Issue 108 – 26, June 28, 2026
Older Adults Age in Place
The Nursing Home Without Walls began as a simple idea, supporting seniors in their own homes, and has grown into a successful, community-driven model. It shows us that caring for older adults doesn’t always require a building or institution. Instead, by working together and using local resources, we can help seniors live with dignity, independence, and connection. Building on this innovative approach can help create a future where everyone can age comfortably and happily in the place they love.
This program started in rural New Brunswick. It was created by Dr. Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard from the Université de Moncton. The goal is to bring healthcare and social support directly to older adults in their homes and communities, instead of only providing care inside a nursing home. The initial pilot included four sites in rural areas of New Brunswick, and the results were very positive. Many seniors felt happier, healthier, and more connected. Because of this success, the program grew quickly, expanding to more communities across the province.
Many older adults want to stay in their homes and communities as they get older. Instead of moving to a nursing home or assisted living, they prefer to live independently with some support. A new idea called "Nursing Home Without Walls" is helping make this possible.
Local nurses and caregivers visit older adults at their homes. They do wellness checks, help with transportation, and support social activities. The program works with community organizations, local leaders, and volunteers to make sure each person gets care that fits their needs. This way, older adults can stay healthy, connected, and active.
Many seniors feel lonely or isolated. The NHWW program helps them build friendships and stay involved in their communities. The program also reduces trips to the emergency room or hospital because issues are caught early.
It can help reduce the number of unnecessary visits to hospitals or emergency rooms.
It can improve the quality of life for seniors by reducing loneliness and keeping them active.
It offers a cost-effective way to provide care without building new facilities.
Since it started in 2019, the program has expanded from four sites to over 30 in New Brunswick. About 96% of the people helped say they can stay in their homes longer. One person shared that NHWW helped her meet new friends and stay busy.
The success of the NHWW in New Brunswick has caught the attention of other parts of Canada. Many provinces see this model to improve care for older adults, especially those who want to stay in their homes. They are creating guides and tools to help other communities adopt this model. The goal is to make aging in place easier for everyone, no matter where they live.
You might wonder how you can help with aging in place. Here are some ideas:
Volunteer: Offer to visit or check in on older neighbors.
Support Local Programs: Encourage your community to create or participate in programs like NHWW.
Raise Awareness: Talk about the importance of helping seniors stay connected and independent.
Be a Friend: Simple acts like calling or visiting can make a big difference in an older person's life.
Aging in place is about giving older adults the support they need to live happily and safely in their own homes. Programs like Nursing Home Without Walls show us that caring communities can make aging easier and more meaningful. By working together, we can help seniors stay connected, healthy, and happy as they grow older.
Read more - Nursing Home Without Walls program opens new N.B. site, eyes expansion to other provinces | CBC News
2026 Canadian Retirement Survey
Every year, the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) works with a company, Abacus Data, to find out what Canadians think about retirement and saving money for the future. Their latest survey was done in spring 2026, and it gives us important information about how people see retirement and how pensions can help.
The survey shows that most Canadians believe that having a pension, especially a type called a defined benefit (or DB) pension, is very helpful. A DB pension is a retirement plan that guarantees you a certain amount of money when you stop working. Many people see it as a safe way to save for the future.
The survey focused a lot on healthcare workers, people like nurses, doctors, and caregivers, because Canada’s population is getting older, and more healthcare workers will be needed. The survey found:
- 89% of healthcare workers think having a DB pension is very important to help attract new workers to the healthcare field.
- 90% of healthcare workers say that pensions help keep experienced staff working in healthcare longer.
- 85% of healthcare workers without a pension said they would find their jobs more attractive if they had access to one.
- Almost all healthcare workers (95%) agree that Canada’s healthcare system will need to grow a lot to care for older people.
The survey also found that healthcare workers value their pensions because they give them peace of mind about their financial future. Many said they would even consider moving or accepting lower pay if it meant they could get a pension.
Young healthcare workers, especially those aged 18-34, think pensions are very important. About 65% of them said they would change jobs if they could get a better pension elsewhere. Many younger workers also said they might move to a different community for a job with a good pension. This shows that pensions can help hospitals and clinics find and keep new healthcare workers, even in small towns or rural areas.
The survey also asked all Canadians about retirement. Here’s what they said:
- 68% think workplace pensions are more helpful during uncertain or difficult times.
- 57% would rather have a guaranteed pension for life than own a home.
- Only 58% of people who haven't retired yet have actually started saving for retirement.
Many Canadians are worried about money, housing costs, and saving enough for retirement. Still, most agree that pensions are a good way to stay financially secure after retiring.
The survey shows that pensions, especially DB pensions, are very important for healthcare workers and all Canadians. They help attract and keep workers in healthcare, support people’s financial security, and make our healthcare system stronger. Many Canadians believe that pensions are a smart investment in the future, especially during tough economic times.
The 2026 survey confirms that pensions are more than just money saved for retirement, they are a key part of a healthy, strong workforce and a secure future for Canadians. As Canada’s population ages, having good pension plans will be more important than ever to keep healthcare workers and everyone else supported.