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It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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Page added on June 28, 2013

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Alberta adds supports for seniors and vulnerable Albertans

June 6, 2013 – The Redford government is giving seniors and persons with disabilities more care options closer to home by adding 920 new Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) spaces across Alberta.

Government grants totaling $68.3 million will support the building of new supportive living spaces in Calgary, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Valleyview and Slave Lake. These communities have been identified as having some of the highest needs in the province for supportive living spaces and services.

This is part of the Redford government’s Building Alberta Plan.

“Our government is committed to providing quality affordable housing for those who need it most,” said Associate Minister of Seniors George VanderBurg. “These new spaces will make it possible for more seniors and senior couples, and our most vulnerable citizens, to stay together in their communities while getting the quality care and support they need.”

Six organizations were chosen to build the new care spaces through a request for grants process administered by the Alberta government. The funds will contribute up to 50 per cent of the capital costs, with any remaining amounts coming from the organizations. There will be ten development projects in total.

The new investment, and the unique residential design plans, means more residents will be able to age in place, staying in the same location, even as their care needs change.

“The ASLI program is an important option for our members in meeting the needs of Albertans in their local communities” said Irene Martin, Executive Director of the Alberta Senior Citizens’ Housing Association. “To support Alberta’s growing seniors population, we’ll need to continue building more supportive living spaces. The ASLI program allows us to create housing options that honour seniors’ individual needs, and allow them to maintain a vibrant lifestyle in a community setting.”

The Alberta government received a total of 38 applications for this year’s grants. A review panel with members from Alberta Health, Infrastructure and Alberta Health Services evaluated the applications based on set criteria, including facility design and completion of a business case. The final selections were made by the Minister of Health based on the panel’s recommendations.

Supportive living is designed for people whose care needs mean they are no longer able to stay in their own homes. Residents have their own private rooms, meals, housekeeping, and 24-7 professional nursing care services, depending on their care needs.

The Alberta government has invested more than $635 million in supportive living to since it began funding capital grant programs in 1999. Since then, Alberta has funded more than 10,000 new supportive living spaces.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

source: www.alberta.ca

Alberta adds supports for seniors and vulnerable Albertans

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