squarespace. (n.d.-b). https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c2fa7b03917eed9b5a436d8/t/5d9de15a38dca21e46009548/1570627931078/Enabling+the+Future+Provision+of+Long-Term+Care+in+Canada.pdf
Recruiting Journey: Kyleigh Stubbs
Where are you currently working full time?
Currently, I work as an Associate at Coactuate, a healthcare consulting firm based out of Toronto. I have worked with leading biopharma companies, as well as emerging biotechnology organizations. Coactuate is focused on aligning vision to planning, helping to determine how to revolutionize treatment landscapes for the benefit of individual patients, their caregivers, and to make a broader impact at the system and societal levels.
What emerging trends should students interested in the health sector keep an eye out for?
For those currently in undergrad, my advice is to follow and try to understand the rapid shifts occurring in the health sector, especially driven by the accelerating pace of technology. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is revolutionizing research and implementation in healthcare. There are notable examples from our work. We have seen clients utilize AI models to accelerate the identification of new targets for creating improved medicines for patients. Leveraging this technology will hopefully translate into resource savings for biopharma companies and faster accessibility to new treatments for patients in years to come.
How has Coactuate tackled resistance to change in the process of restructuring various parts of the healthcare system?
At Coactuate, we often focus on aligning a company’s vision with its strategy. For instance, understanding physicians’ and patients’ unmet needs can lead to better strategic decisions when launching a new product. By ensuring a strategy that is shared across all levels of an organization addresses these needs, we ensure products brought to market meet the needs of those delivering and receiving the treatment. Enhancing patient experience is key, and leveraging technology can overcome resistance to change. For example, technology can be leveraged to educate patients and build relationships with healthcare professionals. Together with our clients, we aim to make the launch of innovative products more impactful on patients’ lives.
How did you recruit for your role?
In my first year at Western, a mentor completing his dual degree and starting his career at Coactuate suggested I explore a role at the company. Coactuate recruits in August for summer internships, and although I didn't secure a position on my first attempt, I took the 'come back and try again' feedback as a challenge. Over the next six months, I engaged with as many people as I could at Coactuate. My intention was to genuinely understand the organization. Armed with insights, I reattempted the interview process, landed the internship, and had a fantastic experience. Now, two months into my full-time role, it's a testament to the value of persistence and understanding the company culture during the recruitment process.
During the recruitment cycle, what were some skills that you thought served you well on applications and made you stand out?
Early in your career, especially during the HBA1 stage, building a robust resume can feel challenging. In my experience, I focused on showcasing my passion for the intersection of health and business, aligning volunteer opportunities and extracurricular experiences accordingly. Customizing cover letters to the firm, name-dropping people you’ve spoken to (usually on a multiple-touchpoint basis), and incorporating key takeaways from conversations made my application stand out. During interviews, prioritize being personable, foster conversational dialogues, and diligently prepare for technical aspects. Repetition in preparation is key for you to have the confidence and readiness to demonstrate your commitment to the opportunity while in the interview.
Upcoming Healthcare Roles & Events
Summer Internship: DW Healthcare Partners
Work directly with the deal team on new deal origination, due diligence, and work with our portfolio companies. Be responsible for supporting the analytical diligence on potential investments and providing existing portfolio companies with analytical support.
Deadline: Jan 12th, 2024
Summer Internship: DW Healthcare Partners
Summer Investment Sourcing Analyst
Work directly with the investment sourcing team to conduct market research and high-level analysis on industry verticals and critical companies that fit DWHP’s investment criteria. Prospect and qualify for opportunities through phone outreach and introductory face-to-face meetings. Additionally, be responsible for tracking (via DWHP’s CRM) and maintaining communication and strong relationships with potential investee companies.
Deadline: Jan 12th, 2024
Full-time Role: Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy
Responsible for coordinating, managing and maintaining the organization’s various programs and services. Coordinate with the CEO and support staff concerning scheduling, delegation, logistics and budgeting to successfully facilitate CRIBE programming. Other managerial duties may be assigned as required.
Deadline: Dec 14th, 2023
Full-time Role: Sanofi
Key Account Manager Diabetes Specialty Sales
Promoting the Sanofi established insulin portfolio within the rapidly evolving diabetes marketplace. Work alongside endocrinologists , internists, educators, primary care physicians, and pharmacists focused on diabetes centers of excellence to deliver on brand objectives and results via a prioritization on delivering patient care solutions. Develop and implement integrated business/account plans that deliver the budgeted revenue and proper utilization of resources for Sanofi brands, in major key accounts, including advocacy development, access, budget management, promotional material and product samples.
Deadline: Dec 14th, 2023
Additional Roles: Biotalent
BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.
Upcoming Event: Life Sciences London
Life Sciences London Monthly Virtual Meet Up
In the dynamic intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and business, successful recruiting hinges on meaningful connections within the industry. Life Sciences London hosts a monthly virtual meeting tailored for individuals passionate about this space. This platform offers a prime opportunity to network and cultivate relationships with industry leaders, providing a solid foundation for potential discussions about upcoming internships.
Next Upcoming Event: Dec 9th, 2023
Content To Explore
10 Trends Shaping the Future of Health Care in Canada
If you’re interested in learning more:
Enabling the Future Provision of Long-Term Care in Canada
Restoring trust: COVID-19 and the future of long-term care in Canada