By Chandra Philip

A new survey found that 90 percent of Canadians aged 45 years and older would prefer to age in their homes rather than move into care homes.

The survey by Ipsos Reid was commissioned by HomeEquity Bank to examine the attitude and knowledge about personal support workers (PSW) among Canadians aged 45 years and older.

The majority of those surveyed (94 percent) said that PSWs “positively impact” Canadians whether the workers are in long-term homes, hospitals, or in-home care. That number increased to 96 percent for Ontario.

About the same percentage said that aging at their homes would allow them to “maintain independence” as well as “dignity” as they age, with 62 percent strongly agreeing and 34 percent saying they somewhat agree.

The survey also found that 90 percent said they would rather age at home than move to a long-term care facility. That number increased to 93 percent for those aged 65 and older.

Eight in 10 (82 percent) said they would consider moving into an assisted living facility if they were not able to afford home care. That is a 4-point increase over 2023, the survey said.

When it came to paying for a PSW, 36 percent of those surveyed said they thought the workers had become less affordable over the past couple of years.

The survey noted that PSW costs can range from $19 to $75 per hour, or $150 to $600 per workday.

However, of those who were aware of the costs, just 29 percent said they have considered the cost as part of their retirement plan. Thirteen percent said they have considered it in their retirement plan but are not sure they’ll be able to afford it. Six percent said they both have planned for the costs of a PSW and could afford it if needed.

The number of Canadians over the age of 45 who said they would borrow money to cover the cost of in-home care for themselves or a loved one has increased, the survey found, with 45 percent saying they would. That is an increase of seven points compared to 2023. The number jumps to 52 percent for those aged 45 to 54 years.

Two out of 10 Canadians over the age of 45 said they have had a PSW help them or they know someone who has relied on a support worker, at 3 percent and 19 percent respectively.

Thirteen percent said they don’t feel they need a PSW now but anticipate they may need one in the future.

The Ipsos survey was conducted between May 2 and 5 with 1,001 Canadians aged 45 and older participating.