Seniors benefit will help them age in community
Re Builders blame Ontario’s growth plan for rising home prices, Nov. 20, and Build affordable retirement homes in GTA, Letters, Nov. 22
Letter writer Carmel Richards’ response to Tess Kalinowski’s story is on point — recognizing the additional needs some seniors require as they age and acknowledging, quite rightly, that considerations for seniors housing go well beyond the price per square foot.
By 2036, there will be more than 4 million seniors living in Ontario, many of whom will need support. Retirement homes can help seniors get the support they need and the choice they deserve.
We are regulated by 21 pieces of legislation and can provide supports for a range of care services, including but not limited to, provision of a meal, wound care, bathing and medication management.
Seniors have the right to determine how, where and by whom their care services will be delivered.
The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) is very aware that the system needs help, which is why we have been advocating for a senior services benefit.
A senior services benefit is a monthly allowance sent directly to the senior to help pay for their care needs. It is a cost-effective way of repurposing existing home and community care funding, putting money back into the hands of seniors and supporting greater choice — so they can remain longer in their community among family and friends.
It’s an approach that is being used in many other jurisdictions — here in Canada, and abroad, with great success. Consider that a 2018 poll conducted by DART Insight and Communications for ORCA states that 79 per cent of Canadians worry about having enough money to pay for their care when they need it; while 91 per cent agreed they do not want to be socially isolated in their later years.
A senior services benefit would unquestionably help those seniors. Cathy Hecimovich, CEO, Ontario Retirement Communities Association