A new grant program to help Island seniors pay for modifications to their home is now accepting applications.
News of the launch of the Seniors Safe @ Home Program, which allows Islanders who own their own homes to access a lifetime grant of up to $5,000, came the same day as a news release from the opposition Progressive Conservatives questioning how home renovation money is distributed.
The government grant supports modifications to seniors' homes that will help them in their everyday activities. The program aims to support modifications that will enhance accessibility and help to maintain health and safety, enabling seniors to remain in their own homes longer.
The grant amount is determined based on income.
CLICK HERE FOR THE INCOME CHART
CLICK HERE FOR THE PROGRAM BROCHURE
Souris-Elmira PC MLA Colin LaVie says he's heard from Islanders with concerns about how these kinds of program are delivered.
“There is a real need for the supports these programs provide and because the amount of money government puts toward housing is so small it’s important that the dollars are spent as effectively as possible,” said LaVie. In his news release, LaVie referred to government loans, before news of the grant program had been issued.
LaVie cited concerns around the application process, balance between rural and urban clients and the pressing need for supports as just some of the issues raised by Islanders.
“We recognize that most people would like to remain independent and close to family and friends as long as possible,” said Minister of Community Services and Seniors Valerie Docherty in a news release about the new grant program. “The new Seniors Safe @ Home Program will help Island seniors make the modifications necessary to ensure they are safe and healthy in their own homes and enable them to maintain that independence.”
Mary Hughes, chairwoman for the Seniors Secretariat noted, "(The program) provides for improved safety revisions to the senior’s home, can help reduce health-care costs if injuries are prevented by the repairs, and reduces stress for the senior and their family as the senior is able to stay in their home, where they want to be.”
Meanwhile, LaVie is renewing calls for public hearings into the structure and delivery of provincial home renovation loan programs.
“Over a month ago I wrote the chair of the standing committee on health, social development and seniors to ask to invite department staff, community groups and the public to come forward and discuss ways we can get the best bang for our bucks," LaVie said. "To date I have no response, so flipping pancakes with the Premier-designate must be more important than programs to help Islanders."
Seniors Safe @ Home Program Income Chart, showing the amount of grant based on the combined income of the applicant and his or her spouse:
Income of $35,000 or less • $5,000
$35,001 to $38,000 • $4,000
$38,001 to $41,000 • $3,100
$41,001 to $47,000 • $1,700
$47,001 to $50,000 • $1,000
More information and applications are available by calling 1-855-374-7366 or visiting www.gov.pe.ca/ssh
