Are Elders a Burden? Or Is It Our Broken System?
By 2030, nearly one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65. In Ontario alone, the senior population is expected to double over the next 20 years. As society ages, health systems are buckling—and some now view elders not as valued community members, but as a burden.
It’s a troubling mindset that oversimplifies a complex issue.
The Reality Behind the Strain
Canada’s healthcare system is under enormous pressure. Emergency rooms are overcrowded. Wait times for surgeries and specialist appointments stretch for months. Seniors—many of whom live with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia—are among the hardest hit.
According to Health Quality Ontario, nearly 60% of long-term care residents had at least one unplanned emergency department visit in 2022. Over one-third of Ontarians aged 65+ say they don’t get enough time with their primary care doctor—if they even have one. The situation is similar across many provinces.
These data points reflect real people struggling to receive care. Yet it’s not uncommon to hear commentary implying seniors are “clogging up the system” or using “more than their share.”
While older adults do have more medical needs, this thinking misses the point. The real issue isn’t our elders—it’s outdated systems that haven’t kept pace with demographic change.
“We must separate system frustration from the value of those caught in it.”
When Systems Struggle, Families Step In
When public resources fall short, families—especially adult children—are left to fill the gap. Whether it's managing hospital discharges, handling home care logistics, or making decisions about long-term care, the burden of coordination often falls on sons and daughters.
As part of the “sandwich generation,” many are balancing this responsibility while raising children and maintaining careers. Without clear guidance from the medical system, they face complex care decisions with little support.
I’ve seen this firsthand. Twice, my dad visited a doctor for medical concerns—hoping for answers, or at least compassionate guidance. Both times, he was essentially told what he was experiencing was “just part of old age.” No investigation. No plan. A dismissive wave and the message: “Go home and wait to die.”
You could see the disappointment—not just from discomfort, but from being reduced to a number in a system that no longer saw his life as meaningful. It left him feeling invisible. As a family member watching, it broke my heart.
These stories are common. Adult children don’t just need medical updates—they need someone to walk them through what comes next.
Understanding Both Sides
It’s understandable that some feel overwhelmed by the costs and challenges of an aging population. Taxes are rising, homecare is understaffed, and long-term care facilities often fall short. But we must separate system frustration from the value of those caught in it.
Older adults aren’t just patients—they’re parents, mentors, volunteers, and legacy-holders. Many have contributed decades of work, taxes, and community service. Their needs aren’t signs of weakness—they’re reminders of how far we’ve come and how much care and dignity we owe.
And this isn’t just a senior issue—it affects everyone. How we address elder care will shape how our communities function, how families survive, and how the next generation prepares for their own future.
What Needs to Change
To better support aging Canadians—and their families—we need to invest in:
🩺 Expand the geriatric and homecare workforce
Canada lacks enough trained professionals in eldercare. Expanding this workforce will ease ER pressure and improve quality of life.
🏥 Local care solutions
Mobile clinics, telehealth services, and wellness programs tailored to seniors can reduce hospital visits and support preventative care.
🧠 Support for caregivers
Adult children and spouses providing unpaid care need respite services, education, and mental health support to avoid burnout.
🗣 Reframe the public dialogue
Language matters. Shifting from “burden” to “shared responsibility” fosters greater empathy and multigenerational collaboration.
Where Families Can Turn for Help
If you’re navigating the care journey for an aging parent, here are a few resources to explore:
211 Ontario / 211 Canada – A helpline and database for accessing local senior services and caregiver support.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada – Offers support groups, education, and guidance for dementia caregivers.
CaregiverExchange.ca (Ontario) – Information on respite care, support groups, and caregiver mental health.
Canadian Virtual Hospice – Tools and resources on aging, caregiving, and end-of-life care.
SE Health / Bayshore Home Health – Private homecare, nursing, and caregiver coaching options.
Final Thoughts
Aging is not an inconvenience—it’s a reflection of human progress. The challenge isn’t “too many seniors,” but building systems that evolve with our reality.
We all want to age with dignity. We want our parents to be cared for, not cast aside. How we treat our elders today is the blueprint for how we will be treated tomorrow.
Let’s not see them as a burden, but as a test of our collective humanity.
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