Canadians with visual impairment utilize home care services more frequently

Abstract Objective To assess the impact of presenting visual impairment (PVI) on the utilization of formal home care services in Canada. Formal home care services were defined as services provided by professionals. Presenting visual impairment was self-reported impaired vision. Design Cross-sectional survey. Participants Respondents to the Canadian Community Health Survey − Healthy Aging 2008/2009 (n = 30 865). Methods Self-reported utilization of formal home care services were compared by PVI status and sociodemographic groups. Results Overall , 23.9% of Canadians aged 45+ years with PVI utilized home care services versus 4.8% of those without ( p p p = 0.0002). Among Caucasians aged 65+ years, higher levels of utilization were documented in seniors with PVI (32.3%) versus those without (11.0%; p p p ≥ 20th percentile (9.8%; p p Conclusions Canadians with visual impairment are more likely to utilize formal home care services compared to those without.