Albertans are being asked to voice their concerns regarding seniors care in the province.
The Wildrose party has offcially kicked-off its province-wide seniors tour, where opposition Seniors Critic Kerry Towle will consult with stakeholders in 23 communities.
One of the communities being asked for input is Drumheller. A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Badlands Community Facility.
“We’re really looking forward to this. It’s going to be an informal discussion with seniors stakeholders, such as seniors, board members, Town Council, and the public at large,” said Rick Strankman, MLA for Drumheller-Stettler.
The tour is meant to learn more about the range of issues facing seniors care in Alberta, including problems faced by seniors in accessing government services.
“It’s a general meeting. Any concerns they have will be brought to the meetings. I’m sure as they go through the meetings in other communities, more issues will come up,” said Strankman.
Towles will also tour both Sunshine and Hillview Lodges.
For stakeholders in Drumheller, it’s a chance to voice their concerns.
“There is an issue with the Lodge Assistance Program (LAP) grant. From our perspective, it hasn’t really kept up with the times. It seems like we have more and more expenses and the LAP grant doesn’t seem to be compensating enough,” said Tom Zariski, Town Councillor and Vice Chair of the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation.
“We’re also looking at seniors accommodation. With more and more seniors, we need more accommodation, but there isn’t enough infrastructure money to keep up with the need.”
The issues have resulted in municipalities continually shouldering more of the responsibility in seniors care.
However, the Drumheller Seniors Foundation, and similar organizations across the province, lobby the government on these issues.
“We’re a member of the Alberta Housing Seniors Association, who are the main voice for seniors issues in Alberta. They regularly lobby on our behalf,” said Zariski.
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