Alberta seniors express the circumstances…

Locally...Over 250 seniors, from around the province, recently responded to a three-question survey wherein they were asked to expand on their personal experiences with the healthcare system, transportation, home maintenance/renovations/modifications.

Thirty four percent seek restoration of vital extended health care benefits for all seniors (including dental/dentures, eye care, hearing aids, etc.). 

Staintharp, an 83-year old, wrote ‘because we are on a fixed income, we are very concerned about the large increases in the cost of maintaining our home (such as utilities and labour)’.

Barrett wrote about a question of access… ‘There are a significant segment of the population which is no longer working, cannot drive, and which no longer have the desire to shop, dine, or be entertained downtown.  For those people, public transportation should be the means of getting to alternate destinations for their essential and desirable services.’

Concerns such as the shortage of doctors/nurses; extended wait times (to get in to see the specialist, have surgery, etc.); the need for a reduction in long-term care accommodation rates; increases to pensionable income levels or seniors financial assistance; and the need for government supplements to offset increased natural gas heating and electrical costs made up almost 50% of the responses.

‘The message seems consistent.  We’ve received correspondence from members in Lethbridge, Camrose, Barrhead, Edmonton, Calgary, from smaller and more remote locations too’, says Gordon Voth, President of the Board of Directors for Alberta Seniors United Now (SUN).

Ulrich writes ‘there is little support (for my wife, who had a stroke) in terms of home care for someone who can do some things for herself, but [it’s] not really safe [for her] to be alone for long periods.  Also, [there is] little support for the caregiver’.

Seniors all across Alberta are facing circumstances that affect their ability to sustain a comfortable standard of living… and they are concerned about their future.

For more information on Alberta Seniors United Now (SUN), visit http://www.seniorsunitednow.citymax.com.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:            Jacqueline Biollo, Executive  

                                                                        (780) 905-5200/(780) 929-6571

Alberta Seniors United Now (SUN)              Gordon Voth, President

unitenow@telus.net                                        (780) 449-1816

15, 2016 Sherwood Drive

Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3X3

Note:  This is a combination of information compiled through previous letters to Ministers, individual senior’s comments, and positions established by other senior advocate agencies… no formal paid study/survey/research was conducted