$3M to Help Seniors Stay in Home Longer May Not Be Enough

By Dan Guetre

On the heels of an announcement by the Province of Manitoba to inject $3 million into two housing programs geared to allow more Manitoba seniors to safely age in their homes and communities as long as they choose, one seniors group in southeast Manitoba is worried the financial commitment may not be enough.

The two programs announced were a home modification initiative and a Supportive Housing initiative.

Heather Dean, President of the Seine River Services for Seniors was on hand for the announcement, and while agreeing with the programs, she feels the dollar amount could fall short. She was optimistic though that with the big picture, the Seniors’ Strategy announcements recently rolling out, the overall effort by the Province does show the government is listening.

“The announcement by the Minister was $3 million, a modest amount relative to the amount of total funding announced for other initiatives for seniors,” said Dean.

The new home modification grant program with an annual budget of $1.5 million, will provide financial assistance to seniors over the age of 65 and/or family members who have seniors over the age of 65 living with them with a household income of $60,000. The province-wide grant will allow for home modifications that enhance safety during daily living activities.

“The home modification initiative will provide grants to seniors to afford renovations in their homes such as ramps, safety railings and grab bars in the bathroom,” she acknowledged. “There are a myriad of modifications now available for homes that allow seniors to continue living safely at home but many of these modifications are costly.”

With the finite amount announced, she has some advice to seniors.

“It will be important for our seniors who meet the eligibility criteria of age and income to apply early as possible as the $1.5 million funding will not go far for larger projects such as widening interior doors, external ramps, electric lifts and curbless showers,” she explained.

While the programs announced will not be managed by local Senior Resource Services, the groups positioned throughout the municipalities will still play a role.

“Neither of these announcements has a direct impact on the operation or programming of Seine River Services for Seniors,” said Dean, “however both programs will have an indirect impact on the work that we do as they will both help seniors who access our services.”

“Our organization can help seniors in our area to learn about this funding and help them to complete the application process,” she added.

Dean will have to wait for specific details before their organization can help with applications.

“The details of the application process are not known yet, especially what modifications will be eligible,” she said.

According to Dean, whose group looks after seniors in the RMs of La Broquerie and Ste. Anne, and the Town of Ste. Anne, the Supportive Housing program will add additional funding into two facilities. This program takes care of the other $1.5 million of the announcement.

“The Supportive Housing initiative will provide additional funding for congregate living settings such as those living in the independent apartments (motels) of Le Chalet and the Villa Youville,” explained Dean.

According to Dean, the funds will go directly to the two facilities to increase the per diem rate given to each facility for each resident so that the facility can enhance their services such as meals, light housekeeping and laundry.

Seniors and Long-term Care Minister Scott Johnston and Families Minister Rochelle Squires noted the investment will increase the per diem rate by 19 per cent to ensure residents receive high-quality services.