The Benefits and Challenges of Virtual Geriatric Care in New Brunswick

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dc.contributor.authorBoco, Eton
dc.contributor.authorRogers, Kyle
dc.date.accessioned2025-07-14T14:21:39Z
dc.date.available2025-07-14T14:21:39Z
dc.date.issued2021-01
dc.description.abstractCurrently, older adults represent 16.5% of the Canadian population1, and are projected to make up 4% of the population by 2038. These trends are more extreme in New Brunswick, where older adults comprise 19.5%, predicted to reach 31% by 2038. Current healthcare system resources and infrastructure in the province are not positioned to sufficiently meet the unique care and treatment needs required by the elderly demographic2, 3. Further, more Canadians are choosing to remain in their own homes and communities for the latter years of their lives – a shift referred to as “Aging in Place.” To provide the necessary care and fulfil New Brunswickers’ desires to age in place, updated healthcare delivery pathways need to be established. Given the accessibility barriers that may hinder older adults seeking healthcare, using technology to deliver care virtually could be a key driver of positive disruption in the healthcare system. Technology has always played a significant role in healthcare, and especially in older adult care. Due to the nature of geriatric conditions and diseases, as well as limitations to mobility exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, creating a healthcare system that can provide older adults with easy access to continuous care and/or supervision and quick diagnoses is key. Virtual methods and tools – such as vitals trackers, teleconference platforms for virtual visits, and smart-device-assisted living – have been explored as a way to provide quality care to older adults. The use of these devices is especially important in an era of mandated physical distancing to prevent further spread of COVID-19, to which older adults are most vulnerable. Because of these reasons, and many more detailed below, older adults may benefit the most from virtual forms of healthcare delivery. To help inform the future of healthcare delivery for older adults in Canada, this brief provides an overview of the various types of virtual care solutions, their usage among Canadians and older adults more specifically, the benefits and challenges associated with their adoption, and finally, a set of evidence-informed policy considerations for future healthcare decision-making.
dc.identifier.urihttps://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/38339
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherNew Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training
dc.subject.disciplineHealth Services Research (Applied)
dc.titleThe Benefits and Challenges of Virtual Geriatric Care in New Brunswick

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