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Many Choices for Saskatchewan Seniors

Feb 17, 2016 | 10:18 AM

Seniors are incredibly important to our province.  Our government wants to ensure that Saskatchewan seniors have a high quality of life and suitable care choices.

We want seniors to have options available whether they choose to stay in the community and age in place, or move to a personal care home or long-term care facility.  We have created and strengthened programs and services delivered to seniors through government ministries.

We offer support to seniors who wish to remain at home as long as possible by enhancing the Home First/Quick Response Program in Prince Albert Parkland, Saskatoon and Regina Qu’Appelle health regions, and expanding the program in the Prairie North Health Region.

In Prince Albert, our government took action on the aging Pineview Terrace.  Today, there are 60 beds in the new, expanded facility.  We have also invested $2 million toward planning for the renewal of Victoria Hospital.

Residents of Saskatchewan can now access improved personal care home inspection information at saskatchewan.ca.  The new electronic (tablet) reporting system for inspectors ensures that more detailed, accessible reports regarding personal care homes are available to the public.

Our government heard concerns from family members of seniors on fixed incomes.  They thought it was wrong to leave the monthly benefit under the Seniors Income Program (SIP) unchanged for 16 years.  That’s why our government moved to triple the maximum monthly benefit from $90 in 2007 to $270 in 2015.

Seniors receiving SIP benefits are also entitled to additional health benefits such as 1 free eye examination every 12 months, chiropractic services (to a maximum of 12 services/year), a reduced Prescription Drug Plan semi-annual deductible, a home care subsidy as well as an exemption from many of the charges under the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living Program.

Our government introduced an income-support program that provides a livable income, and dignity, to people with disabilities through Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disabilities (SAID).

You can view links to these and other programs for Saskatchewan seniors at these links:

Saskatchewan Seniors Services                                        Saskatchewan.ca

Care at Home and Outside the Hospital

Services are available for people who can no longer live independently, or need assistance to do so.  Many of these services are used primarily by seniors, but there are people of all ages who qualify for assistance.

Financial Help for Seniors
The Seniors Income Plan provides senior citizens with the financial assistance required to meet their basic needs.

Leased Housing for Seniors
The SHC Life Lease Program provides moderate-income senior individuals and couples with affordable housing in exchange for a deposit and monthly occupancy fee.

Rental Housing for People with Low Incomes
The Social Housing Program provides safe, adequate housing to eligible people with low incomes.

Rental Housing in Rural and Northern Communities
The Affordable Housing Program offers rental housing to individuals and families in select rural and northern communities.

Seniors Aging in Place

Find information for seniors, their families, their caregivers and supporting service organizations on the Government of Canada Seniors website.

Seniors Canada Online
Visit the Government of Canada Seniors’ website to find information for seniors, their families, their caregivers and supporting service organizations.

Seniors Drug Plan
A plan for Saskatchewan residents 65 and older which allows them to pay a maximum of $20 for prescription drugs covered by the government.

Seniors Living in Personal Care Homes
The Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB) provides seniors with monthly financial assistance to help them with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home.

Seniors Living in Small Communities
The Seniors Housing Program provides seniors in small communities who have moderate income and assets access to Government housing programs.

Seniors’ Week in Saskatchewan
September 28th to October 4th, 2015 was declared Seniors’ Week in Saskatchewan. This special week encourages all of us to come together to recognize how important seniors are every day in every community.

It is your voice that guides us. I ask that you continue to write, phone, e-mail or visit my office to provide your insights and suggestions. It is through these discussions that we can work with Saskatchewan people to keep Saskatchewan strong. Call 306-922-4220, visit my website at http://mlajurgens.ca or email mlajurgens@sasktel.net. My office is located at 5A 598 15 St. East across from Superstore.