Alberta seniors are truly afraid…

Locally...Not just one, but close to 200 seniors, from around the province, added their thoughts and comments as they responded to a 20-question mail-in survey.  Average age of respondents (64%) was 72-84 years.  Participants were asked to expand on their personal experiences with the healthcare system, wait lists, deregulation, and housing for seniors needing medical care.

Seventy seven percent still live in their own home.  Many, like McLeod commented that [although] ‘right now my health is good, I find it is a struggle to afford living in my home.  Utilities have gone out of reach. [It’s] very depressing.’  Of the 19% living in rural communities, some, like the couple, both in their 70’s, and with breathing problems, state that ‘even living 30 miles from Town, we find we are getting help from our District and are very pleased so far’.

Concerns such as the affordability to stay in one’s own home; adequate and affordable home care; eventual impact of long-term care accommodation variable fees (on family members and the community); and de-listing of previously covered services (like chiropractic) made up 73% of the survey.

‘The message seems consistent.  Ninety seven percent of respondents (from Grande Prairie, Camrose, Rimbey, Fort MacLeod, Strathcona County, from smaller and more remote locations too) would appreciate more consultation, information and feedback with the government’ says Gordon Voth, President of the Board of Directors for Alberta Seniors United Now (SUN) ‘about plans to re-design the seniors’ and health care systems’.  There may well be efficiencies that can be found in the system, but the process needs to be consultative and a level of respect and trust developed.

Houde, from Calgary writes ‘Canada isn’t what it used to be… I am scared of what the future holds for us seniors…’  The government appears to stumble from crisis to crisis with no plans to deal with them.

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

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

-30-

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