NDP unveils plan for P.E.I. Seniors' Independence Program
CBC News | Posted: March 31, 2015 9:53 AM | Last Updated: March 31, 2015
Program would be modelled after the Veterans' Independence Program delivered by Veterans Affairs Canada
The leader of the provincial NDP released a part of its election platform Monday aimed at helping seniors.
Mike Redmond says the addition of a basic housekeeping and grounds maintenance service to the current long-term home care program would allow many more seniors to remain in their homes indefinitely.
He says the new P.E.I. Seniors' Independence Program would be modelled after the Veterans' Independence Program delivered by Veterans Affairs Canada.
"About nine out of 10 seniors want to stay in their home as long as they can, so we see the need for that. We also see a way of [achieving] significant cost savings to the taxpayer by keeping seniors in their home, keeping seniors in their community and also a way to create jobs as an economic driver. So, it's a win-win all round," said Redmond.
He says the program would help keep seniors in their homes for about 10 to 15 per cent of the cost of an admission to a long-term care bed.
Redmond says it would also help make more long-term care beds available.