Canada's disabled population in institutions

One percent of Canada's population are long-term residents of health care institutions. Of this group an estimated 97% have a disabling condition. This article profiles disabled people living in institutions using data from the Health and Activity Limitation Survey (HALS) undertaken by Statistics Canada. HALS collected data on: the nature, number and severity of disabilities; the underlying causes of the disabilities; and the degree of assistance required for daily activities. For the institutional component of HALS, a sample of 19,000 disabled individuals from 1,100 institutions was used. The institutional survey indicated that almost 80% of the disabled population in institutions were aged 65 or older, while about 90% had mobility and/or agility-related disabilities. The most frequently cited underlying cause of disability for respondents living in both institutions and households was disease or illness. Among young adults in institutions, mental retardation was the main disabling condition. Among the elderly, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (including arthritis) were most common. Most respondents in institutions required daily help with personal care, shopping and personal finances.