The Manitoba government is investing $3 million in two housing programs that will allow more Manitoba seniors to safely age in their homes and communities as long as they choose.
“We’ve heard from seniors, and we know that they want to remain in their home and communities for as long as possible,” said Seniors and Long-term Care Minister Scott Johnston. “By funding a new home modification grant program and increasing funding for supportive housing, our government is ensuring that we are fostering safe, inclusive and accessible communities where seniors can age comfortably while also improving access to community-based health care.”
The new home modification grant program will have an annual budget of $1.5 million, and provide financial assistance to seniors over the age of 65 and/or family members who have seniors over the age of 65 living with them with a household income of $60,000. The provincewide grant will allow for home modifications that enhance safety during daily living activities.
“It is a priority for the Manitoba government to enhance the affordability of, and accessibility to adequate housing for Manitobans, particularly to those persons of low-to-moderate incomes or with specialized needs,” said Families Minister Rochelle Squires. “This new and innovative program will provide an affordable housing option to support seniors to remain in the community longer, which is important to the health and well-being of Manitoba seniors.”
Home modifications include adaptations designed to increase safety, accessibility and participation in daily activities such as ramps, curbless showers and increased lighting, which are common solutions that can keep people living in at home as they age.
“Unfortunately, many older adults and older adults with disabilities do not have the means to make home modifications and may be forced to move if they experience a change in health status or can’t be discharged home from hospital because of barriers in the home,” said Marnie Courage, occupational therapist and CEO, Enabling Access Inc. “This new home modification program is a welcomed support that will reduce fall-related hospitalizations, premature admissions to long-term care facilities and enable Manitobans to safely live in place as they age.”
A further $1.5-million investment will stabilize and strengthen the Manitoba government’s supportive housing program, which has over 750 units including 528 in Winnipeg and 236 in rural areas. The minister noted the investment will increase the per diem rate to $50 per resident across all regional health authorities, regardless of their current rate.
“This increase in the per diem rate for supportive housing is a step in the right direction and welcomed by operators,” said Julie Turenne-Maynard, executive director, Manitoba Association of Residential and Community Care Homes for the Elderly. “We hope the Manitoba government will continue to invest in this program as evidence has proven that supportive housing is used and needed by seniors who need additional support.”
This housing-with-care model provides residents in community-based congregate settings with access to comprehensive support services including meals, laundry, light housekeeping and personal support services.
“From improving community supports to enhancing services to promoting financial security, the recently released seniors strategy defined seven strategic priorities that will guide our plan to make Manitoba an ideal place to age,” said Johnston. “In less than two months since launching the strategy, we have already committed over $34 million in multiple key initiatives.”
