The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network says the senior population in our area will double by 2035 and investments are being made to try and keep pace.
New census data shows there are more seniors than kids living in Canada for the first time ever.
Communications Director Shannon Sasseville says many investments have been made over the years to reduce wait times and keep seniors at home.
"Our big focus has been investing into community support services. Whether that's home and community care or services like transportation or services that just help people like meals on wheels. Services that can help people remain in their home is where we have put our energy and investments thus far," says Sasseville.
Sasseville says better connecting the health care system has also become important for seniors so they can navigate it easier.
Sasseville says investments made by the LHIN include transportation, which is often overlooked by some.
"It's not always the ones that come top of mind. For example, transportation is really an issue for seniors. How do you get back and forth from your physician, dialysis or other medical appointments. That's an area where we have put a fair bit of investment as well," Sasseville says.
Sasseville says the goal is always to reduce wait times and improve access to services.
"We want to make sure that seniors have care when they need the care because we know if people have to wait that their condition can change and not always for the better. So, our goal is to always reduce wait times and improve access to services. Whether that means having services closer to them or just to have improved access, it's certainly top of our mind," says Sasseville.