Helping more people age where they call home
Across Canada, more older adults want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. Aging in place programs are helping by improving access to care, supporting caregivers and easing pressure on hospitals and long-term care. These efforts are also improving quality of life and making better use of health and social services.
Canada’s older adult population is growing and many want to age at home and in their communities but lack the support they need to stay mobile, access services and remain independent.
Across Canada, aging in place programs are improving access to home and community care and strengthening caregiver support. The result is fewer hospital visits, reduced pressure on long-term care, better quality of life for older adults and caregivers and more efficient use of health and social care resources (PDF). Healthcare Excellence Canada provides funding and learning opportunities to help health and social service organizations plan and implement proven approaches that support more people to age where they call home. To scale this impact, we share resources, promising practices and insights to help others apply these approaches in their own communities.
Building on the success of other initiatives
We’ve gained valuable insights through initiatives such as Nursing Home Without Walls and the Enabling Aging in Place collaborative. Both have produced actionable guidance and case studies, helping communities across Canada apply proven approaches that support more people to age at home and drive meaningful, measurable impact.
Nursing Home Without Walls
Supported by HEC, Université de Moncton and the Government of New Brunswick, Nursing Home Without Walls provided coaching and resources to nearly 30 nursing homes, enabling them to help older adults age in the place they call home.
Looking Ahead: Building on its success in New Brunswick, Nursing Home Without Walls supports jurisdictions across the country to bring nursing home support and services to older adults in their own homes, helping them age safely and comfortably where they already live. For more information on how to get involved email nhww-fssm@hec-esc.ca
“By continuing to innovate and implement solutions adapted to the realities of our aging population, we are strengthening intergenerational ties and ensuring that every senior can age with dignity and respect,” - Lyne Chantal Boudreau, New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for seniors.
— Lyne Chantal Boudreau, New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for seniors.
“By continuing to innovate and implement solutions adapted to the realities of our aging population, we are strengthening intergenerational ties and ensuring that every senior can age with dignity and respect,” - Lyne Chantal Boudreau, New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for seniors.
— Lyne Chantal Boudreau, New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for seniors.
“NHWW has truly been a game-changer for me. Not only does it keep me busy and engaged with a variety of activities, but it has also allowed me to meet new friends and reconnect with old acquaintances during recreational events, whom I never thought I would see again in this life.” — NHWW service user
“NHWW has truly been a game-changer for me. Not only does it keep me busy and engaged with a variety of activities, but it has also allowed me to meet new friends and reconnect with old acquaintances during recreational events, whom I never thought I would see again in this life.” — NHWW service user
“Used to working within our small island communities, it is a rare treat to connect with teams from across the country and to access the expertise of our coach and the many resources from the HEC team. This is the kind of meaningful support we need to create real change with, and for, older adults in our communities.” — EAIP program participant
“Used to working within our small island communities, it is a rare treat to connect with teams from across the country and to access the expertise of our coach and the many resources from the HEC team. This is the kind of meaningful support we need to create real change with, and for, older adults in our communities.” — EAIP program participant
Enabling Aging in Place
The Enabling Aging in Place collaborative supports 26 organizations across Canada, helping them implement promising practices that improve system navigation, reduce barriers, provide culturally responsive services and create engaged, connected communities.
“Used to working within our small island communities, it is a rare treat to connect with teams from across the country and to access the expertise of our coach and the many resources from the HEC team. This is the kind of meaningful support we need to create real change with, and for, older adults in our communities.” — EAIP program participant
“Used to working within our small island communities, it is a rare treat to connect with teams from across the country and to access the expertise of our coach and the many resources from the HEC team. This is the kind of meaningful support we need to create real change with, and for, older adults in our communities.” — EAIP program participant
Right Care Challenge
Open to health and social care teams ensuring people get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
Enhancing Integrated Care
Open to organizations working to strengthen integrated team-based care, including virtual care.
Featured content
Enabling Aging in Place Webinar Series
Join us for a webinar series that shares success stories and lessons learned that support older adults in aging at home.
Nursing Home Without Walls (NHWW): Guide for Jurisdictions
The Nursing Home Without Walls (NHWW): Guide for Jurisdictions is a comprehensive resource designed to support provincial, territorial, and regional decision-makers evaluate, implement, and sustain a NHWW program.
Seven Elements for the Successful Community Engagement of Older Adults
This resource offers strategies for inclusive engagement, leveraging community strengths to shape solutions that reflect older adults’ needs, experiences and support long-term impact.
Related resources
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Change happens in partnership
Supporting organizations across Canada are helping drive meaningful progress as part of Care Forward.
Change happens in partnership
Supporting organizations across Canada are helping drive meaningful progress as part of Care Forward.
