Project 458682

Canada's caregiving landscape is shifting. Increased longevity, declines in marriage, and rises in divorce and family mobility may negatively impact the availability of informal or family-based eldercare. The prevalence of isolated and unsupported older persons defined as older adults without advocates (OAWAs) is expected to grow in the coming decade, placing significant demands on formal care systems. Despite the exigency of this issue, this population is relatively unexamined in Canada. This doctoral research project will examine this gap in 4 phases corresponding to 4 overarching aims. In Aim 1, an ongoing literature review will synthesize current knowledge on barriers/access to care services and systems navigation for OAWAs. A stakeholder consultation will be performed through interviews with key informants to confirm or refute the review findings and inform hypotheses for Aim 2. In Aim 2, a quantitative secondary-data analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging will identify sociodemographic/economic profiles of older Canadians at risk of OAWA status, the prevalence of unmet care needs among this population, and the relationships between their unmet needs and health status. In Aim 3, a scan and survey of care advocacy and navigation services in rural and urban Canadian communities will identify the extent to which they are reaching the OAWA population and potential geographic disparities in their availability and accessibility. In Aim 4, the project findings will be presented publicly, and a moderated focus group held with stakeholder attendees to determine priorities for future research and care systems reform. This project will result in actionable recommendations for responsive strategies, intervention development, and care policy amendments that are grounded in the current Canadian health and social care context. It is conducted with the directive of promoting this population's wellbeing and independence in their communities as long as possible.