As Canada’s workforce continues to evolve, one of the most significant shifts is demographic. By 2030, nearly one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65.
Many of these individuals are choosing to stay in the workforce longer, whether for financial reasons, personal fulfillment, or skills demand. As a result, employers, insurers, and other stakeholders are increasingly faced with the complex task of supporting employees who may experience age-related physical or health challenges.
IMEs play a vital role in this changing landscape. At SOMA, we provide objective, high-quality IMEs that help organizations make informed decisions about health, safety, and occupational fitness.
Why IMEs Matter in a Demographically Diverse Workforce
As workers age, they may encounter health concerns - such as musculoskeletal issues, pain, reduced stamina, or other physical limitations - that can impact job performance or recovery from injury. IMEs offer a neutral, evidence-based assessment of a person's functional abilities and health status, helping to:
Support Safe Workplaces
IMEs help determine if a worker can safely perform their duties or if modifications are required. For example, an evaluation might recommend adjusted lifting requirements or modified work hours based on physical capability.
Facilitate Fair Insurance Outcomes
For insurers, IMEs provide unbiased medical opinions that clarify the extent of an injury or illness. This is particularly useful when determining eligibility for benefits or assessing the need for ongoing support.
Guide Return-to-Work Plans
IME findings inform tailored return-to-work (RTW) strategies, helping injured or recovering employees reintegrate effectively and safely.
Ensure Consistency Across Cases
With diverse health profiles in the workforce, standardized assessments help ensure consistent, evidence-informed decision-making.
Challenges in Evaluating Older Workers - and How IMEs Help
As individuals age, medical conditions may present differently or be influenced by other co-existing health concerns. IMEs are designed to provide a comprehensive, objective view of an individual’s health and functional status within the context of their job role.
Key benefits include:
- Clarity Around Functional Capacity: IMEs assess how a person’s health status may affect their ability to meet the demands of their role, whether in a physical, cognitive, or sedentary capacity.
- Neutral Perspective: Independent assessments reduce the risk of bias, especially in complex or disputed cases.
- Improved Communication: Reports that clearly explain findings and recommendations can help align expectations among employers, insurers, and employees.
The SOMA Medical Difference
We take pride in offering impartial, high-quality IMEs that support all stakeholders - without assumptions about age, ability, or outcome. Our assessors are experienced professionals across a range of specialties, ensuring each evaluation is thorough, medically sound, and tailored to the specific needs of the case.
We focus on:
- Objective, Clinically Justified Assessments
- Clear, Actionable Recommendations
- Reliable Turnaround Times
- Secure Data Handling and Client-Centered Service
Looking Ahead
As Canada’s workforce continues to age and diversify, the need for clear, objective medical evaluations will only grow. IMEs are not just a claims management tool - they’re a way to support healthier outcomes, safer workplaces, and smarter decisions.
Partner with SOMA Medical to ensure your team, your clients, or your policyholders are supported with insight, clarity, and care.
Want to learn more about how SOMA Medical can assist you with IMEs? Get in touch with us today.
