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Preamble:
WHEREAS the needs of rural Alberta seniors lodge residents are increasing beyond the service levels provided by the traditional staffing model in seniors housing facilities; and
WHEREAS small rural communities wherein the seniors housing facilities are located face challenges to provide required amenities and community supports; and
WHEREAS relocation of seniors to higher-care facilities is contrary to the Government of Alberta’s expressed desire to enable seniors to age in community (age in place), and imposes undue mental and physical stress on seniors; and
WHEREAS the mandate of the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services is to work with seniors lodge providers to expand seniors lodges and facilities to keep up with increased growth and demand;
Operative Clause:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate to the Government of Alberta to incentivize transportation and health care services to enable the provision of unscheduled home care for rural seniors, including those in supportive living accommodations.
Member Background:
Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic in Canada. Between 2036 and 2041, Canada’s senior population will grow to 25% of the total population. By 2051, 1 in 5 Albertans will be a senior.
Older adults continue to face unique challenges accessing required services and supports to enable them to live in their communities for as long as they desire. Of particular concern are Alberta’s seniors residing in rural seniors’ accommodations, whose needs are increasing while the availability of necessary health and social supports and services is decreasing.
Often, seniors in supportive living accommodations who require a few additional services that are minor or temporary in nature are assessed for higher levels of care simply because there are no health care workers available outside scheduled hours. Examples of such minor needs include personal hygiene support, evening medication assistance, physical support after an injury or infection, etc.
These higher levels of care come at the expense of the senior’s health and the Alberta taxpayer.
Forced relocation of seniors to different facilities (and often in different communities) decreases their quality of life through isolation, loneliness, loss of dignity, and physical and mental stress.
The cost of providing continuing care is higher than that of supportive living due to a higher resident-to-support staff ratio, specialized care, adapted facilities and equipment, etc.
Enhanced provision of training programs for Licensed Practical Nurses can increase the availability of staffing to support service provision. Furthermore, funding of transportation incentives for home care services will eliminate gaps between urban and rural healthcare provision within Alberta Health Services. The incentive to provide home care assistance within rural communities, including within supportive living facilities, will ensure a personal approach that seniors require and will reduce pressure on continuing care homes.
Incentivizing home care transportation to rural areas will allow for the provision of services and will support seniors housing foundations and the communities they call ‘home. Filling vacancies in rural supportive living facilities is a challenge. Allowing seniors to age in place contributes to a sense of community, encourages local employment and economic development, keeps rural seniors’ facilities open, and supports the viability of rural Alberta.
A similar resolution was passed at the 2024 Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association Convention.
RMA Background:
17-23F: Sustainable Community Hospice Funding Model
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate for the Government of Alberta to implement a sustainable operational funding model for the provision of hospice services by community hospice societies across the province.
Click here to view the full resolution.
10-23F: Enhancing Home Care Services for Rural Residents in Alberta
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate to the Government of Alberta to enhance home care services for rural residents by increasing funding, improving accessibility, implementing innovative care models such as community-based care tailored for rural settings, and other means.
Click here to view the full resolution.
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