A new report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) by a group of doctors in Toronto sheds light on a disturbing trend: a rise in the number of older adults experiencing homelessness across Canada. This report raises serious concerns about the well-being of this vulnerable population and calls for immediate action.
There is now a significant increase in the number of older adults relying on shelters for housing. This places a heavy burden on an already strained shelter system.
Dr. Jillian Alston, a geriatrician at Saint Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and co-author of the report, emphasizes a key challenge to CBC News: “We’re actually seeing an alarming rise in the number of older adults who are turning to emergency shelters.”
The report cites data from Statistics Canada, revealing that in 2021, over 32% of people using shelters were over the age of 50. In comparison, only 13.5% of shelter users were over 50 in 2005. It’s important to note that this data reflects a national trend, but the situation appears to be particularly acute in Toronto.
The Toronto case study
Toronto serves as a microcosm of the national problem. According to the city’s 2021 Street Needs Assessment report, the percentage of shelter users aged 60 and older has risen from 10% in 2018 to 15% in 2021. Gord Tanner, the general manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services, confirms this trend.
There are shelters in Toronto specifically designed for seniors, but they face limitations. While these facilities offer some relief, Tanner acknowledges that “[w]e need specific programs to meet the needs of people that are aging in the shelter system.”
Shelters are designed to provide temporary housing, not long-term care. They are often ill-equipped to handle the complex needs of older adults, who may require assistance with daily activities or have specific health concerns.
Aklilu Wendaferew, executive director of Good Shepherd Ministries — a Toronto shelter serving older adults — explains the challenges.
“Shelters are currently becoming an alternative to hospitals and to long-term care. So that’s not really what shelters are set up for,” he said.
“For example, from a need to support them with their feeding, bathing, toileting and things like that. We don’t have that kind of infrastructure.”
Other issues at hand
Experts point to the rising cost of housing as a major factor driving senior homelessness. Many older adults on fixed incomes simply cannot afford to keep up with rising rents.
Christine Sheppard, a researcher specializing in aging at the Wellesley Institute, agrees, saying that “[w]e really need to develop a housing strategy that is focused on the needs of older adults.”
We can’t afford to ignore the crisis facing vulnerable seniors any longer. Finding solutions to reduce wait times for long-term care facilities would offer another important piece of the puzzle.
The clock is ticking for our most vulnerable seniors, and healthcare providers and policymakers must collaborate to build a safety net that protects homeless seniors before it’s too late.
