Island seniors want to stay in their own home, in their own community, says the past president of the P.E.I. Senior Citizens’ Federation.
John Kenny says that’s the overwhelming message in a recent survey by the federation.
That survey indicates that 96 per cent of seniors want to stay in their local community for as long as possible and 90 per cent want to stay in their current residence.
“I think that the government should take a serious look at it and really support it,’’ Kenny said Friday. “They can spend millions (of dollars) on other stuff or not spend any at all and give themselves pay raises yet the people that kept the thing going for the last 100 years are neglected, and they are.’’
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SOME OF THE SURVEY RESULTS
Current federation president Norma Gallant said they’ve heard many seniors talk about the connection they feel to their local community.
“I’m not surprised the numbers are so high considering what I have seen in my own family and other families in the Evangeline area,’’ Gallant said.
The survey was taken at a recent federation meeting with nearly 200 attendees from across the Island.
Linda Jean Nicholson, executive director of the seniors’ federation, said surveys are conducted at most of their meetings.
“Then, we share the information with government and, especially when the results are clearly this important, with the general public,’’ Nicholson said.
A majority of seniors who completed the survey (58 per cent) live in rural P.E.I. with a third (33 per cent) residing in the towns of Alberton, Cornwall, Georgetown, Kensington, Montague, Souris, Stratford or O’Leary. Nine per cent hail from Charlottetown and Summerside.
“When we talk to seniors about what they consider their home to be most say it is not only their place of residence but also their local community,’’ Nicholson said. “Many were born and raised in the community where they live and have raised their own families there. It is important we have basic medical and other services within our towns and rural communities as our seniors want to stay in their communities.’’
The survey also asked seniors about accessibility to bathrooms and bedrooms in their current home.
When asked if they have a full bath on the main level of their home, 82 per cent said yes.
A majority of respondents answered no to having an entrance without steps but a surprising 82 per cent have a bathroom and 75 per cent have a bedroom on the main level.
“It is important seniors take steps to ensure they can safely stay in their residence and give thought to what improvements will make that possible,’’ Nicholson said.
Island seniors were asked the following question recently:
What I’d really like to do is stay in my current residence for as long as possible.
79 per cent - Strongly agree.
11 per cent - Somewhat agree.
4 per cent - Did not answer.
4 per cent - Don’t care.
1 per cent - Strongly disagree.
1 per cent - Somewhat disagree.