WHEREAS there is a need for affordable Level 1 and 2 personal care homes in Saskatchewan;

WHEREAS the long term sustainability of personal care homes, particularly in rural Saskatchewan is in jeopardy;

WHEREAS without change the cost to live in existing facilities will soar beyond reach for the majority of seniors; and

WHEREAS this concern is delaying the construction of new facilities;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Government of Saskatchewan to provide funding to help support Level 1 and 2 personal care home facilities. 

Response from Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Health:

Our government values the contributions of older persons. We recognize that a significant portion of our province’s population is over the age of 65, and we plan to ensure that the health, dignity, and well-being of all older persons in Saskatchewan are protected and promoted.

We are aware that affordable supportive accommodation is a significant issue for some seniors. In May 2009, Ms. Laura Ross, MLA, Regina Qu’ Appelle Valley, was appointed as the Legislative Secretary, Long-Term Care Initiative. In Ms. Ross’ mandate letter, she was asked to examine five specific issues that will inform the development of the Seniors’ Care Strategy. Those five issues are home care supports, falls prevention, the feasibility of establishing a seniors’ secretariat, abuse of older adults, and accessibility of personal care homes. Ms. Ross is currently reviewing the information she gathered and is expected to provide her findings to me in the coming weeks.

Our government has made a commitment to develop a Seniors’ Care Strategy that will identify and address gaps in the current continuum of care. This continuum of care typically includes home care, community care and long-term care, but isn’t limited to those programs. The findings of both the Patient First Review and the Long-Term Care Initiative will inform the development of the Seniors’ Care Strategy.