The Indigenous Life Long Care Program exists in the context of the Indigenous inherent right of self government, fundamental to which is caring for one’s own. The life Long Care Program intends to improve the quality of life and living conditions for all Indigenous people who require Life Long Care.
Life Long Care allows for traditional Indigenous concepts of family to remain strengthened and supported. The program removes the negative stigmas attached to aging. Elders/seniors have an important role in Indigenous culture and the life cycle teachings. Life Long Care reminds Indigenous people about the gifts and responsibilities that each person brings to their family and community regardless of lifestyle, sexual orientation, gender, disability and age. Life Long Care reinforces our responsibility to care for each other from birth to death that is inclusive of the life cycle wheel.
A wholistic approach to long term care incorporates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. Through this understanding of Indigenous teachings, Life Long Care can enhance and improve the quality of life and the living conditions for all Indigenous people requiring long term care.
The Life Long Care Program is consistent with the wholistic healing continuum approach as identified in the Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy and, as such, will require building strong linkages and networks, locally and provincially.