Health is at the heart of living well. When surveyed about health, people consistently express common views. We want health care services available to us when we need them. We want those health care services close to home. And we want to feel well enough to live independently throughout our entire lives.
As you contemplate how you or your loved one can remain at home and independent as long as possible, the Seniors Housing and Adaptation Repair Program (SHARP) might play a role. This Alberta program allows seniors to use their home equity to retrofit their home for age-related health and mobility needs. SHARP provides a loan to a maximum of $40,000 to qualifying seniors with a total annual income of $75,000 or less. Repayment is only required when the home is sold or when the home is no longer the primary residence. Search “seniors home adaptation” on alberta.ca to learn if this program is right for you.
Recently, the Government of Alberta announced the new Aging Well in Community grant, calling for proposals from local organizations whose community-based initiatives help seniors stay in their homes and participate in their communities. The Aging Well in Community grant program will prioritize projects which address issues affecting seniors—ageism, social inclusion, elder abuse prevention, and age-friendly communities.
As Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing, says, “Seniors should be able to live safely and independently in their communities, close to loved ones. …this grant program will establish new ways to shape bright, active futures for seniors in Alberta.” Applications are open until November 16, 2018. For more details, search “Aging Well in Community” on alberta.ca.
For more information on these programs or any other provincial matters, please feel free to contact my office. It is always good to hear from constituents.
