The Alberta government is proposing a bill to help seniors stay in their home longer, and in safer conditions.
Bill 5, the Seniors’ Home Adaptation and Repair Act went through third reading at the Legislature on April 13. This act featured a new low interest home equity loan program for seniors to make improvements to their home for safety and sustainability.
“Home should mean comfort and security for all of us. For many seniors, being able to remain in their homes for as long as they choose, or are physically able, is vital to their independence and quality of life. Our home adaptation and repair program would help seniors stay at home. This program addresses the needs and priorities of an aging population,” said Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing.
Tom Zariski, who sits on the board of the Drumheller and District Seniors Association, says it appears to be a positive program.
Any money directed towards making the increasing seniors population in our province achieve a higher quality of life is welcome,” he said.
According to a press release, there would be approximately 145,000 households eligible for the program. Renovations that qualify include widening doorways or hallways, installing walk in tubs, roof replacement and electrical repairs
While Zariski sees value, it is not the most pressing need in the valley and area.
“That being said, there is still a large infrastructure gap between seniors aging in their homes and needing hospital care,” he said. “There is a desperate need for Supported Living Level 4 accommodation where seniors who cannot live in their homes but do not require a hospital level of care are housed in a Lodge setting which provides a much higher quality of life than a hospital.”
