REGINA — Senior’s Week has been proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan, Sept. 28 – Oct. 4, celebrating the many contributions of older adults across the province.
“Saskatchewan seniors are a vibrant, engaged group of citizens,” Seniors Minister Lori Carr said. “Our government is committed to meeting the needs of older residents and ensuring they have access to high-quality programs and services.”
The Saskatchewan provincial budget has enhanced home and facility-based continuing care service for residents of all ages, providing a $7.1 million increase for the delivery of these services.
The government invested $23 million, beginning April 1, to expand full coverage for Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring (Advanced Glucose Monitors) to seniors aged 65 years and older, as well as young adults ages 18-25. The monitors use a sensor on the skin to send the glucose level reading to a smart phone, or other electronic device, to help diabetics track their glucose levels. This minimizes the risk and frequency of potentially life-threatening low-blood sugar episodes.
Provincial funding further supports a granting program that encourages senior-serving organizations to develop new ways of supporting seniors to maintain independence in their own communities.
Enhanced benefits for seniors include expanding the Personal Care Home Benefit through the Ministry of Social Services so it bridges the gap between seniors’ monthly income and $3,500 per month. The seniors supplement is also being increased by $500 a year for the next four years over and above the impact of indexation for the largest personal income tax reduction since 2008.
The Saskatchewan Government media release also says a range of additional services are in place to assist seniors in communities such as free home-based nursing care, subsidized home care support and reduced costs for publicly funded long-term care.
Ambulance trips are capped at $235 through the Senior Citizen’s Ambulance Assistance Program, and inter-facility transfers are provided at no cost to seniors aged 65 and over.
Through the Senior’s Drug Plan, prescriptions, listed on the Saskatchewan formulary, or approved under the Exception Drug Status, are limited a maximum cost of $25.
More information about Seniors’ Week and programs for seniors can be found here.
