Categories: PressReleases
      Date: Sep 12, 2011
     Title: Independence and Support are Key to Improved Seniors Services

Enhancing independence and support are the two key planks in the Liberal Plan for Island seniors, says Premier Robert Ghiz.

“Over the past four years, Liberal support for seniors has been unwavering,” the Premier said. “Our plan now is to make sure that we recognize the contribution that Island seniors make to our province - and ensure that appropriate supports and services are available.”

The Liberal Plan is divided into two main components.

“First, we want to make sure that seniors have the supports they need to lead independent lives for as long as possible. And second, we need to keep building a responsive and caring system,” Premier Ghiz said.

The main components of the Liberal Plan include:

• Expand the Seniors Emergency Home Repair Program: Cancelled by the Conservatives and reinstated by the Liberals, funding to this program will increase as will contribution limit. Liberals will contribute 50 per cent of the cost of eligible repairs to a maximum of $2000, up from the previous limit of $1500.
• Expand the Learning Elders Arts Program (LEAP): Due to its value and popularity, program funding will increase 50 per cent in 2012.
• Medication Review for Seniors in Long-Term Care: Many seniors require multiple medications to maintain health. The Seniors’ Medication Review Program is proposed to begin in 2012.
• Expanded Home Care: The Liberals are proposing to increase total investment in this area by $4 million by 2015, reaching $23.7 million
• Home Care Renovation Grants: Over the next 4 years, the Liberals will offer home care renovation grants that provide up to $5000 to eligible homeowners who undertake renovations required to enable a family member to stay at home.
• New Long-term Care Beds: The number of beds will be increased by 75 over the next four years, giving Island seniors among the lowest wait times in Canada for long-term care.
• A $5.6 million Dedicated Palliative Care Centre: The facility will be completed by 2013 and will see an additional $800,000 in operating support to promote quality end of life care for Islanders.

Contact: Jamie MacPhail
Title: Leader’s Tour
Phone: (902) 394-6807
E-mail: jamie@liberal.pe.ca