Key Points
Housing
- older adults desire to reside in a place appropriate to their circumstances
- living environments such as outdoor spaces and buildings must support older adults to maintain themselves in the community
Finances
- older adults need to have adequate financial resources to meet their needs
- current supports for older adults are often based on a means tests which looks at income but fails to consider other expenses that may be incurred
- recommendation: needs testing be used to complement current means tests and be related to individual needs and circumstances
Continuing Care
- continuing care services often impose significant costs, however, these services need to be affordable for all older adults
- recommendation: support efforts to make continuing care services clearly and consistently defined
Transportation
- older adults require equal access to services wherever they live
- recommendation: provincial government continue to review as to how transportation for older adults can be improved across the province
Health
- older adults require equal access to emergency care, surgery, hospitalization and treatment such as rehabilitation and medications
- seamless delivery of publicly funded and delivered programs and services
- clear standards and eligibility for programs and services
- expanded legislation for Protection for Persons in Care
- support of the development of a universal pharmacare plan
Elder Abuse
- envision a world free of abuse
- work toward this aim through developing community partnerships
- make appropriate referrals for reporting and receiving help
- influence legislations which protect older persons
Ageism
Definition – Prejudice or discrimination against an age-group …especially seniors. To address this ACA will:
- align with age friendly initiatives with the aim to eliminate ageism
- promote inclusiveness of older persons in Albertan communities