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Seniors Care for an Aging Muslim Community in Canada
3-23-2022
The majority of Muslims that reside in Canada today are immigrants (or the children/grandchildren of immigrants) who arrived in Canada beginning in the early 70’s. Assuming that the average age of a Muslim immigrant to Canada in 1970 – 1975 would have been between 20 and 30 years of age, such an individual, if still alive today would be in their late 60’s to mid 70’s. For the first time in our short existence in Canada, the Muslim community is grappling with the care of aging loved ones on a large scale, and one that will continue to grow. It may be difficult for one to imagine the magnitude of the challenge at hand, so allow me to share some numbers with you.
While one would be hard pressed to find Muslim specific statistics when it comes to the population of seniors, The Canadian Institute for Health Information estimates that by the year 2037 the population of Canadians aged 65+ will increase by 68%, while the population of Canadians over 75 will more than double. Expressed in numbers, it is estimated that in the year 2037, Canada will have a population of 10.4 million seniors over the age of 75, up from just 3.5 million in 1997. To add to the perspective, Statistics Canada estimates the total Canadian population will approach 40 million by 2037 (based on a mid range growth scenario). This would mean that over 25% of the Canadian population in 2037 will be over 75 years of age. Currently, the Canadian Muslim community accounts for just under 4% of Canada’s population. This number is likely to continue increasing in the future as it has in the past. However, even if we were to suppose it remains the same, we are looking at over 400,000 Muslim seniors over the age of 75. Granted not all seniors require ongoing care, one can reasonably assume a sizeable proportion do and will.
Caring for our elders has always been a point of pride in the Muslim community. I was requested to write a short piece on the Islamic perspective on caring for the elderly. Alhmadulillah, caring for our elders is something we can all agree upon. As a reminder, I will share a few verses and ahadith below.
“It is Allah Who created you in a state of weakness (as a helpless infant), then substituted strength after the weakness (as you grew into an adult) and, after the strength, will again give weakness (as you age) and (eventually) old-age. Allah creates whatever He wills, and He is the All Knowing, All-Powerful.” [30:54]
“Allah has created you, and then causes you to die. And some of you are left to reach the most feeble stage of life so that they may know nothing after having known much. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, Most Capable.” [16:70]
The Prophet PBUH is narrated to have said, “seek my love and proximity with the feeble and weak amongst you. Indeed they cause sustenance and aid to be brought to you.” [Al Tirmidhi]
An elderly man came to the majlis of the Prophet PBUH. When those present did not make sufficient room for him, the Prophet PBUH said, “the one who does not show kindness to our young and veneration to our elderly, is not amongst us.” [Al Tirmidhi]
Keeping all of the above in mind, a unique challenge the Muslim community is now beginning to face is how to care for our seniors who are no longer able to care for themselves. The first answer to this question that comes to mind (and a correct answer mind you) is that we should care for our parents/grandparents in our homes. While this is definitely the ideal solution, it is not always a practical one for a number of reasons; many elders may not have children or relatives to care for them; many may suffer from health issues that require constant care; still others may choose to live on their own for as long as possible, even if it be in an assisted living setting. So, while the simple answer is that every family must care for their elders inside their homes, this fails to take into account the many complexities present within our community.
The second-best option for elders that require care is an assisted living or long term care facility that caters to our beliefs, dietary requirements, and religious sensibilities. To say that finding such a facility is difficult would be a tremendous understatement. No such facility currently exists anywhere in Canada. As a result, Muslim seniors requiring care are forced to choose from facilities not equipped, or very ill equipped, to provide the quality care our elders deserve. Even if a facility is somewhat informed of the needs of elderly Muslims in its care, seldom do such facilities provide Muslim seniors with the opportunity to be around, and benefit from the company of, other Muslim seniors.
In the next 15 to 20 years, the Muslim community is likely to increasingly feel the need for Muslim focused care facilities in each of Canada’s urban centres. With this in mind, a group of community members have established a non-profit organization called Mosaic Seniors Care Society, with the intent to begin filling this void. Although the organization is still in its early days, they have managed to acquire a 60 bed, government subsidized assisted living facility in Surrey, BC. Admission to the home is regulated by the Health Authority, as residents will need to have their health care needs assessed before being accepted into the program (not unlike other government subsidized care settings). Mosaic has a vision to acquire additional facilities in the future and develop other health care services for seniors. You can find out more about Mosaic by visiting their website http://mosaicseniorssociety.com/. It is my hope that the Muslim community of BC will support this important initiative and make dua for its success.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Mosaic Seniors Care Society in any official capacity. My thoughts on the subject of seniors care were penned upon their request. Any enquiries should be directed to Mosaic at info@mosaicseniorssociety.com.
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