Manitoba seeks input on seniors independent living strategy

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This article was published 28/04/2022 (1257 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One day after new census data shows Canada’s senior population is part of the fastest growing demographics in the country, the province announced it would be surveying older Manitobans to create a strategic plan.

An advisory board will be meeting in the months ahead develop a blueprint to “address issues in housing, in home care and community integration,” Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston said at a news conference Thursday morning.

“We want seniors to live as independently as they choose — in their own homes, communities — for as long as it is safe to do so,” he said. “We know that many older Manitobans face barriers to living independently, and that a lot of work needs to be done to address barriers (and) expand supports.”

Surveys will be held through in-person sessions with 50 community organizations that work with seniors, along with the EngageMB website, where more than 10,000 Manitobans over the age of 65 have registered.

The board will be chaired by Connie Newman, who serves as the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative’s lead consultant. The vast majority of Manitoba’s rapidly-growing older community is living in their own communities, she said.

“We want to stay in our homes for as long as possible, with in-home support and with appropriate home modifications. We should be able to do that, I hope.”

Canada’s seniors over the age of 85 make up the fastest-growing age group in the country and the number is expected to triple by 2046, according to census data for 2021. The demographic has grown by 12 per cent since 2016 — more than twice the rate of overall population growth in Canada.

The speed Canadians are reaching old age has caused concern from experts who fear the country isn’t equipped to provide care for a higher proportion of elders.

Johnston said this concern was one of the reasons the strategy plan was initiated: “We could do better, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Public consultations will likely end in November. The strategy report is anticipated for March 2023.

Johnston said he couldn’t identify what items of concern it would be bringing forward. However, Charleswood 55 Plus Active Living Centre board president Sherry Mooney outlined what she said were urgent needs for the demographic hardest-hit by COVID-19.

“We need new models of housing… and outreach that incorporates independence promotion and mutual support, rather than dependent services and other care,” she said Thursday.

“We need more core funding for service provision that enables members and volunteers to help each other, instead of focusing their time and attention on fundraising, grant writing and finding resources to keep the lights on and instructors paid.”

While there will be some overlap with other provincial departments, Johnston said there weren’t any restrictions on what the strategy would explore.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca