Systemic Barriers and Policy Solutions: Reforming Veteran Home Care in Canada

Introduction: This paper investigates systemic barriers that hinder access to Canadian Veteran home care services, specifically impacting women, Indigenous peoples, rural populations, and unpaid family caregivers. Methods: A qualitative policy analysis was conducted using academic literature, government publications, and international policy documents to evaluate Canada’s Veteran Independence Program (VIP). Results: The evaluation reveals critical gaps within the VIP regarding gender sensitivity, rural accessibility, caregiver support, and cultural safety for Indigenous Veterans. Furthermore, comparative analyses of care models from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand demonstrate that alternative frameworks successfully prioritize inclusivity, flexibility, and localized delivery. Discussion: Based on these findings, the study advocates for a reimagined Canadian home care framework that integrates gender-responsive planning, rural outreach, Indigenous-led services, and structured caregiver support. Although the research is limited by its reliance on secondary data, it provides actionable insights for policy reform to foster equity and independence across Canada’s diverse Veteran populations.