THE PAS - Seniors in northern Manitoba will benefit from a $2.25-million investment to build 16 new supportive housing units at Northern View Lodge in The Pas, Premier Gary Doer announced here today.

 

“Investing in supportive housing in our communities supports independence and helps older adults remain a vital part of an active community as they age,” Doer said. “Our plan to create new supportive housing spaces in rural and northern areas is giving seniors more options to live independently in an environment that provides round-the-clock support.”

 

Supportive housing, which is one element of the provincial Aging in Place initiative, combines community living in a secure apartment setting with 24-hour support and supervision. Residents pay for their rent and a service package which includes meals, laundry and light housekeeping while the personal-care component is funded through the regional health authority.

 

“This investment will increase the housing options for seniors in and around The Pas who need extra care and support, while ensuring they can stay close to friends, family and the cultural interactions that enrich their lives,” Doer said.

 

Northern View Lodge is one example of a seniors’ facility that will have both supportive housing and the supports for seniors in group living that allow older adults to extend the time they can live independently in their own community.  

 

The premier noted Manitoba’s supports for seniors in group living model offers no-charge assistance and one-on-one help arranging appointments, transportation or social activities.  Northern View residents will also benefit from an upgraded, larger kitchen and dining area for group meal programs.

 

Manitoba’s Aging in Place initiative encourages regional health authorities to work with individual communities to tailor the level of support residents may need.  Services may range from basic home care to group-living arrangements where residents can have 24-hour support and supervision in a secure environment, but don’t need the additional nursing services offered in personal-care homes.

 

The Aging in Place initiative was first announced in January 2006 with a $98-million commitment for renovation of existing personal-care home facilities, new construction and community programs in Winnipeg.  In February 2007, the first stage of the rural and northern strategy was unveiled with a $21-million pledge and commitment for a new personal-care home in Neepawa.

 

The program supports more than 3,300 living units across the province.

 

The Aging in Place strategy includes:

·        expanded capacity for long-term care community options such as supportive housing, specialized supports and supports for seniors in group living;

·        replacement of three- and four-bed rooms with one- and two-bed rooms to help improve quality of life in personal-care homes; and

·        more spaces to ensure more seniors can receive the care they need.

 

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